April 2011 - Organizational Notes

Accepted Eagle Heights and University Houses gardeners received their plot assignments in March. Applications received from now on will go on a waiting list. The Eagle Heights Gardens will hold its 2^nd Annual Plant Sale on two dates this spring. Cool-weather seedlings will be sold from 10am – 1pm on April 17^th and warm-weather seedlings will be offered on May 22^nd (hours TBA – check the garden website). Mark your calendars! The same vendors, Scott Williams and April Yancer of Garden To Be, will be selling the local organic plants by the Eagle Heights Gardens main tool shed.

Garden To Be is based in Mt. Horeb, WI and sells certified organic specialty vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Owners Scott and April believe strongly in providing local seasonal produce while maintaining ecological stewardship. They swear that eating fresh, sun-warmed cherry tomatoes is part of the human experience. Their famous Sun Gold sweet cherry tomato starter plants will be available for purchase at the May 22^nd Eagle Heights Plant Sale. Plants available at the earlier April 17^th sale include Bright Lights Rainbow Swiss Chard, cabbage, parsley, thyme, sage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, pac choi, tatsoi, kale, mustard, leeks, lettuce, and onions. Prices range from $1.75 to about $4.

You can also find Garden To Be at the Dane County Farmer’s Market and on Facebook. More information about the vendor and specific plants available for purchase can be found at http://www.eagleheightsgardens.org, www.gardentobe.com, or by email: gardentobe@tds.net.

Now that you’ve received your plot assignment (please use the map and plot markers; ask for help if you’re not sure) and started preparing the soil and clearing weeds, it’s time to start planting! April is the time to plant peas, potatoes, carrots, onions, leeks, cabbage, broccoli, beets, radishes, and greens like lettuce and spinach. If frost is still a possibility, consider placing a clean milk jug with the bottom removed over your seed sites. Weigh the jugs down with flat rocks or other heavy objects. Also, remember that you will need to carry your own water into the gardens until mid-April, when the garden taps are turned on.