The Bulbs!!!!!!!!!!

As many of you remember, there was a fatty crew of people, several Saturdays back, working behind building B1. What were they up to you might ask? Why planting bulbs of course! Hundreds of bulbs, mostly narcissus, were planted behind B1 to provide its residence with a beautiful surprise come springtime. The bulbs were planted in most of the space between B1 and the hillside; however, a middle row was left unplanted to provide a space for walking. The area where the bulbs were planted were then mulched with wood chips to help keep weeds from recolonizing the area. The goal is to also get a bunch of flower seedlings started in the greenhouse very soon and then be able to transplant them in amongst the bulbs when they start to emerge next spring. It's going to be an amazing space. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on preparing the space and getting those bulbs in the ground.

What can I harvest from our garden?

Things to harvest in the PICA garden as of October 23, 2008

• Beans (green, yellow purple) in Beds 6b and 8b
• Collard Greens in Bed 9a. Note on harvesting *Thin out plants to approx 6 inches spacing in between plants and leave the rest to continue growing to full maturity. When harvesting young plants at this stage, pull entire plant from the ground cut off roots and use the whole thing in a stir-fry or salad. Later when plants are mature leaves are harvest from the stalk from the outside/lower section of the plant towards the inside leaving at least 1/3 of leaves so plant maintains productivity throughout the season.
• Tomatillos in Bed 2b Note on harvesting *Harvest when fruits are firm inside the skins
• Tomatoes 5a and 6a
• Leeks in bed 5b Note on harvesting *Pull plant from ground, cut roots, and use lower portion of plant up to the greener leafier portion. Use in stir-fry’s, soups, or salads.
• Fennel in bed 5b Note on harvesting *Roast root or use upper growth as seasoning in anything.
• Eggplant in bed 5b Note on harvesting *Fruits are mature at approx. 6-12 inches in length.
• Kale in bed 7a Note on harvesting *Harvest in same manner describe for mature collard greens. Harvest leaves from lower portions/outside of plant, leaving newer younger growth in center to mature (leave approx 1/3 of leaves to maintain productivity)
• Pumpkins in bed 7a, 12b, and hanging/sitting around arbor located at front corner of garden.
• Raspberries along perimeter
• Persimmons towards back right perimeter of garden
• Figs at both back ends of the garden

*Remember to harvest with care. Be good to the garden and it will be good to you.

Winter crops and STRAWBERRIES

This Saturday we took care of business and got a bunch of things done. Multiple bed were double dug, and prepped for planting, some have been cover cropped, others will be used for the planting of winter vegetables very soon. The winter crops we have already got in the ground are broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, collard greens, and endive. Soon those will be joined by spinach, more lettuce, more chard, mustard greens, garlic, chinese cabbage, brussel sprouts, winter peas, and more. The garden is looking great and what I'm the most excited about from this past weekend was getting our new strawberry bed planted. We planted both Chandler and Quinalt berries and hopefully these new plants will really get established and take off so we can have healthy plants and booming strawberry production come next spring/summer. We will also be building another strawberry bed this winter, so if you didn't get to help out with this first one, not too worry, there will be more strawberryin to come.

Welcome to the PICA garden

It's Fall 2008 and we're looking forward to a great year of living and working together. We've gotten off to a great start with two productive Saturday workdays, potlucks on Sundays, and the beginning of community meals. As winter approaches we are beginning to transition from our summer crops to our, more cold weather friendly, winter crops. Our community has made it clear which crops they prefer by voicing their opinions on the garden chalk board. Soon there will be a list of projects on the garden chalk board where people can go to see what needs to be done, and have at it any time they feel like it. Hopefully we can keep the energy level high, keep on getting things done and having a great time.