Spring Update on FPCN's Garden
Our church's organic garden, which is located on the front lawn next to the sanctuary, has been used to grow fruits and vegetables for several years. We sell produce on selected Sundays as it becomes available.
Progress report
Step 3 of our vegetable garden, transplanting, is almost complete, except for the carrots. They need a little more time. In step 1, preparation, volunteers turned over the soil and added new soil. About two weeks later, step 2, planting, began. Amazingly, after what seemed like just a few days, there was a profusion of plants of all kinds competing for attention. (Black fabric placed on some of the beds is a plastic material called garden fabric, used as a weed blocker. It in no way interferes with our organic gardening and has no negative effect on the vegetables. It is widely used by gardeners everywhere.) However, since plastic generates heat, it is not practical for use around cool-weather plants such as spinach or broccoli, which could go to seed too soon, so we limit its use.
We are now entering step 4 - maintenance, the battle with weeds and drought conditions in the summer. This step makes or breaks the gardener. While the fabric helps in some areas it is not a panacea. We must still pull weeds manually. Moreover, we remove the plastic as the plants get stornger. With Custodian Richard Cruz's help, I added more sprinkler tubes for better area coverage and upgraded the timer, as the old one stopped working. Nevertheless, even with a sprinkler system, occasional deep watering is necessary, especially during the scorching days of July and August. We greatly appreciate any help in these areas. There is a label in front of every type of vegetable.
If you haven't done so yet, take the tour. You will see a new raised bed at the front of the garden. This brings the count of raised beds to 12, adding badly needed space in the sun. You should also see all your favorite vegetables, including some new, or some that did not do well in the past - spinach, turnips, beets, kohlrabi, cucumber, spaghetti squash, mustard, turnip greens, peppers, potatoes, leeks, eggplants, rhubarb, watermelon, bok choi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Do not overlook the herbs, such as basil, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro. The fruit trees and bushes - apple, pears, raspberries, strawberries, and peaches are not to be outdone either - they too are putting on quite a show. With blessings from above, it should be a good year. There will be something for everyone!
Fundraising update
To date, we have received a total of $905 from 20 donors. Special thanks to all present and future donors. Their generosity is truly appreciated. Without their support, none of this would be possible.
If you would like to donate, please send your name (and your phone or email address if you want) to the church office. Suggested donation is $35. Make checks payable to the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown. Write "Garden" in the memo line and add your FPCN envelope number if applicable.
