Personal/Family Plots Now Available

This year we are excited to offer personal/family plots to our neighbors. There is no fee for the plot but growers must agree to donate 10% of their produce to the Friends Who Share Food Pantry. A donation to help cover water costs is helpful, but not required. The complete rules are available here.

Plots will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Feel free to send along any questions to me via the comments section or at nickposs@gmail.com.

Getting growing

Work has already started on the garden for this year. On Friday, 16 February the eight members of the youth group started four flats of seedlings. Within a couple of weeks, the sprouts had already sprung. As you can see, some of them got a little zealous with planting:


We started: cabbage, kale, collards, eggplant, onion, and nasturtium. By this weekend, all the seedlings were well on their way.


The youth have enjoyed seeing their seeds turn in to plants. It will really help us get a jump start on the growing season.

What's new for 2010?

This year we're back to build on the success of our first year. So what's different?

• Publicly available garden plots for individuals or families

We're happy to offer the opportunity for neighbors to have their own garden plots, free of charge. Plots will be between 10'x20' and 20'x20'. Water is available as is limited help in setting up the plots. While there is no cost for the plot, we do ask that people donate 10% of their harvest to the Friends Who Share Food Pantry.

• Expanded opportunities for youth outreach

Last year we we're able to work with the summer youth program at Church of the Saviour to help out in the garden. This year, we are expanding that to the youth programs at the other churches that meet during the school year. Members of these groups have already started seeds to plant in the garden and will be active in garden maintenance. We also plan to have more lessons about organic gardening and cooking with vegetables.

• New watering options

We are currently looking for new ways to water our garden. One possibility is to install a large water trough. The Harlem Township Fire Department has already agreed to fill it up for us with their excess water. Also, we are looking in to putting the water line from the church underground to eliminate problems with the multiple water hoses.

Overall, we plan to increase the number of volunteers and our produce output. We'll be announcing meetings soon to discuss the details of the garden, so keep your eye on this space.

2009 Report

Our first year was a great success in many ways and our second year is promising to be even better. Here's is a quick look back at what we accomplished in 2009:

• Supplied food to the Friends Who Share Food Pantry
• Shared food with neighbors in need
• Youth outreach through education programs
• Used organic gardening methods
• Website with resources and recipes
• Community harvest festival

Harvest:

• Tomatoes: 94 Lbs.
• Beans: 89 Lbs.
• Cherry tomatoes: 66 Lbs.
• Cucumbers: 67
• Zucchini/Summer squash: 36

Also: carrots, peppers, squash, eggplant, cauliflower, broccoli, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkins, okra, corn, herbs, radishes, lettuce and raspberries

Thank you to all the volunteers who worked so hard to get our project off to a great start. We look forward to working with you again in 2010.

Upcoming gardening events

Thursday, March 18th
12-1:30pm
North Broadway UMC (48 E North Broadway, Columbus 43214)
Food Pantry and Garden Roundtable

We are inviting representatives of food pantry and community garden ministries from all nine counties in our two districts to come together to share ideas and resources. Here are some topics we will discuss:

-How to help food pantries connect with gardens across the county
-Food for special diets like diabetes
-Free CFL lightbulbs to pass out (possible deal with AEP)
-Other ideas/resources you would like to share

Lunch will be provided. Bring seeds or any items you have a lot of that you could share with other pantries. Personal Needs Pantries are also invited. Please share the word with any other pantries or gardens in your county.

April 14
6pm
Rain Barrell Workshop
Genoa Township Community Gardens
614-895-1126 for more information
http://www.genoatwp.com/