Dear Gardeners,
I'm wishing for a little rain, but the gardens look great. There are many goldfinches (little yellow and black birds) at the sunflowers enjoying the seeds and blending in with their bright colors. There have also been many butterflies and moths throughout the gardens.
We'll have a workday on Saturday, August 16 at Eagle Heights from 8 am to 11 am. We need to do some chores with moving chips, working on common areas and clean-up around the shed. Reply to this message if you would like to work and I'll get you more information.
Just are reminder that every plot owes one workday for the season (or the "no workday" optional fee). This obligation needs to be met by December 1 in order to stay in good standing with the gardens. We will have workdays into the fall but there are lots of plots that still owe workdays so consider signing up soon before classes and fall activities start up again.
There is going to be construction on Lake Mendota Drive near the low spot in the road by the gardens. Campus is putting in a safer crossing at this point for gardeners coming across the road away from the corner and in the narrow sections. Please be aware of a new crosswalk going in and that the road may be one-way at times while construction progresses.
We have had a report of  tomato spotted wilt in the gardens. The tomatoes have "warty" spots with rings from a virus. This virus doesn't seem to overwinter here, but can be spread from plants purchased from nurseries. More information and pictures here:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/problem-solvers/tomato-problem-solver/green-fruit/spotted-wilt/
Do you know that a recent study by a UW agricultural economics student showed that the average net value of produce from a plot was over $800 for a large plot similar to ours and over $400 from a small plot? We were part of that study along with other community gardens in Madison. Some gardeners were able to raise twice that much in their plots by careful management for crops and planting one crop after another is done. I see so many people taking home produce now and I hope you are enjoying all the good meals. Please remember the Food Pantry program if you have extra (Wed. pickups at 8 am; Saturday pickups at 10 am.).
Happy eating,
Gretel, Garden Registrar