Odds and Ends, Mostly Odds

Hello Gardeners,

MISSING YOUR HAND SCYTHE? Did anyone leave a hand scythe in the grass next to the curbside parking area on Eagle Heights Drive? One of our gardeners found one on Sunday afternoon. If it’s yours, please email me and I’ll put you two in touch with each other.

THE ASPARAGUS THIEF Please be aware that we do have some thefts and vandalism in our gardens. We’ve had a report of a man stealing asparagus from numerous plots, late in the evening, using his cell phone for light, and pulling up plants to try to disguise the theft. He was seen by several gardeners who followed him, and he hasn’t been back. We have also had hoses and tomato cages stolen recently. For the safety of yourself, your tools, and your vegetables, please be alert, especially when you’re working in the evening.

DUMPSTER USE 101 A reminder – the dumpsters are for trash ONLY. Weeds must be disposed of in the weed pile, not in the dumpsters. We’re not just being fussy here – if the dumpster drivers notice there are weeds in the dumpster, they won’t empty it and we’re stuck with the garbage.

RESPECT YOUR BOUNDARIES – Please do not put anything on the posts that mark the boundaries of your plots – no fencing, string, hoses, jugs, tools, etc. Anything on the posts obscures where the boundaries are and interferes with mowing.

WORKDAYS - Our first workday for the season will be this Saturday, June 11, from 9am – Noon. The project will be pulling weeds in the tree borders. Workdays this year will be managed through Doodle Poll. This is the link to sign up for this work session:  http://doodle.com/poll/zuks6capw5qmg668

THIS WEEK’S ANNOYING INSECT is the Colorado Potato Beetle, which has been found in the 300s, 600s, 700s, and 800s at EH. These beetles are attractive (if you don’t know what they are), with yellow and black stripes. They are also voracious eaters of potato plants and their relatives, such as tomatoes and eggplants. There are some organic controls available, and we will be doing some spraying, but picking or vacuuming the insects, larvae, and eggs off your plants is also a good approach.  A thick straw mulch is helpful, partly because it attracts other insects, such as lady bugs, that eat beetles. Of course, row covers can also protect your plants.

Here's a link with pictures and suggestions: http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/5301/control-colorado-potato-beetle-with-a-mix-of-strategies

Happy gardening, everyone.

Kathryn