Dear Gardeners,

I hope you are all enjoying a great harvest in your plots!  If you have not come by the garden lately, stop by to pick your vegetables!

*IRRIGATION-  The irrigation system will be set to run on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 3:45 a.m.  It will run for 45 min. and put down ½ inch of water.

                                       

*WHAT’S GROWING IN THE DEMO PLOT (#1 and 2)-  This year, I am growing 4 types of bush beans.  The new variety I am growing is called Red Swan Bush Beans.  They have beautiful blooms in a variety of pink shades.  The pods are red.  They are delicious but need to be cooked longer than green beans.  I am also growing Gold Rush Beans (yellow), Blue Lake 274 Bush Beans (green),and Purple Teepee Beans (purple).  Although many of the colored beans turn green when cooked, they are delicious and sure look beautiful and colorful when they are raw. 

                                                              

                      

*CALENDULA IN THE GARDEN (left)- Calendula, also called “Pot Marigold”,  is a beautiful flower and an amazing companion plant.  This plant has bright orange to yellow flowers.  Plant this beauty next to tomatoes, Swiss chard, carrots, broccoli, and/or cabbage.  It helps repel insect pests.  Its roots also help the soil fungi.  

Calendula is easy to grow from seed.  It is used medicinally in lotions, ointments and in diaper cream.  The petals contain beneficial antioxidants.  Add snips of the petals to your tea and salads to add nutrition and color.

You can plant calendula as a fall cover crop.  It grows quickly and its thick, fibrous roots protect the soil from erosion.  It will be killed off by the first frost.  The seeds can be easily collected to grow next year.  Click on the link to see how to collect the seeds www.mrbrownthumb.blogspot.com

Visit the Demo Plot to see calendula growing in between the tomatoes.

*HOSES- Please note that HOSES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the COMMUNITY GARDEN!  If you are seen using a hose by myself or another farmer, you will get a warning equal to a weed warning.  Thank you for following our garden rules.

*DILL GARDNENING TIP- Dill is a great companion to tomato plants.   When planted next to your tomato plants, young dill will boost plant growth.  Just be sure to harvest and remove your dill before it gets too big.  Mature dill can stunt the growth of your tomato plants. 

*GUIDED WALKING TOUR of the KENT FULLER AIR STATION PRAIRIE-Join the Glenview Gardeners Club on Aug. 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. for this great opportunity!  Meet at the Tyner Station, 2400 Compass Rd. in Glenview.  Park in the lot across the street.  For more information go to www.glenviewgardeners.org

*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.

                                Madeline- Mschimka103@gmail.com

                                Meghan- Mschimka103@gmail.com

                                Eliza- eliza_schloss@aol.com (224)226-3048

                                Jack- jackfrya@gmail.com (847)656-6891

                                Soren- sorenwibers751@gmail.com (847)626-8177

*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