Dear Gardeners,


What great timing for the rain this week! The gardens are getting to be quite a jungle as the beans get tall and the tomatoes get bushy.  I see some early green beans being harvested and squash starting to bloom. The hummingbirds and bees have been very happy with all the flowers blooming.


This weekend, we'll have two workdays at University Houses gardens: Saturday, 7/11 and Sunday, 7/12, both from 8 am to 11 am. Please reply if you would like to work one of these opportunities (workday credit is available working at either garden site). The plans call for weeding in the blueberries, fixing up the paths and maintenance of common areas.


You might want to check out the Garden blog by Jennifer for more info and pictures about last year's crane chick. On the webpage at :


http://eagleheightscommunitygarden.blogspot.com/


I've seen a few Japanese beetles in the gardens. These black, shiny and metallic-looking beetles eat a lot and like many crops and flowers. They are slow and you can hand-pick them into a jar of soapy water to kill them. Pictures available here:


http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/japanese-beetle/


Please remember that all of the plots at Eagle Heights are restricted to only organic methods , including fertilizers and pest control. You can find some guidelines on our website. We have a lot of children (and ourselves) and wildlife to protect.


As you pull out the lettuce and spinach in this warmer weather, be sure to replant some bush beans, cilantro or basil.  It is getting late for tomatoes or peppers to go in, but you still might get some summer squash which grow very fast.


Hoping you are enjoying the beets and carrots and onions I see being harvested now,