5-9-10

It was a mixed day of wind and clouds.  When the sun was out it got hot, and when it dipped behind the clouds, freezing cold.  But the work in the garden keeps me and the other 3 busy.  We mowed, planted, weeded and watered.  On Friday we took the 1st produce up to the dining hall, French Breakfast Radishes.  They were spicy and crunchy.  Not enough to make a huge sensation, but several dozen.  Today we sampled the arugula and the mustard greens.  They are small still, but very spicy and tender.  The transplants we received are starting to thrive, the kale, cabbage, and cauliflower all look good.  I had some of the volunteers transplant grape vines on the back of the garden.  I think they will do good there and might even break some of the wind.  We planted beets and more onions, more radishes and carrots.  Now there are more than 15 different plants growing in the garden!  We have been watering a lot, the wind really dries out the soil.  May 15 is soon, then all plants can be planted.  My wife will like it if I got the pepper and tomato starts off the window sills at home.

Now that May is here...

May is the month for planting in PA.  Many of the crops that we love to eat will be able to be planted in May, just in time for the kids to go home.  The danger of frost has dipped now to 30%.  As we know in athletics, a 30% chance of rain is a pretty good day to play.  I really can't remember coaching lacrosse and having it rain on one of those days.  When it says 60%, it rains.  So now I will consider putting in some of the more popular plants.  My wife would like it if I took the starts in from home.  I started peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs on window sills in my kitchen.  Now the peppers are 3 inches tall and some of the tomatoes are 6 inches.  All the rest of the starts save some recently planted lettuce have been put in the garden.  Right now we have radish, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, chard, boc choi, kale, mizuna, arugula, onions, garlic, and mustard greens.  They are all doing well.  With a little more rain, and some TLC, we could eat many of these veggies before school gets outs. Which leads me to wonder what to plant next.  I'm thinking mellons, squash, and corn.  They will be ready to eat when the kids come back.
Another Sunny day today.  I think I'll go water the garden.

Welcome to the Garden Blog!

In an attempt to let everyone know who might be interested in what is going on at Mercersburg, I have started this blog.  Every week now since April Mr. McGuire and others have met at the garden to plan, weed, rake, make beds and paths, and water.  We have over 40 people from the school actively involved in our garden.  Even if some of these are just moral supporters and have yet to get their hands in the dirt, there is a lot of interest in this garden this year.  We have received several financial grants, one from the school to start the garden, one from a concert during Earth Day, and another from the EE Ford Foundation.  Through these moneys we will be able to start, protect, and grow food for the community and our families.  We are actively working with the dining services to provide herbs and vegetables this spring, summer, and fall.  Through our process we hope to include some pictures and other things to show you what we are doing.  I or someone else will let you know our progress and process every-so-often.  Keep us on your list and let us know what you think!

Todd McGuire