Up to Speed

It's been a little while since I have posted...sorry :( There is so much to report. First and foremost, I donated a total of 722lbs for the 2007 growing season!!! woohoo! I doubled what I have done the year before. I hope to double again this growing season and donate 1500lbs. Last year was a great year all around. The view of the garden is from October. It was still lush that late in the season. I continue to grow my knowledge of maintaining a garden each year. I want to keep it interesting so I am going to grow some more interesting crops. I am going to grow lentils, quinoa, and peanuts. I did plant peanuts last year and it was awesome!!! [See photo] I had no idea how they grew, underground! Very cool plant. I planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Would be a good crop for a school program. I did grow lentils last year but started them a little late. They do not like heat. I started them today to see if the cooler weather will help. I have never grown quinoa so we will see what happens. A new addition this year is a cold frame. I researched on the internet some plans for a cold frame. I found one that looked good and had a friend build it for me (as I can barely hammer in a nail). It is super cool. I started a bunch of cold crops such as lettuce, kohlrabi, spinach, and have started putting them in the EarthBoxes. They are in shock right now but will perk up soon (I hope). I am also planning on having more interpretation out in the garden this year. I want to focus on the country of origins of the plants, nutritional value and what part of the plant we actually eat. It will be a lot of work but I feel that it is intrical in engaging the visitors and connecting them to the cultural importance of food. This year promises to be intersting, exciting and informative. I'll keep you posted!