Garden News 2-21-19

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Feb 212019
 

Only 28 Days Till Spring!!!
Garlic peeking through snow in January. We plant garlic in the fall and harvest it in June.


Beat the Heat This Summer!

Beat the summer heat by volunteering in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays this season. Come for all or part of the time between 7:30am and 10am.

Volunteer groups are now being organized. Contact Tim Goldman for details.


10th Annual Feed Greater Des Moines Conference

Join us for the 10th Annual Feed Greater Des Moines Conference. This year’s conference will focus on intersections; the intersection of refugee services and local food production and the intersection of housing and food insecurity. Attend workshops to learn how you can volunteer, donate and advocate for positive change.

Sponsors include Eat Greater Des Moines, Kum & Go, 818 Design, Campbell’s Nutrition, Community Choice Credit Union, Grand View University, United Way of Central Iowa and WesleyLife.

Eat Greater Des Moines is a central Iowa-based organization that facilitates and builds connections to strengthen the area’s food system. Their mission is to identify, develop, and connect resources with the broader community to support the entire food lifecycle in central Iowa. Learn more at: www.eatgreaterdesmoines.org

10th Annual Feed Greater Des Moines Conference
March 6, 2019 | 10am – 4:30pm
Grand View University Student Center
2811 East 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316
Facebook: eatgreaterdesmoines
Instagram: eatgreaterdesmoines
Twitter: EatGreaterDM
Event hashtag: #FeedDSM19
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2207053322871970/
Ticketing page and event landing page: http://feeddsm.com/


Garden Coordinator Mark Marshall enjoying the off season in Hawaii….

Mark Marshall and wife Sandy like to vacation in Hawaii once gardening season ends. They enjoy the ocean and time on the beach. Sandy says it’s a great time for Mark to really relax….until he spied a church garden that needed some weeding last week.
Mark, hope you are enjoying your time away!


Looking back at last season – over 11,000 pounds donated!

This annual guide is a summary of currently suggested vegetable varieties, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, weed control, insect control, and disease control measures for commercial growers.
We think it also may be of some interest to organic gardeners and small farmers.
Created by Purdue University Extension. 240 pp. Available in hard copy from ISU Extension ($15), or as a free PDF from Purdue University.


For More Information on The Faith & Grace Garden

Tim Goldman -745-9842 timothyjgoldman@gmail.com

Mark Marshall -988-5381 wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 6:27 pm

Garden News 9-14-18

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Sep 042018
 

Donate Today to Help Us Grow a Greenhouse!

Feed the Hungry, Love the Earth, Live Your Faith,
Grow the Greenhouse!

Click Here to Donate and Make this Greenhouse a Reality!

The Faith & Grace Garden is a food pantry garden. All the fruits vegetables grown in the garden are donated to feed hungry people. We donate on average 10,000 pounds of fresh, organic, fruits and vegetables to feed the hungry and have been doing so since 2000.  Click Here To Watch A Video About the Garden!

This year we are taking a big step forward. We want to feed even more people by building a greenhouse to grow plant sets for our garden and the 40+ other donation gardens in central Iowa.

Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and many other vegetables are started from seed in a greenhouse and then set into the garden as young plants to grow until harvest.

Our plans call for the purchase and construction of a 20’x48’ permanent greenhouse beside the garden. The greenhouse will provide room to grow some 6,500 plant sets each year!

65,000 more pounds of food to fed the hungry!!!!!

The Faith & Grace Garden has no paid staff; We are an all-volunteer effort. Our volunteers are a cross-section of our community. Volunteers come from surrounding neighborhoods and include schools, churches, civic groups and companies. We partner with local high schools and students earn community services hours as well as class credit.

Here are the crops we are growing this year:

Apples
Lima Beans
Asparagus
Melons
Blue Berries
Peppers
Broccoli
Potatoes
Bush Beans
Radishes
Cabbage
Tomatoes
Cantaloupe
Spinach
Cucumbers
Sweet Potatoes
Garlic
Winter Squash
Lettuce

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

 Posted by at 4:26 am

Garden News 9-4-18

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Sep 042018
 

It’s Harvest Time…..we are now picking about 1,000 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables a week!


Volunteers From Vegelife Help in the Garden Every Monday Evening.

For more information about VegLife contact:

info@veglifedesmoines.org
or go to:
http://veglifedesmoines.org

Garden volunteer hours are every M-W-F,  6:30pm until dark (weather permitting).


So How Is All the Recent Rain Affecting the Garden?

Well, since Friday, 5½ inches of rain has fallen in the garden with more rain in the forecast.

This is good for the peas, radishes and lettuce that we planted recently. Those plants should germinate and thrive especially as the weather turns cooler.

