Garden Report for 2023

First, let’s honor the helpers, Marylin Jackson, Marilyn Godfrey, Jeff Godfrey, Karen Spear, Mary Freeman, Aleene Lutz, John Bowman, Joe Shipman, Brent Heimueller, and Chris Lee. Thanks
to all of them. None of us have been on the team all 18 years, although Marilyn Jackson, Aleene and I have been at it for most of the time.

We tried some new things this year, which to the unknowing might not have been noticed. However, in the 18th year of providing fresh produce to FiSH (and our parishioners,) we maintained the tradition of over 2,000 pounds of edible veggies. We also doubled our production of pumpkins for the Harvest Festival and just for fun (an estimated 1,000 pounds.).
The numbers mask the hard work and dedication of the people that make it all happen. They show up at a simple request and perform with skill and enthusiasm.

Back to the new innovations:

(1) We planted almost double the number of rows (10) of sweet corn as we have in the past. Each row was planted in double and each double row was spaced six feet apart. This was done to allow our new JD tractor to cultivate between rows.

(2) We planted an entire row (50 feet) of sunflowers…just for the wildlife that inhabit our corner of the world. Believe me, the squirrels and birds took advantage of that and so did all the pollinators that inhabit our territory.

(3) We planted 200 feet of pumpkins, significantly upping the amount we planted last year. (4) This fall we seeded the cleared land to clover (for a cover crop) with minimal tilling. Low-till is desired whenever possible to protect the soil structure (so said my Agronomy prof some 62 years ago.) We will see how that works out.

We had some hiccups, too. Our winter squash crop was the smallest any of us can remember. Some issues were problems with germination, so rushing to the rescue, Chris Lee gave us purple cabbage starts, which allowed us to grow this crop for the first time. Dr. Brent came to the rescue, too with starts for all sorts of cucurbits. (You can look that one up if you have to.)

There were various problems with leaks and water-line breaks that demanded a daily look at the entire irrigation system. With the help of John Bowman we kept those to a minimum and have us in good shape for future years.

Now the numbers:

25 – the number of deliveries to FiSH (just for produce) between July 17 and September 24.

2,420 pounds of veggies produced for both the congregation and FiSH

1,000 the estimated pounds of pumpkins produced

3,420 total pounds harvested.

May 17 planting day
September 15 last harvest.