Hello Members,
We hope everyone is well and enjoying the garden. It is so nice to see so many members preparing for spring planting. Here is the March update.
March 5 Work Party: The March 5th Work Party is from 7:30 – 9:30 am. We have many infrastructure activities that need to be done in the Spring. Remember, there is no working in individual plots during the work party and children must be over the age of 13 to participate. Your help is very much appreciated. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by replying to this email with your plot # — it just helps us to plan the assignments.
2022/23 Membership Renewals: The renewal packet has been sent to all members with an email address – we will NOT be mailing the renewal. The renewal deadline is April 30, 2022. If you did not receive the email, please reply to this update and we will resend. Anyone who cannot print out the packet can request a hard copy from Carol Meyer. April 30th is the final day for submission of plot renewals. Any renewal received after April 30th will be considered late and a monetary penalty will be applied in order to retain membership. If you are leaving the garden at the end of the garden calendar year (April 30th), your plot must be fully cleaned out and in good shape, with car tags and gate openers returned. Please let us know in advance if you plan to leave as we are getting many new applicants. Try to send your renewal in as soon as possible and you are welcome to put your renewal in the mailbox at the garden.
May 1 Planting Deadline: Just a reminder that all plots are required to be fully planted by May 1st. It is the time of the year to clear out the old and bring in the new. NOW is the time to get your plot in shape, add amendments in preparation for the Spring/Summer season. Our website, www.lbcg.org has been updated with amendment recommendations. Due to the cold, it is recommended that you wait until at least mid-March to plant and then possibly cover and protect plants. Further, all broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower must be removed by May 1 as well.
Plants that must be 4 Feet from the Border Boards: Artichokes, Asparagus and Sunflowers — Corn was also added to this rule because of the size and height. Consider the size of plants and how tall and wide they get so they don’t grow into the pathways or shade your garden neighbor’s plot.
Garden Reviews: Garden Reviews will be conducted during the first week of every month by the Row Monitors. Please make sure your plot is in compliance with the rules. Please be kind to your neighbors and keep the pathway weed free. If you do not know which pathways you are responsible for, reply to this email with your plot # and we can let you know which sides you are assigned to.
Annual General Membership Meeting: A General Membership Meeting will be held at the Gazebo on April 2, at approximately 9:40, immediately following the work party. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the Budget for 2022/23 and announce the new Board of Directors and provide other updates to the membership.
Yellow Sticky Traps: (A message from Board Member Alan Coles)
Yellow sticky traps are an efficient way to locate pest problems in your garden. They can help you identify insect problems and locate areas of high pest abundance. However, it is important to know that they are not effective as a way to control pests. The traps capture all types of insects including many beneficial ones.
The most effective way to control damaging insects is to encourage natural predators. Control ants which protect pests from their predators, avoid using harmful insecticides on your plants and plant flowers that attract these garden helpers such as alyssum, yarrow, cilantro, cosmos, marigold, dill and thyme. Please visit our updated garden website for more information: http://lbcg.org/pests-critters-slugs-bugs/ .
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/QT/beneficialinsectscard.html
Happy Gardening,
Kathy and Carol