It’s been a busy two weeks with lots of changes happening in the gardens as the summer continues! During these two weeks I’ve got to do so many things that I have never done before and I’ve learned so much.
From Garlic to Winter Crops:
Wednesday, we harvested all the garlic at the Bridgman sharing garden. I have never grown garlic in my garden at home so this was my first time harvesting garlic! The garlic was of the hard neck variety meaning it produced scapes earlier in the summer and can tolerate colder weather compared to the soft neck variety. The scape of the garlic is the curled stalk that grows up from the bulb. If it’s not harvested it will become the flower of the garlic. By picking off the scape all the energy goes into producing the bulb of the garlic and not the flower. All the garlic that we harvested went to two wonderful volunteers houses where it will be hung up in bundles to cure. As it cures the energy from the leaves goes into the bulbs and the bulbs dry out allowing for a longer storage time.
Once all the garlic was out it was time for some winter crops to be planted! First the soil was replenished by adding some compost and worm castings. The seedlings were planted and then covered with hoops and row cover to protect them.
Irrigation Installation:
This summer we will be working on installing irrigation systems into two of the sharing gardens. We have figured out which pieces attach together and how it all works. One of the systems is about half way installed and it is looking good. There are many benefits to having irrigation systems such as reducing time spent watering, decreasing the amount of water used, and also it reduces soil compaction that can be caused by watering with a hose.
A New Childcare Centre Garden:
I also got to help install a new garden at Novaco Childcare Centre. They got 8 brand new self watering boxes made by Life Space. These cool raised boxes contain reservoirs in the bottom that hold water then allowing the water to be absorbed as needed. After an afternoon of placing the boxes, evening the ground, and moving soil this garden is almost ready for winter crops and other seedlings to be planted!
Until next time!
-Emma