Dear Gardeners,
Things are really growing now with the long days, plentiful rain and warmer temperatures. There are many butterflies coming to the gardens. One gardener told me he had seen a cucumber beetle but before he could get to it, a toad ate it. Let's hear it for the toads!
We will be working on the weeds in common areas and fruit plantings this week with two workdays. Thursday, we'll work at University Houses gardens from 5 pm to 8 pm. Saturday, we'll work at Eagle Heights from 9 am to noon and will be doing weeding in the fruit plantings as well as plot work. Please reply if you would like to work one of these opportunities and I'll get you more details.
Although the flea beetles are somewhat diminished, there has been a sighting of a Colorado potato beetle in the gardens (black and yellow with stripes). The potato beetle can really be a problem on potatoes but also eggplant and other crops. The best organic measure is to hand pick them off (into a jar of soapy water is good). The young are the most destructive and they can be picked and stepped on or crushed. Much more information and pictures here.

http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/A3678.pdf

Since neglected infestations hurt all gardeners, we will be spraying occasionally with an organically approved spray at the peak of the season. This will control the worst of the problem, but you should still be very diligent at working to control the insect in your own plot since the damage can be great from even a few insects. Daily checking may be required over a short time.
The salads have been wonderful these last days with different kinds of greens and herbs all at their peak. I've even seen some peppers and tomatoes coming on some plants and the peas are flowering in many places. Hoping you are enjoying the gardens with the early bounty,
Gretel, Garden Registrar