From the Registrar: December 2, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Although the gardening season has come to an end, it’s almost time to begin planning for next year. Garden applications for 2025 will be available beginning December 15, 2024. All returning gardeners must apply no later than February 15, 2025 to renew a plot or move to a new location. I will send another notice when applications open. The 2024 application document that is currently on the website can't be used for 2025 and no renewal applications can be accepted before December 15, 2024.

To be eligible to renew a plot for 2025, gardeners must be assigned to the plot as either primary or secondary gardener for 2024. The 2024 workday requirement for the plot must also be complete to renew.

If you have any questions at all about your current status, who is listed on your plot, or the application process, please email me.

Best,

Lily

From the Registrar: November 6, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Renewal application reminders: Every year, applications for the next season in the garden open on December 15th. Everyone must turn in an application each year, whether they are returning or new. Returning gardeners will have from 12/15/24 to 2/15/25 to turn in their applications to renew. Applications from returning gardeners received after 2/15/25 will not be valid as renewals and must be treated the same as new applications.

Leaves: We have started receiving leaf mulch deliveries. This a still a good time to put your garden to bed. It’s not too late to plant garlic either. If you haven’t grown garlic before, it’s quite easy. Check out this resource if you’re interested: http://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf (page 80)

Parking will remain available until Nov 15th to access the gardens. After that date you can still go to your plot, but you will have to find alternative parking. Please do not use the Eagle Heights or University Houses apartments visitor parking spots.

Happy gardening, 

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: October 18, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Ending the season: As the gardening season comes to a close, I’d like to share a few reminders:

 

• If you are planning to return to the gardens next season, the renewal deadline will be Feb 15th, 2025. Applications will be available beginning Dec 15th, 2024, and I will send more reminders.
• The only people eligible to renew a garden plot for 2025 are the ones that are currently assigned to the plot for 2024. If you are not sure of who is listed on your plot, please contact me. If you would like a currently unlisted person to have the plot, you must add them to the records now.
• To be eligible for renewal one gardener from each plot must either do a workday or pay the no-workday fee for 2024. I will be sending out a reminder email to all gardeners that have not done this yet. If you have not done a workday and would like to, we may be able to find an opportunity still this season. If you are paying the fee, you will have until Dec 1st, 2024. Please contact me with any questions.

Walnuts in the weed pile: It was reported this morning that someone dumped a large pile of whole walnuts in the EH weed pile. Please note that no waste from outside the gardens can be brought to the weed piles. We particularly do not want walnuts there, since the pile is often transferred to the Student Farm, and they do not want walnut trees coming up in their gardens.

Portable Toilets: The portable toilets will be picked up from both gardens next week and they will be brought back in March of next year.

 
Parking: The plan is to have parking remain open on Eagle Heights Drive until November 15th. If it snows before that and UW Apartments Grounds has to plow, we may lose the parking signs earlier. Parking at University Houses Gardens will also remain available.

 
Happy gardening,

 
Lily

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: October 15, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

 
Freeze warning: There is a freeze warning for tonight. If you still have plants that are sensitive to cold, today is the day to harvest everything and bring it indoors. Winter squash should be harvested today at the latest. Frost can cause the squash to not store well. In contrast, the flavor of Brussels sprouts will be sweeter if exposed to a frost before harvesting.

These are not complete lists of which plants can or cannot survive a frost, but they are some of the more commonly grown crops in the gardens: Plants that can’t survive a frost include: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash (winter or summer), beans, and cucumbers.
Plants that can survive a frost include: Cabbage, kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, peas, lettuce, beets, carrots, chard, onions, spinach, and radishes.

Garlic planting: Mid to late October is the best time to plant garlic in Wisconsin. It's possible to plant it in the spring, but it won’t do as well. If you plant it in the fall, it can begin to grow right away in the spring and take advantage of a longer growing season. Garlic should be planted late enough in the fall that it won’t grow shoots. You can get garlic cloves for planting at a garden store or a Farmers' Market. It’s better not to plant garlic from the grocery store unless you can be certain it hasn’t been treated in any way. There is some helpful information on planting garlic in the garden manual on our website:
http://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf (page 80)

Leaf mulch: For those of you that are wondering about deliveries of leaf mulch this fall; we can probably expect them in November. Our leaves are delivered by the Village of Shorewood Hills. Once the leaves have fallen, they will first fill their own mulch piles and then deliver to us. We will be keeping tools and carts available in the gardens so everyone that wants to mulch their plots for the winter has access.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

 
Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/org

From the Registrar: October, 8 2024

Hello Gardeners,

We have placed a work order with the UW plumbers to shut down the Garden water systems by Monday 10/14. The extended forecast is showing a possible low of 30 degrees that night, and we have to shut the water off if there is a chance of a freeze to protect the system. The order was placed today because we need to give the plumbers enough advance warning of the request. Once a work order is placed, we do not have a choice about when it will be done. The Gardens are a lower priority than other plumbing on campus, so our requests are completed within a window when they are available to help. This means that the water could be off as soon as tomorrow. If you are still watering any crops you may want to carry water in.

Happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: October 1, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Winter squash: Winter squash is ready when it turns the right color for the variety, the vines die back, and the stem is hard. Some gardeners harvest earlier to prevent pests from eating the squash, or theft, 

which can both be problems in our gardens. If you can wait a bit longer it will help the squash store well. Here is some information on harvesting and storing winter squash:
https://savvygardening.com/harvesting-winter-squash/
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/vegetables/winter-squash/winter-squash-eating-guide.html

Putting your garden to bed: It’s time to begin putting the gardens to bed for the season. You can start by pulling out plants that have finished producing and weeds and taking them to the weed pile. Remove as much dirt as possible from the roots of plants before taking them to the weed pile. Later, once we receive new leaves for the fall, spreading mulch over your plot will help protect it from erosion and add organic matter to the soil. Try to avoid stepping on the beds when you remove plants, to prevent compacting of the soil. It is still a bit early to plant garlic. If you plan to plant garlic later this fall, you can prepare the beds now. It’s quite cold in mid to late October at garlic planting time, so getting the garden ready now will make it easier when the time comes.

