Replanting the garden

For the first time we suffered some serious damage from deer. They ate most of the seedlings that were planted this Sat. Some hardy volunteers came out tonight to not only replant what was lost, but plant even more. They also worked to put in place some deer deterrents until we can work on a more permanent solution.

We've been fortunate to have some great volunteers who are willing to share not only their time, but also their expertise. Here is some advice on planting tomatoes and peppers from one of our garden mavens:

"Tomatoes and some peppers will form additional roots on their stem if the stem touches soil. So, if you have a leggy tomato seedling (which most are, by this time of year), the recommendation is to remove all but the top 3 or 4 branches/leaves and plant the tomato sideways in a trench with just the top 3 or 4 leaves above ground. This eventually gives the plant more root to gather nutrients and moisture.

Since 3 Sisters is so dry and the weather is so hot, I adjusted this technique and planted not only the rootball, but the first 6 to 9 inches of stem down into the ground. This got the rootball down into an area that still held some moisture and was cooler on the 90+ degree days.

The picture is of a couple of the tomato seedlings that we had to pull up because the deer had eaten them. Even only 3 days after being planted, you can see that roots are starting to form on the stem. The rootball has also started to loosen up and send out roots in all directions."

Johnstown Northridge Food Pantry needs your help

This food pantry in our neighborhood is need of donations. We'll be taking over some of our harvest later in the summer, but they need help now. Here is their message:

The Johnstown Northridge Food Pantry (website) needs some food. We had 100 families come in May, 96 in June and July has been busy too. Many are losing their unemployment because benefits have run out, some have had their married children and families move back home for one reason or another, the children are all home for three meals a day and other reasons.

We need jelly (but not peanut butter), canned potatoes, peas, tomatoes, fruit of all kinds, canned meat of any kind, muffin mix, soda crackers for soup, shampoo and dish soap, and anything else you can eat or drink. Thank you for any help you can give us. Nothing is too small or too large. Our hours at the pantry are at your convenience. Just call 740-924-2835.

Ruth Krumm Pantry director

Permablitz: Community Implemented Sustainable Gardens

From Australia, a simple idea to promote the use of sustainable, home vegetable gardens. Permablitz organizes volunteers to plant a small, edible garden at someone's home in the span of one day. More information.

Wading pool gardening

From Ever-green Gardening Ministries comes a neat idea for a simple and cheap container garden: children's wading pools. Everything can be done for less than $20. A great way to create a garden for small spaces or places where the soil isn't suitable for growing vegetables.

Cook for Good - Save money. Eat well. Do good.

The website Cook for Good has menus, recipes, and cooking tips about cooking efficient, healthy, and cheap food using fresh ingredients. Right now they're promoting a menu and cooking routine that results in meals for just $1.99.