If you are a returning gardener who would like to return for this gardening season:

• Read the Application Agreement and General ____. Both have been modified this year.
• Email pathwaygardenadmin@gmail.com by March 1 and indicate if you would like to keep the same plot(s) as last year.
• Print, sign and mail the agreement with your fee and deposit.

After March 2, all unclaimed plots will be open for new gardeners.

We plan to cover the paths with cardboard under the mulch again. We will need all of the cardboard for our first work day on March 27. If you can collect cardboard from grocery stores, etc, that would be very helpful as well. During a work day last year we needed to go get more cardboard at the grocery store because we ran out before we were finished.

As you are planning your garden for this season, please consider planting a row or several plants for the Olathe Community Food Pantry.  The highest needs for produce include tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, dry beans and kale, but you can definitely donate other produce as well.

All-

As Spring hurtles towards us at breakneck speed, it is time to consider planting.  Are you interested in planting a garden at the Pathway Community Garden this season?

Since last year was our first year, it was definitely a learning year.  Mowing around the garden property should be better this year which will help prevent weeds.  Lockers are set up in the shed and ready for use.  We’ve also arranged for exactly 1” of rain a week and plenty of sunshine?

New agreement
We have updated the agreement to add a requirement for 3 work days, plus a few hours during 1 week of the summer for general garden upkeep—look for item #4.  The fee for a single plot has increased from $25 to $30, but now also includes a locker for you to store your things on site.  We have also added a $30 deposit.  The attached agreement may be mailed or brought to the March 28th work day.

RSVP
Please notify us as soon as possible if you would like to have a plot this year.  We know some of you already notified us that you would like to join us this season, but please respond again to confirm.  If you notify us by March 23rd, we can make sure you have a plot again this year.  After that, we will be offering unassigned plots to new gardeners.

Soil Amendment
We are not amending the soil, but you can use the compost that is outside the Northeast corner of the garden.  It has lots of organic matter, but not a lot of nitrogen.  We have not made any arrangements for tilling the soil, except that you may use the tiller at the garden.

Garden Webpage
We have created a private Google web page to post meeting dates and other garden updates online.  You will be receiving a separate email inviting you to join this site.  It will require you to set up a google account, but you are not required to use Google email.  If you have any trouble with the site, please contact Mike Mayfield at mikeltm71@gmail.com.

Garden Work Dates
We hope the garden work dates will be helpful to you individually as well as to the community.  They will provide good opportunities to share ideas and discuss solutions to any problems (like squash bugs!) we have in common. 
The following dates have been set for work days, all Saturdays  8:00am – 12:00pm.  We strongly encourage you to attend the first and last work days if at all possible and then choose one of the middle dates to get your 3 in.  Of course, we will gladly welcome and appreciate any help above and beyond the minimum requirement. 
March 28
June 13
July 11
August 1
August 29
October 10

Gardening Classes
The K-State Extension Office in Johnson County is offering some gardening classes this spring.  We have attached the brochure if you are interested.   The classes are packed with helpful information, especially if you are new to gardening.

Here’s to many green thumbs this season!

Christi