Hello fellow gardeners,
We have finally arrived at the longest days of the year, and our plants are looking healthier than ever.
Here are a few important updates for June:
UNUSED BEDS
We have passed the deadline for planting/making use of your garden beds. To this end, we’ll be making note of all empty and unused beds and beginning the process of removing these gardeners.
Demand for growing space is so high right now, and we want to put each and every bed to use. If you haven’t started gardening yet, consider this your final notice. And if you’re not able to make use of your bed(s), please let us know ASAP so we can bring in a new gardener from our immense wait list.
GET WATERING
Temperatures are already climbing up, and as we get deeper into summer, watering becomes a bigger priority. Regular, thorough watering is your best defense against the heat. And if you can’t make it to the garden every 2-3 days, consider asking a neighbour or making use of one of the ‘Water Me’ signs in the garden shed.
VEGGIE THEFT
Plant theft is something that happens every season and throughout all community gardens across the city. This is an unfortunate thing about community gardens and it tends to happen more so at the time of year when plants are beginning to mature and become ready for harvest.
A few tips and advice for reducing theft:
Plant less desirable "shiny" crops: e.g. Leafy greens and root vegetables are the most recommended for strong harvest. Things like strawberries, tomatoes, peppers or fruiting veggies tend to be first targets.
Harvest fast: Once your veggies are ready to be eaten, pick them!! The longer you wait the more likely someone will nab your yield
Grow more than you need: Consider growing more than you'll expect to eat, so if/when a thief swoops in you will still have a yield to harvest
Talk with other gardeners: Get to know your neighbours. If we all keep an eye on each other's beds and know who's meant to be gardening where, the more likely we'll be able to call out a thief in the act or at least give them the eyes of disapproval.
FRIENDLY DOG PARK SPACES
The garden is a great social dog park in Vancouver, BC. These fenced, secure, enclosed areas are great to let your pet dog run around in our urban city. These urban dog parks bring together their owners and local community members to create friendly fun spaces. Let your dog off leash to run around the garden. The gardens have dog bowls to hydrate your dog and keep them cool & happy. Raised gardens and dog parks are a great combined interim land use for urban vacant spaces.
Enjoy your first harvests,
