From the Registrar, March 10, 2022

 Hello Gardeners,  

   

Opening day: Opening Day at the gardens will be Saturday, March 26th. There are currently a small number of carts and tools out at both Eagle Heights and University Houses gardens, but the remainder will be put out on the 26th. The portable toilets will be delivered to both gardens before opening day. The parking signs on Eagle Heights drive will be changed to allow 4-hour parking for the gardens on the south side of the street.   

 

Orientations: There will be orientations at both Eagle Heights and University Houses gardens the weekend of opening day. It is highly recommended that new gardeners attend an orientation if they’re able. If you can’t attend, but would like to arrange something else, please let me know. Groups will meet by the sheds at both gardens. Here are the dates and times: 

Eagle Heights orientations: 

Saturday March 26, 11 am 

Sunday March 27, 3 pm 

University Houses orientations: 

Saturday, March 26, 11 am 

Sunday, March 27, 4 pm 

 

Planting Season: Even by opening day it will still be too early to plant outdoors. The ground is still frozen right now, and it may snow again before Spring. There will also still be a danger of frost into May that will kill many plants. If you are new to gardening, or if you want a reminder about different planting dates, this is a great resource: 

http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/vegetable_planting_guide.pdf 

You can find many other useful documents on this page also if you’re interested: 

http://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/ 

If you do decide to start cleaning up and preparing your garden before the planting season begins, try not to walk on or disturb the soil too much while it’s still very wet from the snow thawing. This will cause the soil to be compacted and that’s not good for your plants. Marking your paths early in the season to avoid walking in the planting areas can help keep your soil healthy. It’s also a good idea to wait to cover your garden beds with mulch until the soil has had enough time to warm up.  

 

Water: The water at both gardens will be turned on in late April or early May, when we can be certain there’s no chance of the pipes freezing. If you need water for early planting, you can bring jugs of water to your plot.  

 

Please let me know if you have any questions. You will hear from me again soon about free seeds.  

 

Thanks, and happy gardening,   

Lily