COLLEGE GROUP FROM WISCONSIN ~ OUR HEROES

The shovels "take five" while lunch is enjoyed.

                                                                                                                

A much deserved lunch break for this awesome group of college students from Wisconsin.

 

POTATOES PLANTED PRIOR TO DOWNPOUR 



potatoes planted

 

potatoes waiting to be planted

 

4 OF OUR 20 RAISED BEDS ARE NOW FILLED WITH THE PROMISE OF POTATOES.

Wheelbarrow loads of topsoil, planting mix and "gin trash" were shoveled, hauled and dumped into the raised beds, then the Black Kow was added and all were tilled in to prepare a rich and happy home for the seeds who will call the Helping Hands Garden home.  Harold showed us how to plant seed potatoes and we managed to plant for beds potatoes and get them tucked in snugly with a blanket of pinestraw...the pinestraw blanket was added while the rain began as a misty shower and escalated to a downpour.  These students were undaunted by the rain...I on other hand was happy to call it a day once the last bit of pinestraw was in place.  With my muddy boots and rainsoaked hair, I headed to the truck and waved goodbye.

A Glimpse at the Garden

My husband and I were able to make some headway in the garden last Friday(March 4) before the torrential rains descended upon us on Saturday and again on Tuesday.  Having two tractors onsite really allowed both of us to interact with dirt in two different ways.  While Johnny plowed up the area which will be home to our row crops, I used the other tractor to move the piles of dirt and garden mix inside the fence and nearer to the raised beds. Since it was my first attempt to use the tractor's front end loader to scoop up soil, I didnt always transport a hefty scoopful.  I really did get better as the hours ticked past.  Eventually Johnny took over the scooping duties and I finished up the plowing task.  Oh, did I mention that the fence is up?  Well it is and things are looking good.  See for yourself. 

Helping Hands Garden is Rockin' & Rollin'

Just 3 days into this week and the the vacant grassy area on Hargon Street has begun a major transformation. Thanks to the hardwork and dedication of John Robison, MadCAAP's Housing Director and his sidekick Gary Anderson and Will Lakes, the garden now has a watering system in place and 2o...yes, count them! 20 raised beds (24' x 4') contructed and ready for dirt and seeds or potatoes...which will be planted on Saturday. These guys are my heroes!

Seeds & Sod

"He who plants a seed beneath the sod;
And waits to see, believes in God.

Three Cheers for "Black Kow"

WHO, BUT GARDENERS, WOULD BE ECSTATIC ABOUT COW POO?
Helping Hands Community Gardeners raise our shovels in appreciation to Black Kow for its donation of a pallet of their famous fertilzer.

Happy Ground Day!

NO shadow = EARLY SPRING

A Gathering of Gardeners

At the close of our second Community Garden meeting, there are several immediate "to do's": 1. find a source for 135 landscape timbers & 300+ running feet of chain link fencing; 2. have a new water meter set; 3. find a vendor to make our logo into a sign; 4. plan a work day for Feb. 19

A mundane list for gardeners who eagerly anticipate warmer, dryer weather for digging in the dirt and getting the beds ready for planting. PATIENCE...yes, I know! Hopefully Mr. Groundhog will give us some positive insight into the weather on his special day. Fingers crossed. Expectations high. Oh Mr. Sun, please shine down on us!