Summer is Humming Along, 
Fall Planting Begins
The garden is humming with activity, and we don’t mean just the bees! During the week ended August 16th we harvested and donated 4,796 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables to feed the local hungry. Tomatoes, beans, summer squash, cabbage and peppers require harvesting nearly every day now. The potato crop looks good and is coming on strong, too.
We will begin our planting for fall this week. We will plant sugar snap peas immediately after harvesting the potatoes. Lettuces and root crops will follow.
Photo References: A young volunteer surveys some of the 48 varieties of peppers growing in the garden.
Volunteers at the end of a busy morning in the garden.
Sheila Rouse holds up a bitter melon, which is prized in Asian cuisines for its many health benefits.
Produce Donated Through
August 16, 2025
Produce Weight
Apples 40
Arugula 30
Beans 160
Beets 115
Bitter Melon 39
Cabbage 2,766
Collards 280
Cucumbers 285
Edamame 30
Eggplant 425
Garlic 245
Kale 250
Lettuce 280
Onions 240
Potatoes 1,795
Peas 350
Peppers 450
Radish 185
Spinach 92
Swiss Chard 295
Tomatoes 4,075
Tomatillos 10
Zucchini 1,340
Total 13,777
Donation Sites
CFUM 2,517
Johnston 949
LSI 715
St Marks’ Fridge 670
Trinity 4,090
WDM 4,836
Total 13,777
Become a Garden Volunteer
Beat the Heat with an Early Start
Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday, starting around 7:30 a.m. (note our new earlier start time) 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 and to volunteer and aid in our planning.
When volunteering in the garden, wear clothes that can get dirty and dress for the weather. A hat and water bottle are good to bring with you. Bring garden gloves if you have them; otherwise, we can provide them. We have the tools you will need.