This weather is challenging for the tomatoes and melons which tend to split open when they swell from taking in too much water. So we really need volunteer help with the harvest when the sky is clear. Please come out and lend a hand!


Produce donated through August 31st, 2018

What we grew Pounds
Apples 26
Bush Beans 314
Blue berries 90
Broccolli 29
Cantaloupe 211
Corn 60
Cucumbers 476
Grapes 16
Lettuce 70
Onions 18
Peas 60
Radishes 128
Potatoes 689
Tomatoes 2,214
Water melon 43
Zucchini 749
Total Harvested 5,193
Where donated:
Trinity Church, 8th & College, DSM 2,895
WDM Human Services 2,298
Total Donated 5,193

Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-988-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 4:16 am

Garden News 7-14-18

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Jul 142018
 

Chubby Rabbit Apprehended!!!

Chubby’s reign of terror in the Faith and Grace Garden ended last Friday night when he was caught in one of our new catch-and-release traps. As many of you know, Chubby and brother Tubby (still at-large), have been munching their way through our peppers, peas and beans since mid-May.

Chubby was taken to an undisclosed location, and after a stern lecture, released on his own recognizance. He won’t be missed….


Come Garden in the Cool of the morning with us!!

Volunteer time: Thursdays from 7am – 9am through August 30.

Mornings are a beautiful time in the garden…the birds…the wildlife in the woods….and the quiet.
Come out and beat the heat with us!!
Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-988-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com


Produce Donated Through June:
Trinity Methodist Church…………………35 lbs
WDM Human Services…………………….180 lbs


It’s blueberry time again…
Also, can you see her?  Nesting Mallard Duck in the Garlic Patch 🙂

 Posted by at 3:34 am

Garden News 5-8-18

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May 082018
 

Thank you Ashworth Road Baptist Church Volunteers!

On Saturday morning 20 volunteers from Ashworth Road Baptist Church gathered in the garden and planted over 1200 row feet of potatoes. This is the earliest time in memory that we have had all the potatoes in the ground!!

Mary Flynn, 86, (Second Photo Below)  prepares seed potatoes for planting. When Mary is not in the Faith & Grace garden she is in her home. Last year Mary bought us nearly 200 pounds of cucumbers to donate!!


VegLife Des Moines Forms Garden Team

VegLife Des Moines (3rd Photo Down) is a new non-profit formed by local vegans to help the veg community thrive and make it easier for more people to enjoy a VegLife in our community. They will be in the garden volunteering on Monday evenings.

For more information about VegLife contact: info@veglifedesmoines.org
or go to:http://veglifedesmoines.org


Would your group like to volunteer in the garden? Contact Tim Goldman for available dates and  times.

Upcoming dates and volunteer groups:

  • May 15 – Habitat for Humanity
  • May 16 – Covenant Presbyterian Youth Group
  • May 23 – Waukee High School
  • Memorial Day Weekend – Walnut Hills Church
  • June 8 – Deloitte Services
  • Wednesday evenings in July – Ashworth Road Baptist Church
  • Monday evenings all season – VegLife Des Moines

You can also volunteer as an individual or with a friend. To make volunteering in the garden easy, we’re using SignUp.com to organize our volunteer program.

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, and keep you informed of what we will be doing when you volunteer.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click the link below to register as a volunteer on SignUp.com
http://signup.com/go/epvdYtE (New link!)
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

The signup process may invoke pop-up windows that could be disallowed by computers running pop-up blocker applications – Please watch for notifications requesting permission to access and use the sign-up.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-988-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 3:16 am

Garden News 4-5-18

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Apr 052018
 

Celebrate Spring!

The Faith & Grace Garden is waking up! Onions and garlic planted last fall are coming up……we already have about 200 row feet of potatoes planted.

Volunteer hours for April are 5:30pm – 7:30pm on M-W-F.

To make volunteering in the garden easy, we’re using SignUp.com to organize our volunteer program.

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, and keep you informed of what we will be doing when you volunteer.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click the link below to register as a volunteer on SignUp.com
http://signup.com/go/uEaaZTX
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
4) Remember to click the green  SAVE button after you have selected your sign ups.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 – timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-988-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 3:14 am

Garden News 7-31-17

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Jul 312017
 

The Faith & Grace Garden – On the News!
If you missed the news last night – You can still view the segment online.  Thanks to the wonderful people at WHO 13 who helped us spread the good word about the Faith & Grace Garden!!

Metro Community Gardens Providing Fresh Food to Hungry Iowans

Come out this week and enjoy the mild weather while helping bring in the harvest!

