Water tank fundraiser: Moving towards a sustainable water system

We're very excited to announce that we are working with Rain Brothers, a local company specializing in rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation, to install a new water system in the garden. We'll be installing a 550-gallon tank and several rows of soaker tape that will water the garden as needed using only gravity. Last year, hand watering the garden several times a week using a bird's nest of hoses severely limited our output. With the new system, the watering will be done by gravity, meaning we can plant much more square footage.



Along with the increased output, we will be reducing the amount of water we use since the soaker tape will allow us to water more effectively. We'll also be saving money in the long run since we won't be using water from the line. Instead, we'll be getting it from the pond that catches the excess rainwater from the surrounding area.

But how will the water get from the pond to the tank? The Harlem Township Fire Department fills their trucks from our pond. When we need the tank to be filled, they will drive over and fill the tank for us. So with the exception of the gas needed to drive the fire trucks out to the church (which they are currently doing anyway), we won't need any extra energy to pump or distribute the water.

Most of the cost will be covered the by the budget for the garden provided by the three churches. But we need to raise an extra $300 to cover the rest. We've already had a few donations and the end is in sight. Please consider making a donation. All amounts are appreciated. Checks can be made out to Church of the Saviour - UM with a note that it is for the 3 Sisters Water Tank.

The extra produce from the garden will be a huge help to the Friends Who Share Food Pantry and people all over the Big Walnut area. We are thankful for the help of Rain Brothers who have been able to get us a deal on some of the supplies and have been a big help in planning the system. We also appreciate the willingness of the Harlem Township Fire Department to help in this project.

Tilling and fertilizing

It was a busy day today. A couple who volunteer in the garden brought over a tractor to till and fertilize. In a short time, the ground was turned over and some high quality horse manure was added. We also added the left over Milorganite from last year, which will hopefully help to keep the deer away again. The ground looks great already and should be even better in a couple of weeks when its time to plant.

The raspberries came back really well and are sending out lots of new shoots. The grape vine made it through the winter too and has lots of buds on it. We'll need to set up some real posts that can support the weight of it this year.

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/