Duke Farms

Duke Farms Community Garden

2012 Garden Journal
from Eve Minson, Community Garden Coordinator
 
Posted February 10
 
Although it certainly feels like Spring is in the air and some bulbs are pushing their “noses” out of the ground to test the temperature, it is still deep winter based on the calendar. Nevertheless there are some things we anxious gardeners can all get started with.
 
By now it’s a good idea to finish your seed orders so you get what you want. Time to start scallions, onions and leeks from seed. You can also buy these as “starts” at a local garden center, but I always enjoy growing the varieties I like best from seed, but now is the time to do so indoors in seed flats under lights.
 
In addition, parsley and celery need to get started early as well, as they tend to grow slowly. Time to start early flowers like snapdragons and ageratum from seed.
 
For some step-by-step help from reliable sources go to the following links:
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember that the orientation meetings are coming up and it’s time to sign up for one whether you are an old or new gardener. Call reservations at (908) 722-3700 to sign up for a meeting that suits your schedule.
 
In the cooperative spirit for 2012! 
 

Orientation Meetings Scheduled

 
All 2012 Community Garden members must attend one of the orientation meetings scheduled in February - please register TODAY.
 
A schedule appears below – you need to attend only one session of the dates/times listed. Meetings will be held at Duke Farms, 80 Route 206 South in Hillsborough, enter via the gate at Dukes Parkway East.
 
Please call Duke Farms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. any day of the week at (908) 722-3700, and follow prompts for the reservations line. Space is limited and advance registration is required so call soon to get the session that suits you best.
 
  • Thursday, February 16, 1 to 3 p.m
  • Thursday, February 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 18, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Saturday, February 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 22, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 22, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 25, 10 a.m. to noon

Save the Date: April 1

The Community Garden will officially open on Sunday, April 1 at 10 a.m. Volunteers will be available to help you find your garden plot and to show you the location of garden resources.

Even if you do not intend to start work on your plot that date, join us for the plant giveaway and be among the first to see our expanded garden! 

Please note that volunteers will also be on hand the following weekend on Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist gardeners.

Organic Gardening Classes

Join us for organic gardening programs at Duke Farms. Topics include the basics of organic gardening, how to plan your garden, plant disease and pest management, and more. Register today!

Community Garden Recipes

Wondering what to do with all that zucchini? Do you have more tomatoes than you know what to do with?
 
Try some of the creative recipes shared by your fellow Community Gardeners!

Community Garden Handbook

Your one stop for Community Garden rules and regulations, gardening tips and a list of resources to help you get the most out of this year's gardening season. Download a copy of the Duke Farms Community Garden handbook (PDF 3MB). 

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, updating a useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990 with greater accuracy and detail. The new map offers a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based interactive format and is specifically designed to be Internet-friendly. The map Website also incorporates a "find your zone by ZIP code" function. View the new map.  

Community Garden Journal Archives

Visit our Community Garden Journal archives to see last year's postings.