We are off to a great year, thanks to good weather and great volunteers. Special thanks to more than 30 volunteers from the Aptia Group who helped with the garlic harvest last Friday. Below is the first ripe tomato from the garden this season in a photo taken last week. We expect the tomato harvest to begin in earnest next week. There are approximately 1,000 tomato plants growing in the garden.
Plenty of Sun, Rain and Volunteers
Sheila Rouse shows off some of the zucchini we started harvesting this week.
Mary Bartusek and Celeste Egger staked up the pepper plants on Monday as they are growing fast.
Permeable black plastic fabric is an important part of our weed control strategy. After the fabric laid down, we cut holes in it and plant our vegetable sets. Then we cover the weed fabric with about four inches of mulch to retain water.
Produce Donated through July 8, 2025
Arugula 30
Cabbage 290
Collards 140
Garlic 135
Kale 75
Lettuce 280
Onions 240
Potatoes 200
Peas 325
Radish 185
Spinach 92
Swiss Chard 120
Zucchini 210
Total 2,322
DONATION SITES
Children and Family Urban Movement 120
Johnston Food Pantry 172
Trinity Las Americas UMC 955
West DM Food Pantry 1,075
Total 2,322
Become a Garden Volunteer
Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday, starting around 9 a.m. with time out for lunch and then again in the afternoon. No experience necessary. Text Mark at 515-988-5381 to let him know you are coming to aid in our planning.
When volunteering in the garden, wear clothes that can get dirty, and dress for the weather. Bring garden gloves if you have them; otherwise we can provide them. We have the tools you will need.