Harvest Info (Lbs) As Of July 29

Bush Beans 80
Blue Berries 104
Cabbage 30
Cucumbers 20
Garlic 20
Kale 25
Onions 165
Peppers 25
Radishes 115
Potatoes 275
Tomatoes 502
Watermelon 50
Zucchini 100
Total Harvested 1511
Trinity Methodist 568
WDM Human Services 943

Total Donated 1511 lbs


Busy Purple Martins get all their food by eating flying insects. They  are an important means of pest control in the garden.

Is a Boy Scout that you know looking for an Eagle Project? We would greatly appreciate some more martin houses and bat houses around the garden. Please have interested Scouts contact Tim Goldman


BE A GARDEN VOLUNTEER!

HERE’S HOW:
Students Wishing to Earn Service Hours by volunteering in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/gUJ9V1

Everyone else wishing to volunteer in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/WGsJLt

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, etc.
We’re using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link on the left to see our SignUp on SignUp.com

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
4) Remember to click the green  SAVE button after you have selected your sign ups.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.


Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 – timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-998-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 

 Posted by at 11:17 pm

Garden News 6-1-17

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Jun 022017
 

SH-H-H: Surprise retirement celebration for Mark Marshall
Saturday, June 3rd 5-6:30pm


As many of you know, Faith & Grace Garden Founder and Volunteer Number Uno Mark Marshall recently retired from the US Postal Service. We will be recognizing Mark for his 30+ years service at the Post Office and thanking him for his continuing dedication to the garden at our Garlic Festival on June 3.
Please come as we honor Mark on Saturday 5-6:30pm in the Parish Hall at St. Timothy’s.


Introducing our new 11 hp walk behind tractor!

We have a wonderful new piece of equipment in the garden that is making our work easier, faster, and will boost what we can grow. Our new 11 hp tractor has a hiller/furrower, rear tine tiller and a flail mower. The tractor and all the implements were purchased with a grant from the BWA Foundation. We are very grateful for their support!


GARLIC FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar: Saturday June 3

Picnic at 5 pm Gardening to Follow
Bring a side dish to share and dinnerware
Meat dish, a vegetarian casserole  and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP Tim at timothyjgoldman@gmail.com


BE A GARDEN VOLUNTEER!

HERE’S HOW:
Students Wishing to Earn Service Hours by volunteering in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/gUJ9V1

Everyone else wishing to volunteer in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/WGsJLt

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, etc.
We’re using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link on the left to see our SignUp on SignUp.com

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
4) Remember to click the green  SAVE button after you have selected your sign ups.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.


Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 – timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-998-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 3:36 am

Garden News 6-30-17

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Jun 022017
 

Thank you Walnut Creek Church!!!

WOW!! 700 sweet potato plants, 4 rows of eggplants, 6 rows of cabbage and 2 rows more peppers planted over Memorial Day weekend by 56 volunteers from Walnut Creek Church.

Lots of mulching and weeding was done, too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


GARLIC FESTIVAL
Mark your calendar: Saturday June 3

Picnic at 5 pm Gardening to Follow
Bring a side dish to share and dinnerware
Meat dish, a vegetarian casserole  and beverages will be provided.
Please RSVP Tim at timothyjgoldman@gmail.com


BE A GARDEN VOLUNTEER!

HERE’S HOW:
Students Wishing to Earn Service Hours by volunteering in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/gUJ9V1

Everyone else wishing to volunteer in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/WGsJLt

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, etc.
We’re using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link on the left to see our SignUp on SignUp.com

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
4) Remember to click the green  SAVE button after you have selected your sign ups.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.


Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 – timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-998-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 Posted by at 3:20 am

Garden News 5-5-17

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May 052017
 

“The intelligent way to be selfish is to work for the welfare of others” — The Dalai Lama “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.”— Aristotle “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare “Only a life lived for others is worth living. — Albert Einstein “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”— Mahatma Gandhi

Its National Volunteer Week….

Cinco De MayoOn Friday, May 5 come celebrate all things Latino with a potluck picnic starting at 6pm followed by gardening at 7pm.
Potluck  – 6pm
Bring a side dish and dinnerware
Burgers, brats, buns and beverages provided
Gardening   7pm
Kids in Bed 9pm


BE A GARDEN VOLUNTEER!

HERE’S HOW:
Students Wishing to Earn Service Hours by volunteering in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/gUJ9V1

Everyone else wishing to volunteer in the Garden, Register Here:
http://signup.com/go/WGsJLt

Why register? It allows us to advise you of last minute cancellations due to weather, etc.
We’re using SignUp.com to organize our upcoming SignUps.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link on the left to see our SignUp on SignUp.com

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
4) Remember to click the green  SAVE button after you have selected your sign ups.

Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.


Tim Goldman 515-745-9842 – timothyjgoldman@gmail.com
Mark Marshall 515-998-5381 – wdmmarshall@msn.com

 

 Posted by at 9:55 pm