Independent workdays: If you still need to fulfill your workday requirement and you are interested in an independent workday please contact me. Also, if you are not sure if you have done a workday yet or not this season please ask, and I will look it up for you.

Happy gardening,
 

Lily

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform
 

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 18, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunity: There will be a plot clearing workday on Saturday 9/21 from 8:30-11:30 am at Eagle Heights Garden. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 8:30 am. Email me if you’re interested.

One gardener from every plot must do one workday each season to remain in good standing and be eligible for renewal the following year. If a workday is not done the $45 no-workday fee must be paid. If you have not had a chance to do a workday yet it is not too late. We expect to continue running them into October.

If the group times do not work for you but you’d like to do a workday, please contact me about scheduling an independent workday.

Happy gardening,

 
Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 9, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Weeds: It can be hard to keep up with the garden as the season winds down. Please look at your plot and remove invasive weeds. We are seeing a lot of mature weeds in the gardens, with many more seedlings coming up. If they are allowed to go to seed this fall it will mean more weeds next spring. See the links here for photos of common weeds for identification: 

• Artemisia annua: https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/species/Artemisia%20annua%20L./data
• Pokeweed: https://mbgna.umich.edu/post/blog/native-plant-week-american-pokeweed
• Canada thistle: https://blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/canada-thistle/
• Lambsquarters: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/common-lambsquarters
• Giant foxtail: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/wisconsin-weed-identification-giant-foxtail-setaria-faberi/
• Bindweed: https://authenticwisconsin.com/field_bindweed.html

Workday opportunity: There will be a weeding workday on Thursday 9/12 from 8-11 am at University Houses Garden. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 8 am. Email me if you’re interested.

Happy gardening,

 
Lily

 

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: September 5, 2024

Hello Gardeners,


Gardening in 2024: Every year, all gardeners must reapply for their garden plots if they want to return the next season.

2025 applications will be available beginning December 15th 2024.

The deadline to apply for renewal will be February 15th 2025. Returning gardeners in good standing have priority to return to the same plot (or to switch if they want).

Renewal applications received on 2/16 or after are not guaranteed. I will try to help if I can, but gardeners have lost their plots due to late renewal applications. After Feb 15th any plots that have not been renewed will be reassigned to new gardeners, and we usually have a long list of new applicants.

If you know now that you do not plan to renew your plot, please let me know.

Only assigned gardeners from 2024 are eligible to renew a plot for 2025. If there is someone gardening in your plot with you now that would like to keep the plot next year, you must make sure they are listed as the secondary gardener BEFORE December 15th. If I receive a renewal application from someone that was not previously assigned to the plot, I cannot renew it for them.

Please let me know if you have any questions about applying for next season.

Workday opportunity: There will be a weeding workday on Saturday 9/7 from 8-11 am at University Houses Garden. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 8 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 29, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunities: There are two upcoming workdays at University Houses Gardens.

• There will be a weed whacking workday on Sunday, 9/1 from 2-5 pm. Three volunteers are needed. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 2 pm.
• There will be a plot clearing on Monday 9/2 from 9 am-12 pm. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 9 am.

Tomato tasting recap: Thank you to everyone who participated in the tomato tasting this season and to the volunteers that helped make it a success! It was fun and a great opportunity for gardeners to talk about what a difficult season this has been for growing tomatoes.

Here is a list of the tomatoes that were sampled with different comments from gardeners at the tasting:

Juane Flamme: ”Good”. “A bit sour”. “Nice acid”. “Lingering”. “Like a salad tomato”.

Pomodoro squisito: ”Probably really good with a pico de gallo”. “Very tomatoey, almost too much”. “Good integrity”. “Very productive”. “Fruit drops quickly”.

Japanese black trifel: ”My favorite!” “Great balance of flavor”. “Tomato flavor that just fills your mouth”. “Superior tomato!” “My favorite!” “Could eat it like an apple”. “Medium productivity”. “Held up pretty well to lots of water”.

Chadwick cherry: ”huge plant, extremely productive, ok disease resistance”. “Great flavor!” “Really good, great flavor”. “This is a winner”.

San marzano: ”very sour, lots of acid”.

Pineapple: “longest time to ripen”. “Beautiful, very juicy”. “Not tomatoey”. “A little on the bland side”. “Quite sweet”. “Almost like a melon”. “Very sweet and low acid”. “If I grew 30 tomato plants, I’d grow one of these”. “A little slimy”

10 Fingers of Napoli: “I like it, nice texture”. “Good sauce tomato”. “Productive indeterminate”.

Bumblebee: “Ok, there’s nothing exciting. But it’s a tomato”.

Mountain Magic: “Pretty lackluster”. “Very firm fruits”.

Sungold: [so common no one commented on it. Always good]

Burpee organic Roma: “good tomato flavor”. “I liked that!”

Doug’s wildheart(oxheart?): “best tomato flavor for me!” “Like the black beauty but with more aftertaste”.

Amish Gold: “Oh! It’s the best gold I’ve had!” “Surprisingly good!” “I’m gonna do this one for the last bite!”

Orange Russian: “Sweet”. “Firm”. “Tough skin”.

Black beauty: “Not sweet at all, savory”. “Hard to tell when ripe”. “Nice bite to begin, but a little bland”. “Didn’t have a lot of flavor”.

Solar flare: “Very delicious, my favorite”. “Nice color, soft”. “Oh that’s good!” “Fruity?” “Has a bite to it”. “Not too sweet”.

German pink: “Wow!” “Tastes like watermelon!” “Tangy!” “Ok yield, it struggled this year, but better than most”.

Kellogg’s breakfast: “That’s a great tomato!” “A little bland”.

Amish paste: “Good fresh, good for sauce, good tomato flavor”.

Granadero: “A little bland”. “Very productive, even in this high disease year”.

Genuwine: “That might be my favorite!”

Marriage marzinera: “Good flavor”.

Big beef: “I think big beef was better than better boy”.

Better boy: -Meaty”. “Watery”. “Standard tomato”. “Not remarkable”. “Produce really well”.

Beam yellow pear: “I hate yellow pear”. “Oh, this is sweeter than I expected”.

