Garden Updates
August 1, 2023- Frogs!
Today a bunch of frogs were found around the garden! The grey and green frogs with large toes are both grey tree frogs! They can be either color. The more squat frog is an American toad. These organisms help to keep a garden healthy by eating insects that would otherwise ruin plants.
July 29, 2023- Harvest totals so far
We have had an increase in harvest in July as our plants have matured! Here's the total list of produce brought to the food shelf so far, totaling 34.3 pounds so far (part of the total was from a nice community gardener who donated squash)! That's a lot of produce! Thank you for all the volunteer help so far this summer
July 19, 2023- Okra flower
The okra in the garden are beginning to flower, and the flowers are so pretty! The flowers eventually turn into green pods that are great eaten fresh or cooked in a variety of dishes. Generally the pods are picked when 2-4 inches long so that they do not get too tough.
July 19, 2023- Harvest of the day
Today we had our first harvest of zuchinni and cucumbers! We've harvested close to 18 pounds of produce so far for the food shelf, and it should only increase as the year goes on- the tomatoes, zuchinni, squash, and cucumbers are just beginning to be ready to pick, and they should continue to be able to be harvested until Octover!
July 13, 2023- Garden Potluck!
Yesterday we had at the garden a potluck to grow our community bonds. There was a lot of great food served! Afterwards we went around and toured everyone's gardens- everyone's plots are looking great this year. We'll do another one later in the year as harvest season approaches.
July 5, 2023- Collard Greens and Turtle Eggs
Today collard greens were harvested. These veggies are rich sources of many vitamins and have few calories (two pounds of the leaves would only give you about 320 calories), so eat away! One of our gardeners found turtle eggs in a compost pile. Make sure whenever you find turtle eggs to not disturb them- they should develop well in the warm compost and pop out in several weeks as baby turtles (probably the painted turtles sometimes seen around campus)!
June 28, 2023- Jalapeno Peppers and Squash Trellising
Jalapeno peppers have been harvested (along with more cherries) in the garden, and the squash is coming along nicely. Yesterday I used trellis clips (small c shaped plastic clips) to help train the squash up the bent cattle fence trellising. Tendrils from the squash can work for this too, but the trellis clips are much sturdier and ensure the plant doesn't fall off the trellis.
June 23, 2023- Cherries and radishes
Cherries and radishes have been harvested for the Inver Hills Community College food shelf! Radishes only take about a month to grow from planting, so they make a great addition to a garden for those who want multiple crops in a year. If left too long, radishes can become hard and fibrous- so make sure to pick them when they are still young. The cherries from the two cherry trees we have are somewhat small and tart, but they are nonetheless very tasty. As the year progresses, our apple and pear trees will hopefully have an abundant harvest for all who want them, as long as the drought does not do too much damage.
June 12, 2023- A look at the garden
Here is what the garden looks like today on Monday, June 12. Most of the plants are growing pretty well now, with the exception of carrots, which for some reason have not sprouted. Cover crops are also starting to come up in the plot next to the large community plot (red clover, one type of cover crop, was planted in said plot). Volunteers are always appreciated to help out with weeds, mowing, watering, etc! If you are interested, please email garden@inverhills.edu with your availibility for helping. I appreciate the time anyone is willing to give on this wonderful garden.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano
June 9, 2023- Oregano!
Today, I (the garden coordinator) harvested a bunch of oregano- a familiar spice many of you may have in your spice drawer. Oregano (species Origanum vulgare) is a member of the mint family, Laminacae, and is native to the Mediterranian. Normally in our areas it is an annual herb, as it is not usually tolerant of harsh winter conditions. However, oregano thrives in the upper garden plot, and has even spread into the bench area. I harvested a bunch of the oregano today, and am now drying the oregano stalks outside in the sun. When dry, this oregano will have a long shelf life and will be useful in many recipes!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregano
