Dear Gardeners,
With all of the rain and heat, the Community Garden is doing amazing! Just a reminder, as you weed your garden, please put weeds in the COMPOST BIN. If you are having a friend or family member garden for you, let them know where to put the weeds.
*NO WEEDS in the GARBAGE CANS
*NO WEEDS in the RECYCLE BIN
*NO WEEDS left on the GRASS
*WHAT’S GROWING IN THE SENSATIONAL SALAD PLOT (#73)- There are some awesome “greens” growing in the Sensational Salad Plot this season (above left). On the left, I am growing Beni Hushi Mizuna. This ancient Japanese plant has green leaves and purple stems. It has a spicy flavor that can be used in salads, stir fries, or it can be sprinkled on soups. Due to the purple color, the stems contain powerful antioxidants like blueberries do. This variety is very adaptable to growing in hot and cool temperatures too!
I am also growing Endive (2nd to the right), Sanguine Ameliore lettuce (3rd from the right), and Lunix Lettuce (left). I can’t wait to make a delicious and colorful salad!
*COMBATING JAPENESE BEETLES- (see picture on left above)-Unfortunately, it is Japanese Beetle season. For us gardeners, that means they will be eating holes on our plants’ leaves. The best way to get rid of Japanese Beetles is by hand-picking. Bring a container of soapy water to the garden. A few drops of Dawn liquid dish soap will do. Knock the bug into the soapy water. They will drown. If you don’t want to touch the bugs, bring a plastic knife to knock them off with. Please cover your container and take it home with you to dispose of. Dawn soap is not organic and cannot be dumped in our garden.
*GARDEN HELPERS for HIRE- Below are a list of garden helpers for hire if you need a teenager to water and/or weed your garden while you are on vacation. You arrange everything with them and decide on what you will pay them per hour.
*RAW MILK FUNGICIDE- This week and every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., I will be providing a solution of raw milk (from our very own cows) and water to help prevent powdery mildew on your plants. Bring your own spray bottle. Note- this does not deter insect pests.
Happy Gardening!
Alyssa