Other comments from gardeners:

“The best heirloom for disease resistance at EHG is Rose de Bern”.

“A good replacement for sungolds that don’t crack is Citrine”.

Happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 21, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Tomato tasting reminder: Please join us for the tomato tasting by the shed at Eagle Heights Gardens this Sunday, August 25th at 12 pm!

All gardeners from Eagle Heights and University Houses are welcome, and you do not have to bring tomatoes to join the tasting. The tasting will last until 2 pm or until the tomatoes run out. Please bring uncut tomatoes from your garden plot to share and come to try other gardeners’ tomato varieties. We will be washing and cutting the tomatoes to serve them there.

Workday opportunities: There will be two workday opportunities this weekend:

• There will be a weed whacking workday at Eagle Heights on Saturday 8/24 from 2-5 pm. Three volunteers are needed. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 2 pm.
• There will be a workday at University Houses Garden this Sunday 8/25 from 8-11 am. The workday will be clearing/mulching empty plots. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 8 am.

Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 18, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Tomato tasting: After introducing it last season, we will be bringing the tomato tasting back this year. Please join us at Eagle Heights Gardens next Sunday, August 25th at 12 pm! The tasting will be held by the shed at Eagle Heights Gardens.

All gardeners from Eagle Heights and University Houses are welcome, and the tasting will last until 2 pm or until the tomatoes run out. Please bring tomatoes from your garden plot to share and come to try other gardeners’ tomato varieties. We will be washing and cutting the tomatoes to serve them there, so please bring them un-cut. The more gardeners that participate and bring tomatoes the more we can sample and share, but you do not have to bring tomatoes to join the tasting.

Mark your calendars now and join us at this community event to try new tomato varieties!

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Thursday 8/22 from 9 am-12 pm. The workday will be clearing/mulching empty plots. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 9am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: August 13, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday requirement: Every plot is responsible for one workday or one no-workday fee each year. There is not a lot of the season left, and many gardeners have not done a workday yet. All gardeners that apply to renew their plots for the following year must be in good standing, which includes fulfilling the workday requirement for the previous season. Please tell me if you have any questions about this.

Workday opportunities: There are two upcoming workdays at Eagle Heights Garden:

• There will be a workday on Friday 8/16 from 9 am-12 pm.
• There will be a workday on Sunday 8/18 from 9 am-12 pm.

Both workdays will be clearing/weeding empty plots and the buffer zones to the North of the garden. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The groups will both meet at the EH garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Preserving food: If you’re looking for ways to preserve your extra produce, there are a lot of great options. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has guides for canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, and more: https://nchfp.uga.edu/#gsc.tab=0

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: August 5, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Weeds: With the rain and hot weather, this has been an especially difficult season for weeds! Even when pulled out regularly, they seem to come back almost overnight.

With the weeds thriving, plants are starting to produce seed, which is a problem for the rest of the garden and for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Please take the time now to remove taller and/or flowering weeds from your plot, including the sides and back. The paths and edges between plots have become overgrown in many places.

There are a couple more plants to add to the list of things to look out for:

• Giant Foxtail is an invasive grass and there is a lot of it in the gardens, particularly between plots. Photos here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/wisconsin-weed-identification-giant-foxtail-setaria-faberi/
• Pokeweed is native to the United States, but it is poisonous. The plants produce berries that will spread many more pokeweed plants throughout the garden. Wearing gloves is recommended when removing plants. Berries should be bagged and thrown away, so they do not re-seed. Photos here: https://mbgna.umich.edu/post/blog/native-plant-week-american-pokeweed

One method that can be helpful to keep weeded areas on paths and around plants clear is to lay down cardboard and cover it with leaf mulch. (If you get the cardboard wet and weigh it down with the mulch, it is less likely that voles and mice will try to hide under it). This method will reduce the amount of time spent weeding.

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Friday 8/9 from 8 AM-11 AM. The workday will be clearing/weeding empty plots. Six volunteers are needed. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 8 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 29, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Velvet leaf: There is quite a lot of velvet leaf growing in the gardens, and many plants are beginning to flower. This is an invasive weed and competes with desirable plants for nutrients. Seeds can remain viable in the ground for many years, and they tend to come up in disturbed soil. Often gardeners mistake it for squash, beans, or sunflowers and allow it to grow in plots. Please remove any you see before it produces flowers and seeds. Pictures can be found here:

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/velvetleaf-abutilon-theophrasti/

Workday opportunities: 

• There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Saturday 8/3, from 9am-12pm. The workday will involve digging comfrey and taking it to the weed pile. Eight volunteers are needed. Volunteers should bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 9 am.
• There will be another workday on Saturday 8/3 from 8:30-11:30 assisting in the Arbor/Rain Garden area. One volunteer is needed and will be working with the caretaker of the area. Gloves are recommended.

Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 25, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday requirement: Every plot is responsible for one workday or one no-workday fee payment per season. If you’re not sure if you’ve done a workday yet this season, please let me know and I’ll look it up for you. The garden workers will be scheduling more workdays, and I can also help you find an independent workday if none of the times work for you. Please tell me if you have any questions about this.

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Saturday 7/27, from 9am-12pm. The workday will involve digging comfrey and taking it to the weed pile. Eight volunteers are needed. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Turkeys: The GOC (Garden Oversight Committee), which includes all stakeholders in the garden area (UW, Housing, Nature Preserve, Community Garden, and Student farm area) recently met and discussed the ever-growing turkey population. A variety of things have been tried in the past to reduce the number of turkeys, but they have been difficult to implement and/or ineffective. Any method considered must prioritize the safety of the people in the area.

The GOC would like to ask gardeners for any suggestions for viable ways to reduce the number of turkeys in the area. I’m asked to remind everyone that it is forbidden for people to harm or disturb animals in the Preserve, and only the University may carry out any plan to reduce the turkey population. This request is for suggestions only. Please let me know if you have any ideas for safe ways that the University could consider removing turkeys, and I will pass them on to the GOC!

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 19, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Rain: The enormous amount of rain we are getting this summer has made the ground very wet. Some plants, like tomatoes, will suffer from excess water in the ground. If you notice plants wilting after a rain and the soil is holding a lot of water, you can try digging trenches in the paths between the plant rows to allow the water to drain.

