Cedar Falls Community Garden

Special thanks to Jon Taiber, Nick Taiber, and Todd Rogers for reconstructing the rain harvesting system.  Plot fees funded $500 in improvements – permanent roofing, a reinforced platform, and barrel connections.  After the steady rains, barrels are half full and ready for use.  There are other improvements on the way including a garden tool center.  Speaking of tools, we have a cool reel mower.  Don’t hesitate to pitch in on the task of mowing.  For exercise, for body toning, for garden looks, for fun.

Thank you to all the gardeners that braved the elements to attend the first meeting of 2011! The turnout was great and it was great to see how excited everyone is about the upcoming growing season. As I moved throughout the garden I heard a lot of people discussing how soon various plants and seeds can be put in the ground so I thought I’d share the guidelines I use. Keep in mind that the following are guidelines only and as we approach our last frost date (approximately May 12th) it is always best to check the extended forecast before getting those warm weather crops in the ground. Hopefully some of you will find this info helpful.

Cool Weather Crops – As early as the first week of April -  Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chard, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Radishes, and Spinach.

Warm Weather Crops – On or near last  frost date – Beans, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Melons, Okra, Peppers, Squash, and Tomatoes.

Staggered Planting – Something you might want to try in your garden is staggered planting. Instead of planting all of your radishes at one time, why not plant 1/3 of them now, 1/3 of them a week from now, and the final 1/3 a week after that. You’ll still end up with plenty of radishes but instead of harvesting all of them at the same time they will reach maturity a week or two apart and you will avoid wondering what to do with 40 radishes all at the same time. This technique works well with baby beets, carrots, kohlrabi, and radishes.

Succession Planting – As you plan your garden, keep in mind that a cool weather crop like radishes will get very woody when the temperature warms in the summer. If you space your radishes in a fashion that allows you to plant beans among them after last frost date, the beans wont take over the area until long after you have harvested all your radishes. In this way you can maximize production by getting multiple harvests from much of your garden space. This method works well with any cool weather crop that matures quickly including lettuces and spinach which  will get bitter and possibly go to seed in the summer heat.

Thanks again for the great turnout and I look forward to seeing you all at the garden throughout the year!

We will meet at the gardens located at 700 Lincoln Street which is next to Policeman’s Park.

50 plots are spoken for at this time. We can take names for a waiting list in the case of any cancellations in the next few weeks. Thank you to all who reserved plots.