YARA-Grow Regina Community Garden Inspection
On June 6th the spring garden inspection was completed and several gardeners with plots that had neglected to remove unwanted weeds were reminded about the YARA-GRCG Garden Guidelines penalty which states that their garden plot assignment may be confiscated.
As you know a lot of people have committed a lot of personal time throughout the year to provide this gardening opportunity; therefore, I do not take the responsibility of inspecting the gardens lightly. Gardeners with weeds and grassy weeds were phoned and emailed – for some this is the second warning. An email, in my opinion, that should not have to be sent at all!
I understand this has been a very wet spring which has made it difficult for some members to control the weeds because their plots have been too wet to rototill. However, with 80% of the gardens having been rototilled and/or planted it is critical that the weeds, especially the flowering weeds, are removed. With the expectation of more rain this week, Grow Regina will be satisfied with removal all flowering weeds and larger weeds that are already producing seeds. A close eye will be necessary to manage the smaller weeds until the soil has dried out enough to rototill and/or plant. Plots with excessive weed seedlings are encouraged to mulch between planted rows with peat moss or grass clippings to help reduce the problem this season.
Reminder to All Members: When removing the weeds it is important to bag them and dispose of them by taking them home with you. Some gardeners are still asking where the compost bins went because they want to dispose of their weeds in them. FYI, weeds are not an acceptable compost material – please read the YARA-GRCG Garden Guidelines.
A positive solution was worked out for some members whose plots were so wet that they could not start gardening. Your situation may be a little unique and we would be happy to try to help, please email contact@growregina.ca or phone 352-4813 if you require assistance.
The inspection also highlighted several plots with weeds that have been reserved for the Adopt-a-Food- Bank. Your assistance in helping to weed these plots would be appreciated. Please contact Aldona at btorg@sasktel.net and Gene at ilauman@sasktel.net if you can help!
A followup garden inspection will be completed on June 12th, 2010.
Karen Watkins, Chairperson 2009-2010
Grow Regina