Bindweed: Bindweed is a fast-growing and invasive vine in the morning glory family. It has small white to light pink flowers. This grows all over the gardens and is very difficult to eliminate. The main tap roots grow very deep. The best way to control it is to routinely pull it up from the surface and not allow it to flower or produce seed. Please try to remove this from your garden, and from fences. There are some photos here: https://authenticwisconsin.com/field_bindweed.html

Do not remove any plants from another plot: Please remember not to remove plants from any plot other than your own. If plot borders are unclear, let me know.

Watch out for theft: Some gardeners have recently had garlic stolen from their plots. Our gardens are a popular walking place, and this does leave them more open to theft. It’s helpful to get to know your neighbors and keep an eye on one another’s plots.

Lost keys in garden: Someone has reported a lost set of keys in the garden. If you come across these, please let me know.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: July 2, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

More invasive weeds to look out for and remove from your plot:

Common wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): We are seeing this plant spread quickly in the gardens in the last year. It grows in large clumps and many plot borders have been taken over by it. It’s easiest to remove after it has rained (which seems to be most of the time lately). Please remove this plant if you find it in your garden. Some photos can be found here:

https://kingcounty.gov/en/legacy/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/absinth-wormwood

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides): This is a very invasive plant with a nice purple flower. While it may seem like a nice addition to your garden, it will quickly take over. If you see this flower in your garden, please remove it right away and don’t allow it to flower or go to seed:

https://northerngardener.org/creeping-bellflower/

Fence etiquette: There are many fences in the Gardens, and this is not a problem if they are well-maintained. Fences need to be kept weeded. They can become overgrown quickly with invasive plants like bindweed, and they need to be weeded frequently. If you have climbing plants, please make sure they stay in your plot and don’t climb over a fence or into your neighbor’s plot.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 26, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Planting for fall crops: If you’d like to start another round of planting for fall crops, this is a good time to start thinking about it. Many things, like greens, beets, radishes, and more, can be planted a second time in July or August. Johnny’s Selected Seeds has a useful chart available here with planting dates. Scroll down and see: “Fall Harvest Planting Calculator”: https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/online-tools-calculators.html?glmmftrdlst The average date of first frost that’s already in the sheet (10/1) will work for Madison.

Hoses in path: Please do not leave hoses in the path. The garden workers need be able to get through to mow and stopping to disconnect and move hoses at Eagle Heights and return them to the reels/stands at University Houses takes a lot of extra time. Hoses can also be difficult to see in the grass and might be cut by the mower.

Communal tools: Please remember to return all communal tools to the sheds when you are done using them for the day.

Workday opportunities: There will be two workday opportunities this weekend:

• On Saturday 6/29 there will be a workday at University Houses from 9am-12pm.
• On Saturday 6/29 there will be a workday at Eagle Heights from 12-3pm.

Both workdays will be for weed whacking, weeding, and mulching. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The groups will meet at the garden sheds at each site. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 18, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Lakeshore Nature Preserve rules: Both Eagle Heights and University Houses Gardens are a part of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and the rules and regulations of the Preserve also apply to the Gardens:

• We observe the Preserve’s hours, which are 4 AM to 10 pm every day.
• Bikes are permitted on the garden paths, but not on the Nature Preserve paths.
• Dogs must always be on a leash everywhere in the Gardens and Preserve.
• Amplified music is not permitted in the Preserve. Headphones must be used to listen to music.
• Nothing can be disposed of in the Preserve (like weeds), and nothing can be taken from the Preserve (like sticks).

For additional information about Preserve rules please see their website: https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visitor-etiquette/

Please note that events that are held at the Gardens must be approved by both the Garden Committee and the Preserve.

Standing water reminder: Please do not allow standing water to remain in your plot. This provides a place for mosquitoes to lay eggs, and we do not need any more mosquitoes in the gardens.

Colorado potato beetles: The potato beetles have started to come out for the season. Many plants are hosting eggs right now on the undersides of the leaves. This is a good time to check your plants and destroy the eggs before they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, plants can be quickly defoliated if there are many larvae. The best method for controlling the eggs, larvae, and adult beetles in your plot is to pick them off and dump them in soapy water. Dealing with them now will help reduce the number in the gardens overall.

Potato beetles will eat anything in the Solanaceae family, including tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tomatillos, but most of the damage we see is on potato plants.

The link below from the University of Minnesota Extension has some good pictures of the beetles at each stage of life. Please remember that only organic control methods are allowed in Eagle Heights and the A and B rows of University Houses. The gardens sometimes spray Spinosad to control them, but it is too early to consider that.

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/colorado-potato-beetles

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at University Houses Garden this Saturday 6/22, from 9am-12pm. The workday will be weed whacking, weeding, and mulching. Five volunteers are needed. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the UH garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 12, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Plots available: Due to some late cancellations, we have some open plots in the gardens. If you know of anyone that is interested in having a plot this season, please let them know. They can contact me with any questions, and the applications are available here: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardeners/plot-applications/

Maintenance reporting form reminder: Please use this form for reporting maintenance issues. The form automatically sends an email to me and the four garden workers who work hard to keep the gardens in good shape. If you email me directly with a maintenance issue, it will take more time to get to the people that can address the problem:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Use this maintenance reporting form for things like:

• All water issues: Leaks, dripping faucets, non-functioning water, etc.
• Reporting trees that need removal
• Trees fallen on plots
• Maintenance needs in common areas of the gardens

Do not use this maintenance reporting form for:

• Plot specific questions, like borders (contact me via the registrar’s email: ehgardens@rso.wisc.edu)
• Gardening questions (contact me)
• Reporting weeds in another plot (contact me)
• University Apartments maintenance requests (Here is their form: https://www.housing.wisc.edu/apartments/maintenance/)

Artemisia Annua: One of the major weeds that invades the Gardens is Artemisia Annua (also known as Sweet Wormwood or Sweet Annie). It has a strong aromatic smell and spreads easily. If you have this in your garden, please pull it out before it produces seeds. There are a lot of images here to help with identification: https://identify.plantnet.org/k-world-flora/species/Artemisia%20annua%20L./data

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Saturday 6/15, from 9am-12pm. The workday will be brush clearing in the buffer zone North of the 500s row. Six volunteers are needed. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: June 3, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Plot borders/paths: Every plot must maintain a six-inch weeded border on all sides next to neighboring plots. If everyone does this and makes sure that any fences are placed at least six-inches in from the borders, there is a one-foot path between plots. These paths are necessary for many people to get to the water, and they also prevent gardens from encroaching on each other. The areas between plots can be some of the worst areas for tall weeds that go to seed in the gardens. Please keep the sides and back of your plot weeded. The wood chips that are available at both sites are a great mulch for paths and can help to keep the weeds from coming back as quickly.

