Garden Buzz
.png)
News and Updates
Compost Now Available
Fresh compost is now available for all Leisure World gardeners. This is the perfect time to enrich your soil and prepare your plots for the upcoming Harvest Festival. Be sure to take advantage of this resource while supplies last. it’s a great way to boost your fall planting success.
Fresh compost is now available for all Leisure World gardeners. This is the perfect time to enrich your soil and prepare your plots for the upcoming Harvest Festival. Be sure to take advantage of this resource while supplies last. it’s a great way to boost your fall planting success.
Rodent Activity Update
Bait traps have recently been installed throughout the garden area to help address rodent activity. We appreciate your patience as these measures take effect. Please remember to report any ongoing issues to the Recreation Office so we can continue to monitor and improve conditions for everyone.
Bait traps have recently been installed throughout the garden area to help address rodent activity. We appreciate your patience as these measures take effect. Please remember to report any ongoing issues to the Recreation Office so we can continue to monitor and improve conditions for everyone.
Garden Rate Reduction in Progress
The GRF Board has approved a reduction in the garden plot rental rate. As part of the governing process, there is a 28-day waiting period before the measure can move to a final vote. We are optimistic this reduction will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, please keep an eye on the Leisure World News and this website for updates.
The GRF Board has approved a reduction in the garden plot rental rate. As part of the governing process, there is a 28-day waiting period before the measure can move to a final vote. We are optimistic this reduction will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, please keep an eye on the Leisure World News and this website for updates.
Tip Of The Week
Sunny Days
Our crops are flourishing with all this sun and warm weather.
With that in mind, please remember to keep your gardens trimmed.
Some plants are blocking walkways and well as sun into your neighbors plots!
Summer Safety Tips
Summer can bring a sense of excitement and a desire to get outside and be active. That’s great, but us mature adults have a higher sensitivity to heat and need to be a little more cautious when it comes to making plans in the sun.
As long as you’re careful and stick to a few safety tips, you can enjoy lots of summer activities.
Here are some summer safety tips for LW gardeners:
- Stay Hydrated. Aim for 6-8 cups of water a day.
- Check the weather forecast before you go out.
- Tend to your gardening activities in the morning. It’s better for your garden and YOU!
- Don’t stay outdoors for too long.
- Dress appropriately. Try loose and light-colored clothing. Top that off with a lightweight broad-brimmed hat. This will help you stay cool and avoid sunburn.
- Keep sunscreen where it’s easily accessible and remember to use it!
- Check your prescriptions for possible side effects of sun.
- Use air conditioning if you have it.
- Know the early warning signs of heat related illness.
Tips for growing strawberries
Planting Location:
Strawberries thrive in full sun (6-8 hours a day) and well-drained soil. Consider raised beds if your soil is heavy or poorly draining.
Strawberries thrive in full sun (6-8 hours a day) and well-drained soil. Consider raised beds if your soil is heavy or poorly draining.
Soil:
Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Apply a layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, etc.) around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect berries from rotting.
Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Apply a layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, etc.) around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect berries from rotting.
Planting Spacing:
Space plants 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety and if they produce many runners.
Watering:
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering to reduce disease risk.
Fertilizing:
Feed strawberries with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Feed strawberries with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-5) regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Runner Management:
Remove runners (offshoots) to encourage the plant to focus on fruit production.
Remove runners (offshoots) to encourage the plant to focus on fruit production.
Harvesting:
Pick strawberries when they are fully red all over, and gently twist the fruit to remove it from the stem.
Pick strawberries when they are fully red all over, and gently twist the fruit to remove it from the stem.
Pest and Disease Control:
Monitor for common pests and diseases (e.g., powdery mildew, spider mites) and take appropriate measures, such as using a sulfur dust spray for powdery mildew.
Why Morning is the Best Time to Water
Watering your garden in the early morning is one of the best habits you can adopt. During these cooler hours, water has time to soak into the soil before the sun causes it to evaporate, giving your plants a full day of hydration. Morning watering also keeps the foliage dry, which helps prevent the growth of mildew and fungal diseases. Watering in the evening may seem convenient, but lingering moisture on leaves overnight can promote mold and root rot. So set your alarm a bit earlier—your plants will thank you!
.png)
Going Out of Town?
Planned or unplanned emergency that is keeping you from taking care of your garden?
Think about asking a LW friend or neighbor to be your Garden Angel?
As described in the Community Gardens rules, a Garden Angel can tend to your garden for you.
From our rules and regulations, section 2.11.
Lessee is responsible for the planning, planting, and management of their own garden, including providing seeds, plants, soil amendments, perimeter ‘bunny’ fencing, and any tools. In case of a temporary absence, Lessee shall notify the RD in writing and a “garden angel” can be assigned to care for your garden with the approval of the RD. Only ARs (Authorized Residents) may be appointed as a “garden angel.”
Beware of Stinging Nettles!
If you touch one you’ll understand how it got its name.
To prevent the spread of stinging needles into common areas or others garden plots, please keep your garden area clear.
Thank you!
Please leave a comment or suggestion!
Comment:
I think it should be ok for people to have seats/chairs set up in vacant plots. It gives people places to sit after they’ve been working in their garden, or just provides a place to sit and relax in the garden, since this is part of the enjoyment of gardening; hanging out with the plants. It may not look attractive to some people, but it does serve a function.
Answer:
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! We love ideas that help make the gardens a more welcoming and relaxing space. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that vacant plots can become active at any time — and we want to avoid any confusion if someone rents a plot that has a chair or bench set up. We are working on developing seating areas that everyone can enjoy without worrying about plot availability.
We really appreciate all suggestions and look forward to finding solutions that help the whole garden community thrive!
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy strolling through the plots, we welcome your feedback!
Drop us a comment or ask a question below — your voice helps our garden grow!
