Dear Gardeners,
The gardens are a jungle to behold with beans, squash and tomatoes all trying to spread and flourish. This is a productive year and everyone rejoices as the tomatoes start coming in.  You might keep an eye out for the tomato hornworms (I found one recently) which are huge and have a big appetite. They are green and hard to spot on plants. Just pick them off and rid of them (throwing them in the weed pile might feed a hungry bird).
More info and pictures here:
http://organicgardening.about.com/od/pestcontrol/p/tomatohornworm.htm
This Sunday, August 9, there will be a workday in Eagle Heights from 8 am to 11 am to work in the common areas and paths. If you would like to work this opportunity, just reply and I'll get you more details.
Basil downy mildew is affecting a lot of plants in the gardens. Basil is so wonderful with tomatoes. Be sure to get your basil into full sun by pruning plants around it and leave plenty of space around for air movement. Please remember that only organically approved fungicides are allowed at Eagle Heights and the A and B plots at University Houses. More information is available here including pictures varieties that are more resistant:
http://www.plantpath.wisc.edu/wivegdis/pdf/First%20Report%20of%20Basil%20Downy%20Mildew%20in%20Wisconsin.pdf
Mark your calenders for an Urban Horticulture Field Day at the West Madison Agricultural Research station (just outside the Beltline on Mineral Point Road). This is scheduled for August 15 , a week from Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. Lots of kids activities, a vegetable taste test, experts to answer questions and fun for all. I'll have more info next week.
Don't forget to plant some cilantro, dill and arugula for fall,
Gretel, Garden Registrar