Workday opportunities: There are three upcoming workday opportunities. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies:

• On Thursday 6/6 there will be a workday at University Houses from 4-7 pm. Four volunteers are needed.
• On Friday 6/7 there will be a workday at University Houses from 12-3 pm. Four volunteers are needed.
• On Sunday 6/9 there will be a workday at Eagle Heights from 9 am-12 pm. Six volunteers are needed.

The workdays will involve weed whacking, brush removal, weeding, and mulching. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The groups will meet at the sheds at each site.

Thanks, and happy gardening,
Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 29, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunities: There are two upcoming workday opportunities. Please reply if you’re interested and I’ll assign spots in the order I receive replies.

• On Friday 5/31 there will be a workday at University Houses from 12-3 pm. Four volunteers are needed.
• On Saturday 6/1 there will be a workday at Eagle Heights from 9 am-12 pm. Six volunteers are needed.

The workdays will involve weed whacking, brush removal, and weeding. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves. The groups will meet at the sheds at each site.

Thistles: Please look around your plot for Canada Thistle and pull up any plants you see. They have not started to bloom yet, but they will soon. Once they bloom, they will go to seed and spread. Canada Thistles are very invasive here, and are not only a problem for the Community Gardens, but for the neighboring Nature Preserve and Biocore Prairie. Only organic methods are permitted at Eagle Heights and in the A and B rows at University Houses. This means no chemical herbicides are allowed there for control. There are some photos of Canada Thistles here to help with identification:

 
https://blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/canada-thistle/

For the last couple of years, we have had a few people act as “thistle monitors” to keep the Canada Thistle at bay in the communal areas between weeding workdays. Let me know if you’re interested in doing this for your workday. Volunteers work independently to pull thistle from areas like the blackberry patch and borders.

 
Standing water: Please turn containers upside down in your plot so they don’t collect rain. Standing water in plots will increase the mosquito population in the gardens by providing a place for them to lay eggs. With all the recent rain, there are many containers full of water throughout the gardens.

Thanks, and happy gardening,
Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 22, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunity: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Friday 5/24, from 9am-12pm. The workday will be weeding and mulching fruit plantings. Six volunteers are needed. Volunteers should wear long sleeves and bring gloves for thistles. The group will meet at the EH garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Continuing weed pile issues: Last weekend, multiple cart loads of soil were dumped at the Eagle Heights weed pile and wooden poles and sticks were added to the pile. The pile is also now extending out into the path and surrounding area. The weed pile at EH should stay behind the concrete barriers. The blue stick barrels have been moved further to the side where the sticks should go to make it clearer that they are separate.

Signs have been posted at both gardens about the weed pile rules. I included a couple of photos below this message. Please only dump weeds in the weed piles, and only dump them in the designated areas.

Row cover still available: If you missed the row cover sales but you would still like to buy some, please let me know. We have plenty of row cover! The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, cash only. Row cover is very useful for protecting seedlings.

Parking at University Houses Gardens: Apartment Facilities has let us know that they will be using the parking lot at UH during business hours for a short period while they have parking lots resurfaced. The start date was not certain, but it will only last 7-10 days.

 
Message from Kristen at Blue Moon Community Farm:
“Thanks so much from Blue Moon Community Farm for visiting our Plant Sale at the garden! We ran out of a few items more quickly than we thought, and so if you are still looking for some items, consider visiting our stand at the Westside Community Market (505 S. Rosa Rd.) Saturdays 7am-12:30! Mention that you are an Eagle Heights gardener and you will receive the special pricing that we offered at the garden. If you are looking for particular plants, feel free to send an inquiry to kristen@bluemooncommunityfarm.com”

 
Thanks, and happy gardening,

 
Lily

Soil dumped in and around the EH weed pile

 

Sticks added to EH weed pile


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 17, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Warm weather plant sale this Sunday: The warm weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm this Sunday 5/19 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens. The seedling list is attached, and details are the same as they were for the cool weather plant sale:

Plants are $4.00 per item (either a 3.5" pot or a 4-pack depending on what vegetable it is--see the seedling list)
Mix + Match discount: 6 for $22, or a full flat of 18 for $60
Payment options: cash, check, credit card, Venmo

Ticks: Every year ticks are reported by gardeners. Wisconsin is home to a variety of ticks and ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to humans. The primary concern here is generally with deer ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. Please check for ticks and be careful. Tick season began early this year. The UW Department of Entomology has extensive resources about ticks: https://wisconsin-ticks.russell.wisc.edu/

Although we associate deer ticks with deer, ticks often make their way to humans via smaller animals, like mice and voles. This is a great reason to limit rodent habitats in your garden. They like lots of cover to hide from predators, so tall weeds and brush will attract them. Not only can they bring ticks into your plot, but they will also quickly eat your crops. Which brings us to our next topic:

Voles: Please read this information about voles put together by Garden Committee members:

Voles are one of the worst pests at both Eagle Heights and University Houses gardens. See this UW resource for basic information about voles:

https://wildlifedamage.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/289/2020/10/WildlifeDamage-Vole-6-2020.pdf

Below are some recommended vole prevention methods, some prohibited methods, and some ineffective methods: 

Recommended methods for preventing voles:

1) Change the habitat!

