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News and Updates
Tip Of The Week
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!
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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!
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