Important Message!
We have had plenty of dedicated gardeners that have made this garden flourish. They have been a model of what it takes to be a responsible gardener. Some attributes of a responsible gardener:
- Weeds must be pulled regularly in garden bed, assigned garden bed, and associated aisles.
- Follow all the rules regarding our new watering techniques.
- Only organic methods will be used.
This Week
The chef event was a spectacular success. Chef Moley dazzled on the grill and we all now have more ideas for summer cooking. Thanks for those who attended and to chef Moley!
Friday’s crew should prioritize harvesting carrots and bush beans. Also please be aware that beds 23 (Cucumbers) And 25 (Swiss chard) Have been planted with vegetables.
Next Week
Remember: Friday is now a morning shift. (7 am to 10 am)
Monday Priorities:
- Front flower bed.
- Prune tomato and pepper suckers.
Friday priorities:
- Harvest available vegetables.
- Continue to burlap and mulch shed area.
Vegetable of the Week: Collards
Soil Temp for Germ.: 55-75°F
Days to Emergence: 5-17
Seed Depth: 1/4″
Thin Plants To: 12-24″
Seed Spacing: 1-3″
Row Spacing: 18-36″
Min. Germ.: 80%
Seed Life: 3 years
Seeds per gram: ≈ 250
Fertilizer Needs: Medium
Brassica oleracea, Acephala Group Collards are among the best vegetable sources of vitamin K. This nutrient is said to limit neuronal damage in the brain, aiding in the prevention, or delaying onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Days to maturity 50 to 60
Culture
- Collards are a cool-season crop that performs best in spring and fall
- In wet climates, ensure adequate plant spacing to reduce pest and disease issues
Direct Sowing
- Cover seed with loose soil, vermiculite, or sifted compost and water evenly
- Sow June—July for a fall crop
Transplanting
- Start indoors 4-6 weeks before anticipated transplant date
- Work in 1/2 cup fertilizer around each plant
- Start May—July for transplanting June—August for a fall crop
Insects & Diseases
- Common insects: See Brassica Insect Information below
- Common diseases: Leaf spot, black rot, fungal diseases, mold, mildew, club root
- Disease prevention: Dispose of diseased material, proper crop rotation of 3-4 years
Harvest & Storage
- Harvest leaves from the bottom up at any size
- Cool weather and frost brings out best flavor
- Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity
Workday Task List
Weeding
- Perimeter of fence (inside and outside)
- Shed and Compost areas
- Perimeter of communal raised beds
- Pollinator beds outside fenced area
Cleaning and Organizing
- Communal materials
- Shed
- Tools
General Maintenance
- Pulling dead plants and crops
- Repairing Hoses and Irrigation lines
- Repair and maintain rain barrel
- Repairing fence
Seasonal or As needed
- Soil installation
- Woodchip/mulch installation
- Harvesting crops
- Irrigating pollinator beds