•  Remove all the places that voles can hide - including ground cover, plants (raspberries give good cover), weeds, and mulch. Voles can nest in the ground, in plant roots, and in overturned pots. They will also hide under cardboard if it is used on paths.
• Fill in vole tunnels: tightly pack woodchips into vole paths where appropriate. Pay close attention to border fences.
• Plant your fall crops in a place that voles cannot hide: Voles are very active in fall and will ruin storage vegetables (parsnips, rutabaga, winter squash, etc). Plan your garden so that late season vegetables stand alone, and voles don't have anything to hide in while they eat.
• Plan for Winter: Voles don't hibernate, so hawks and weasels will hunt them in the winter, especially if they can't hide. Eliminate all the places voles can hide and underground crops like Jerusalem artichokes.

2) Exclusion!

•  Use fencing: Fine wire mesh (1/4" hole size or less) buried deep (6" below and 12" above ground)
• Use raised beds or tall pots: Plant crops you don't want attacked (beets, celeriac, celery, etc.) in large, raised beds or wine-barrel sized planters. Cover the bottom with wire mesh or they'll find a way in.
• Protect fruits on plants from voles by covering them with wire mesh or plastic clamshells.

Prohibited methods for preventing voles:

1) Poisons or traps (The Gardens are in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and no harming or disturbing animals is permitted). 

2) Sound/Ultrasonic repellers (Animals rapidly get used to this).

 Ineffective methods for preventing voles:

1) Hot pepper powder or fox-urine (washes away in rain, expensive for many applications)

Sticks: Several gardeners had questions about what is considered a “stick” when it comes to putting things in the weed pile. I asked our UW contact that has helped us clear the pile in the past. Here is my understanding of it: 

• Anything that came from a tree is considered a stick and should not go in the weed pile.
• Anything that was purchased as a stake (like a bamboo pole) is considered a stick and should not go in the weed pile.
• Something like a very thick raspberry or blackberry cane could be considered a stick. Smaller canes can go in the weed pile, and large canes can go in the stick pile.
• For the most part, things like brussels sprout stalks, even if they are large, would not be considered a stick, and can go in the weed pile.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

 
Lily

 

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 9, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Refund deadline extension: The Garden Committee has extended the deadline to cancel a plot assignment and still receive a refund for the fee to the third Friday in May of each year. This means that the refund deadline for this year will now be Friday, May 17th.

Hoses and tools in paths: With mowing of the paths beginning, please remember to keep all your belongings in your plot. Hoses left in the path may be mowed. At Eagle Heights your hose needs to be in your plot and disconnected from the spigot, and at University Houses it needs to be returned to the reel. Plants that are growing outside the border of your plot could also be mowed.

Water not potable: Although the original water source for the Gardens is city water, we can’t guarantee that it will remain potable once it enters our water systems. For this reason, the water in the Gardens is safe for watering plants but is not suitable for drinking.

Garden juries: The garden juries are small groups of gardeners who walk through the gardens and report plots that appear weedy or abandoned (or especially nice). This year, there will be one garden jury for each site (Eagle Heights and University Houses). There will be four gardeners on each jury.

The juries will meet four times total: in May, June, July, and August. In past years there were multiple jury groups for Eagle Heights and the juries met in June, July and August. Because there will only be one jury for all of Eagle Heights and we will meet four times rather than three, please be aware that this may be a bigger time commitment than in the past. The reason for this change from previous years is to be more consistent in holding plots to the same standards. The weed juries will report on specific noxious weeds, like thistles and artemisia, and will remove communal tools and carts from plots. Being on a garden jury for the season counts as a workday. If you’re interested in being on the garden jury, please let me know.

Warm weather plant sale reminder: The warm weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm Sunday 5/19 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens.

Communal tools: Please remember to return all communal tools to the sheds when you are done using them for the day. If they are left in a plot no one else can use them. If they are left in the mulch piles, they will end up buried, and the wooden handles will rot.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily


Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: May 3, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Disposal questionnaire: Here is a link to a questionnaire about disposal in the gardens: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRMSSdxoh_9Jlc2WWcanV-6lnyv733G1YlG21aXDmFVWqG4g/viewform?usp=sf_link

A response from each gardener is needed to make sure that everyone understands the rules. It’s a Google form, but you can respond via email if you prefer. Please either submit the form or contact me to complete it via email by May 12th. I am happy to answer any questions or clarify the rules about disposal.

Maintenance reporting form: Use this form throughout the season to report maintenance issues. Using the form rather than emailing me about maintenance ensures that the information goes to the right people as quickly as possible. The link to the form is also on the website, and I will include it with future email updates:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

• Use this maintenance reporting form for things like: Water issues: Leaks, dripping faucets, non-functioning water, etc.
• Reporting trees that need removal
• Trees fallen on plots
• Do not use this maintenance reporting form for: Plot border questions
• Gardening questions
• Reporting weeds, either in your own or another plot
• University Apartments maintenance requests (Here is their form: https://www.housing.wisc.edu/apartments/maintenance/ )

ROTC event near EH Garden on Saturday: We’ve been informed that the ROTC will be doing an annual training tomorrow, Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Frautschi Point. They will not be carrying weapons, and they will post a sign informing visitors of what is happening.

Organic gardening: If you garden anywhere at Eagle Heights, or anywhere in the A and B rows at University Houses, your garden must be managed organically (University Houses C, D, E, & F plots are not required to be organic). Organic gardening means that no chemical insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or fungicides can be used. Any products used must be approved for organic use. Here is some information on organic gardening products you can use in your plot:
http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/OrganicProducts.pdf

There are many ways to manage an organic garden beyond buying organically certified products. Mulching to suppress weeds and improve soil health, companion planting, and crop rotation are just a few possibilities. This article from the University of Missouri extension is a good resource if you’re looking for more ideas about organic gardening: https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6220

Thanks, and happy gardening,

 
Lily

 

Maintenance request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyjHBH_xBH229AVwmqTE-2L3znGrLwn3TNJfw2ri9T01MMfA/viewform

Previous emails: https://eagleheightsgardens.blogspot.com/

Gardening resources: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/

From the Registrar: April 24, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Disposal: If you are taking things to the weed piles from your plot, please remember that only plant matter can be added to the pile. NO DIRT, STICKS, OR TRASH can be put in the weed piles. Volunteer groups and garden workers have been putting a lot of time and effort into sorting the piles, but things that are not allowed continue to be added. I will be sending a questionnaire to all gardeners to confirm that everyone knows the right places to dispose of things in the gardens with a response required from each gardener. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am happy to explain any rule.

