October in the Garden: Seeds of Change
September Recap
September marked a month of accomplishments, events, and community spirit . We celebrated our final potluck of the year, graciously hosted by Kat and Jonathan of the Membership Committee. Thank you for your hospitality!
Cindy earned the 2024 Weeding Warrior award - a testament to her dedication - as she filled so many buckets of weeds this year that she eventually stopped tracking. Congratulations and impressive work, Cindy!
We represented our community by participating in the Fall Shooks Run Cleanup, spearheaded by our partners at Middle Shooks Run Neighborhood Association.
In addition, Alo and other members of the Fundraising Committee hosted a productive kid-friendly workshop in the garden, engaging younger members in hands-on gardening activities.
Lastly, Lauren and Alex from the Programming Committee introduced a new twist with a YouTube Edition of Talks and Tastings, allowing members to curate their own content while enjoying seasonal recipes and gardening tips.
October Events At A Glance
As we wind down the 2024 growing season, October has a light event schedule. The two events that we are holding are very, very special, and we need your help making them a success!
For the weekend of Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th, we’ll be adding ~1000 square feet to our garden footprint by expanding our fence line northward. We need help digging post holes, setting posts, and securing fence. This is a labor-intensive process, and the more community members who come to help, the more likely we are to accomplish our goal this weekend.
If you do come to help, thank you! Also, remember to wear work clothes including closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and bring tools to work with! We anticipate needing shovels, hammers, and powered drills with bits and drivers.
Special Maintenance Event - Garden Footprint Expansion Day 1
Saturday, October 12, 2024, 10:00 AM 1:00 PM
Special Maintenance Event - Garden Footprint Expansion Day 2
Sunday, October 13, 2024, 10:00 AM 1:00 PM
Other Announcements
October 31st is the last day of the 2024 growing season. This is our last official month to garden! Community garden members who wish to continue cultivating their plots past this date: awesome! Contact us for approval and so we know not to confuse your setup with abandoned infrastructure / crops.
Planned Water Shut Off. City of Colorado Springs Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces has scheduled the winterization of our irrigation system for October 15th. They will be drained and blown out to prevent freeze damage over the winter. This means that our irrigation hydrants will not supply water again until April or May of 2025. If there is an early freeze, we may lose irrigation before the 15th.
End of Season Cleanup. At the end of the growing season, ensure your plot is left in the same (if not better) condition than it was found. Only perennials, if any exist, should remain and they should be managed for appearance. Remove all stakes, strings, poles, tomato cages, Wall-o-Waters, and any other items that may easily blow away from your plot. Take these items home with you - please don’t contribute to the tomato cage graveyard!
This is a great example of what plots should look like after end of season cleanup is complete.
Free Plot Winterizing Supplies in the Greenhouse. Give the 2025 growing season a boost by planting a fall cover crop in your plot: improve soil health, enhance nutrient retention, add nitrogen, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion during the winter months. Here’s how it works:
Azomite.
Azomite is a natural mineral product derived from volcanic ash that has been fossilized over millions of years. It is rich in trace minerals and essential nutrients, making it a popular choice among gardeners to replenish missing minerals.
After you have removed all annuals and infrastructure from your plot, distribute 1/4 pound (for 4’x8’ plots) or 1/8 pound (for 4’x4’ plots) of azomite across your soil and gently work it into the top 3 inches of the soil.
Fall Cover Crop.
When you have finished with end of season cleanup, sow the cover crop seeds in your plot and lightly mulch with straw. No further care is required.
After the cover crop flowers in the spring (or you’re ready to kick off the 2025 growing season), till the cover crop into the soil. Viola! Green manure!
We have a large bag of Azomite and several pounds of cover crop seeds that are a blend of Austrian Field Peas, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch, Annual Rye, and Winter Rye in the greenhouse. Please help yourself to amend your plot!
If you're looking for azomite or cover crop seed in the greenhouse, the bags are pictured, above.
Next steps for the 2025 growing season. If you’re interested in gardening with us next year, that’s great! In December, a member of the guidance team will reach out individually to our community garden members over email, gauge their interest in the 2025 growing season, and advise on next steps. Typically, we’ll ask for a yes / no decision by the end of January. If the response if “yes,” we’ll also email an invoice and ask that plot fees be paid by the end of February. Members who wish to retain their plots the next growing season can do so in perpetuity, provided they remain current on plot fees.
Help us plan for the 2025 growing season. If you know you’re coming back next year (or not coming back), no need to wait until December, let us know now. By doing so, you give our guidance team a head start on all the great work they do in the background to maintain our shared space.
