Each year both good and bad bugs have an impact on the Brownwood Community Garden. Some make us cringe when we spot them or the effects that they have on our plants. Others we welcome with open arms. We’re starting to see the return of one of our favorite bugs or at least the effects of a much welcomed bug. As temperatures began to rise after the often cool and dreary days of winter, we start to notice this change. It appears people around town are being bitten by the “gardening bug” and are making their way to the Community Garden. Old faces and new faces are showing up, and we’re thrilled either way. The Garden is starting to come back to life in many different ways.
Little by little various plants around the Garden are starting to show signs of life. It wasn’t totally lifeless this last month, as several gardeners braved the cold or possibly found a warm winter day sandwiched between cold days to plant their onions, the crop that may supply them with this fresh vegetable for several months to come. There were a few cool season crops that started to take on some size in the garden as well. Collards, mustard greens, and spinach are now in their glory and will be until the Texas heat takes them out. Towards the end of the month, asparagus started to poke its head above ground. Strawberries are putting on more and more blossoms with the possibility of that juicy treat in the not too distant future. The plum trees started to bloom- a little early which causes some concern. Last year we lost our entire crop due to a cold front that hit when the plums were in bloom. The monarch butterfly beds are also beginning to awaken, and we’re hoping to see much more activity in that area soon.
That’s all very exciting, but there’s more to our garden than putting some seeds or plants into the ground- so much more. Much of this month was spent incorporating the cereal rye that’s been growing into the soil, a seemingly endless and definitely a backbreaking job. Fortunately we’ve had help from various sources. One huge undertaking this month was the many changes made to our irrigation system. We’ve struggled off and on the last couple of years with the possibility of not having water for our plants during crucial times (like July and August). Dragging hoses from one end of that garden to the other, especially when temperatures are close to 100°, can be an exhausting chore. So, extensive changes were made and some upgrades as well. For example, we now have faucets on all four sides of the garden with water that can be accessed at any time, significantly reducing the need for dragging those hoses.
Another task that is in the works is the construction of 10 new beds to replace some of our existing beds. The lumber has been cut and sealed, the metal supports prepped, and the other needed supplies purchased. Everything is waiting and ready to be assembled. In addition to all the materials, people are also needed to help with the actual construction of these new beds . That may all sound easy enough, but countless calls and trips here and there took a great deal of effort and time to coordinate. Fortunately, we do see just a hint of light at the end of that long, long tunnel. The hope is that we will have exited that tunnel and possibly be on to planting by the next garden report- weather permitting
So we find ourselves at what appears to be close to the end of winter. Building projects are finished or nearing completion, storage sheds and other supplies organized, and the soil made ready. Seeds have all been ordered and are ready to show just what they’re capable of producing. But we know things aren’t always as they appear, so planting will likely be another few weeks off. You can be sure when the weather gives us the green light, we will be off and running, anxious to start growing again.
One last thought, as the temperatures rise and you head outdoors more often, be aware that if you’ve not already been bitten by the gardening bug, they are on the rise and you could be next!
[Written by Jan Green]