Please note that UW Housing has placed a new sign at Eagle Heights by the dumpsters (there is already a sign at University Houses). They would like all wood and metal left on the ground next to the dumpster so that they can move it offsite. The recycling dumpster at EH is being replaced with the second trash dumpster that was there previously due to improper use.

Water: We will be making the request tomorrow to have the water turned on. There is a freeze watch for tonight, but after that it looks like it will be warmer. Once the work order is in, we do not get to choose when the plumbers come to do the work. Every spring new leaks and problems are discovered as soon as the water is turned on, and it can be unpredictable.

Cool weather plant sale this Sunday! The cool weather plant sale will be held by Blue Moon Community Farm this Sunday 4/28 from 10 am to 1 pm at Eagle Heights Gardens. Their seedling list is attached, and details are below. They will be bringing Greens, Brassicas, Celery, Onions, Leeks, Shallots, and Herbs. They may also bring warmer weather plants to this sale like they did last year. Warm weather plants should NOT be planted outside yet. If you buy a tomato plant at the sale this weekend, wait until late May to put it in your plot.

Plants are $4.00 per item (either a 3.5" pot or a 4-pack depending on what vegetable it is--see the seedling list)
Mix + Match discount: 6 for $22, or a full flat of 18 for $60
Payment options: cash, check, credit card, Venmo

Row cover sale: I’ll be selling row cover during the sale at Eagle Heights Gardens on Sunday, from 11-12. The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, CASH ONLY. Please bring exact change if possible.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: April 17, 2024

 Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunities: There will be two workdays this Saturday to sort the weed piles at both gardens for proper disposal. Volunteers will be working with Garden Committee members to sort the piles. Volunteers should be prepared to encounter rodents in the weed pile while sorting. Please bring good work gloves and long-coverage clothing.
We would like six volunteers for each site, and the groups will meet at the garden sheds at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies. 

These are the workdays:

• Weed pile workday at Eagle Heights, 4/20, 9am-12pm (six volunteers needed)
• Weed pile workday at University Houses, 4/20, 9am-12pm (six volunteers needed)

If you are taking things to the weed piles from your plot, please remember that only plant matter can be added to the pile. NO DIRT, STICKS, OR TRASH can be put in the piles.

Recycling dumpster use at EH: A recycling dumpster was placed at Eagle Heights this season and we’ve been told that it will be removed if it is not used correctly. Please put all trash in the trash dumpster only.

Theft: I’m sorry to say that we’ve already had some reports of theft in the gardens. Please never enter plots that aren’t yours, and never remove materials or produce from another plot. Knowing your neighbors can be helpful for being aware of who has cause to be in a plot. If you notice anything unusual, please do let me know. Also make sure you are gardening in the correct plot. Let me know if you need any clarification about your plot assignment or borders.

A few other reminders:

• The last chance to cancel your plot and still receive a refund will be May 1st.
• There are a lot of helpful gardening resources on this page: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/gardens/organic-growing/
• The water is usually turned on in the gardens in late April or Early May. Depending on the weather, we will be requesting that the plumbers do this next week.
• The upcoming plant sales will be on these dates. I have not received plant or price lists yet, but I will share them when I do:
• Cool weather plant sale: Sun 4/28 10 AM-1 pm
• Warm weather plant sale: Sun 5/19 10 AM-1 pm

Thanks, and happy gardening,

 
Lily

From the Registrar: April 11, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Workday opportunity at Eagle Heights: There will be a workday at Eagle Heights Garden this Saturday 4/13 from 9 am to 12 pm to begin sorting the weed pile for proper disposal. Volunteers will be working with a Garden Committee member to sort the pile into: wood for chipping or use in the gardens, trash, organic matter for removal to a composting site, and dirt that will be returned to plots. Volunteers should be prepared to encounter rodents in the weed pile while sorting. Please bring good work gloves and long-coverage clothing. We would like six volunteers and the group will meet at the garden shed at 9 am. Email me if you’re interested, and I will assign spots in the order of replies.

Spring planting: Usually, April 15th is the day that marks when you can begin planting many things outdoors here. Some good options of seeds to plant are: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Chard, and Kale. This gardening manual is an excellent guide for planting: https://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf

If you’re planting transplants, they might benefit from some row cover. There are a number of plants that are frost-tolerant, but they might not survive prolonged freezing temperatures. (A frost is possible with a temperature under 36° F. A freeze can happen under 32° F, and a hard frost under 28° F). It’s still possible to have more cold weather before Spring is over. Row cover also protects small plants from pests like flea beetles. We are currently working on cutting more row cover for sale: https://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/row_cover_handout.pdf

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: April 4, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Seed Fair this Saturday! The Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center this Saturday April 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each plot will receive free packets of seeds. If you drive, you can park in the Community Center parking lot. If the lot is full, you will need to park in the gardener parking spots on Eagle Heights Drive and walk over to the center. Please join us! If you are not familiar with the location already, there is information and a map on this page: https://www.housing.wisc.edu/apartments/resident/community-center/

No plants in the trash: Please remember to put all plant waste in the weed piles, and never in the dumpsters. A large quantity of plants was found in the dumpster at Eagle Heights Gardens last week.

Row cover sale: We’ll be selling row cover at the Seed Fair. The pieces are approximately 7 ft x 20 ft and they are $5 each, CASH ONLY. Please bring exact change if possible. We will have copies of this handout on row cover with instructions at the Fair: http://eagleheightsgardens.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/row_cover_handout.pdf

Lakeshore Nature Preserve: Both Eagle Heights and University Houses Gardens are a part of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. The Gardens consist of the garden plots, common areas, tool areas, weed piles, and mulch piles (and the paths between). Any area outside of that is a protected area. Please never dump weeds in the protected Preserve areas or take anything out of them. The branches and sticks in the Preserve are not available to use in plots. All weeds should go in the weed piles, and only sticks in the blue stick barrels are available for use in gardens.

