Community Garden: Dreaming of Spring

I’m listening to the rain outside my window now and while I am not bothered by a little rain (born and raised in Western WA), I can’t help but sit here and daydream about spring.  That time when the warm sunny days start to outnumber the rainy ones.  Days when we can plant flowers outdoors, knowing they are safe from frost.  The times when we can venture out in short sleeves…for the entire day!

At the last Community Garden meeting it was pointed out that this is exactly what we should be doing right now: dreaming about and planning out our gardens for the brighter days ahead.  This is the perfect time to think about which vegetables and flowers you would like to raise, keeping in mind which vegetables your family will actually eat.  A mistake I’ve made too many times. 

It’s the time to be browsing through seed catalogs or online to find out which are best suited for our climate or to get inspiration for a more exotic variety that you would like to try.  Jerusalem artichoke or broccoli rabe, anyone? 

This is also when you should be sketching out your garden.  You can get creative with the configurations to maximize the space and to try to put “complimentary” plants next to each other.  I am using this time to research the many online and mobile apps that are out there to help you plan and grow your garden.  So far my favorite is the one offered by Mother Earth News.  It costs $25 per year (there is a 30-day free trial, which I am using now) but so far it seems superior to the free ones I’ve found.  Anyone have any suggestions for a good one?  Let me know in the comments!

And to help us all out, the Gig Harbor Community Garden has a free Organic Gardening Class coming up on Tues, Feb. 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall conference room.  This class is open to everyone and is a great opportunity to get information about garden planning & design, soil amendments, and how to determine what & how much to plant.  You can meet other gardeners in the community and to share knowledge and experiences.  Be sure to pre-register, space is limited. 

If you don’t have room for a garden or would just like to have one next to people who are also interested in organic gardening, the Gig Harbor Community Garden Organization has some exciting news about their expansion into a new location.  The existing garden in town has had a waiting list so this new location opens up space for everyone who wants a spot.  It also allows for the option for larger plots.  The sizes (and cost) available now are 4 foot x 24 foot ($35), 12x20 ($72), and 12x24 ($87).  If you are interested, please call Barb Carr at 253-228-0538 or email ghcommunitygardens@gmail.com.  Better yet, come to the class mentioned above on Feb. 28th and get all the information there.

I’ll be bringing you more information and photos of the new location for the gardens soon.  Also, some ways YOU can help with the Community Garden and their FISH Food Bank garden, even if you don’t plan to have a plot of your own.  There are many fun and educational opportunities for you and your family.