We observe the Preserve’s hours, which are 4 AM to 10 pm every day. Bikes are permitted on the garden paths, but not on the Nature Preserve paths. Dogs must be on a leash in all parts of the Gardens and Preserve.

Please note that events that are held at the Gardens and within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve must be approved by both the Garden Committee and the Preserve.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: March 29, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Cancellations and refunds: If you find that you won’t be able to garden this season, or you no longer want to, you can receive a refund if you cancel your plot assignment by May 1st. Cancelled plots will be reassigned to new gardeners.

Plot markers and corner posts: Please don’t move your numbered plot marker or the corner posts of your plot. The markers are not just for the gardeners of the plots. They also help new gardeners find their way around the gardens, and they help the garden juries correctly identify plots. The corner posts are essential for identifying borders.

Plants and fences can extend to the border only in the front of the plot. On all other sides there must be six inches of space left as a path (so there are 12 inches between plots). Please check your borders at the beginning of the season. It is much easier to move things early in the year, before plants begin to grow. We will be checking plots throughout the season to make sure that the six inches are allowed for on the sides and back.

Upcoming plant sales: Blue Moon Community Farm will return this year to hold plant sales. The sales will be at Eagle Heights Gardens next to the shed. There will be two sales:

• Cool weather plant sale: Sun 4/28 10 AM-1 pm
• Warm weather plant sale: Sun 5/19 10 AM-1 pm

Kristen from Blue Moon would like two volunteers to help with each sale. Volunteers need to arrive at 9:30 and stay to close up after, so the total volunteer time will be from 9:30-1:30. Please let me know if you’d like to help with either plant sale. It will count as a workday, and I will give the limited spots out to gardeners in the order I receive replies. (The volunteer spots are now full). I’ll send a reminder before each sale, along with any details I learn about prices and which plants will be available.

Seed Fair reminder: The annual Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center next Saturday April 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each plot will be entitled to some free packets of seeds.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: March 23, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

New gardener orientation times: All new gardeners need to sign up for an orientation. I’ve listed the orientations below that we have scheduled so far. Please reply to sign up for a time at the site where your plot is located. If none of the times work for you, please tell me, and we can arrange something else.

• Eagle Heights orientations:

1. Saturday March 30, 10 am 
2. Saturday March 30, 12 pm
3. Sunday March 31, 9 am
4. Saturday April 6, 11:30 am
5. *Saturday April 6, 11:30 am Chinese language orientation* (Please note that this orientation will be held entirely in Chinese. All other times will be held in English.) University Houses gardeners are welcome at this orientation also for general information.
6. Sunday April 7, 10 am
7. Wednesday April 10, 5 pm

• University Houses orientations:

1. Saturday, March 30, 9 am
2. Sunday, March 31, 9 am
3. Monday, April 1, 5 pm
4. Saturday April 6, 11:30 am
5. Sunday, April 7, 9 am
6. Wednesday April 10, 5 pm

Last year it snowed 12 inches on opening day at the gardens, and orientations had to be postponed. Hopefully that will not happen this year, but we will keep an eye on the weather and let everyone know!

Facebook page: We now have a private Facebook group for the Gardens: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eagleheightsgardens

All gardeners are welcome to join the group if they are interested. We are hoping this will be a good way to help gardeners connect with each other. All regular communication will continue to be via email, and please continue to use the Registrar’s email to contact me: ehgardens@rso.wisc.edu.

Water: The water at both gardens is usually turned on in late April, when we can be certain there’s no chance of the pipes freezing. I will send out a notice when we have requested that the plumbers turn it on. If you need water for early planting, bringing jugs of water to your plot is helpful.

Important date reminders:

• Opening day in the gardens will be Saturday, March 30th.
• The Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center on Saturday April 6th from 9 am to 11 am.

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily

From the Registrar: March 12, 2024

Hello Gardeners,

Welcome to the Gardens for the 2024 gardening season!

Opening day: Opening day in the gardens will be Saturday, March 30th. The portable toilets will be delivered to both gardens before opening day. The parking signs on Eagle Heights drive have been changed to allow 4-hour parking for Eagle Heights Gardens on the south side of the street. Parking is available in the small lot by University Houses Gardens.

*Orientations for new gardeners will begin on opening day. I will send out a schedule soon with dates and times.

Seed Fair: The annual Seed Fair will be held at the Community Center on Saturday April 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM. Each plot will be entitled to some free packets of seeds. We receive the seeds as generous donations from seed companies each year. I hope to see you all there!

If you are interested in volunteering to help at the Seed Fair, please let me know. The volunteering time will be from 8:15 AM to Noon and it counts as a workday. I will assign available volunteer spots in the order I receive replies.

Some branches of the Madison Public Library are also handing out free seeds if you’re interested. Details can be found here: https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/collections/dane-county-seed-library

Where does waste go in the Gardens? We would like to start this season by making sure that everyone knows where to put different kinds of waste in the Gardens. This is extremely important for keeping the Gardens operating. Partly due to incorrect dumping in the past, we now have some large weed piles that must be sorted by hand before they can be taken away.

WEEDS/PLANT MATTER: Go in the weed piles. Only plant matter can be dumped in these piles. Dirt must be removed from roots. If there is dirt, trash, or sticks in the weed piles they cannot be taken away to a composting site. Sorting the piles is time consuming, and paying for removal can be costly.

TRASH: Goes in the trash dumpsters. If weeds and plants are put in the dumpsters, we may receive a fine.

STICKS: Go in the stick barrels/piles. These piles are for gardeners to take sticks as plant supports. Please do not take sticks out of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve outside the Gardens.

Planting Season: Most years, on opening day it is still too early to do much in the gardens. This year is very warm and may be an exception. However, it could still snow again before spring is here. Even if it is warm in general, there will still be a danger of frost into May that could kill many plants. If you are new to gardening, or if you want a reminder about different planting dates, this is good 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 wet from the snow thawing. This will compact the soil, which is not good for plants. Marking your paths early in the season to avoid walking in the planting areas can help keep your soil healthy.

If you are interested in more information about preparing your garden, please start on page 38 of the garden manual: https://www.eagleheightsgardens.org/tips/garden_manual_v_1.12.pdf

Thanks, and happy gardening,

Lily