Autumn’s First Blush: September Greens & Garden Scenes
August Recap
Each plot at Mid Shooks Run Community Garden tells a story of hard work, collaboration, and the shared joy of cultivating the soil. This month, we purchased and hauled over 2,000 lbs of building materials in anticipation of our garden expansion project. And in partnership with Stellina Pizza Cafe, we came together as a community to raise over $250 for the community garden and to support a local business.
As the month of August progressed, long-season crops began to make their appearance at the garden. Early in the month, the first vibrant tomatoes and cucumbers emerged from the vines, bringing renewed energy and anticipation. By the end of August, the garden was overflowing with fruits and vegetables: zucchinis, peppers, eggplant, and winter squash joined the table, creating a bounty of fresh produce. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as members shared gardening tips and swapped produce, recipes, and smiles.
September Events At A Glance
Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 14th, 2024, 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Summer Harvest Workshop
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Talks and Tastings: YouTube Edition
Thursday, September 26, 2024, 5:30 PM 7:30 PM
Shooks Run Creek Cleanup
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Ready for Harvest at the Perennial Beds
At Mid Shooks Run Community Garden, there’s something exciting coming into season every month! Here’s what you’ll find ready to harvest in August in our perennial beds:
“Little Dumpling” Acorn Squash. This acorn squash has atypical markings. To tell when it’s ready to harvest, check the stem and the skin. The skin should be hard, and it should be difficult to pierce with your fingernail. The stem will be dry and woody. To harvest, gently twist the woody part of the vine until it snaps off, being careful not to damage the vine. In addition, keep the flesh from becoming stringy by storing acorn squash in a cool (55 Fahrenheit or under), dry place. Look for acorn squash in our experimental beds (near the garden entrance) and growing along the east fence.
“Waltham” Butternut. Butternut squash is ready to harvest when the skin has turned a deep, tan color and is hard to the touch. If the skin has green markings or is easily dented with a fingernail, then it’s not ripe! The stem connecting the squash to the vine also provides clues: it should be dry, woody, and brown. Gently twist and cut the squash from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to enhance storage quality. For best flavor and to prolong storage life, make sure to cure your butternut! After harvesting, store butternut in a warm, dry area for about 10 to 14 days. Ensure good air circulation and avoid direct sunlight. Once cured, butternut squash can be stored in a cool, dark place for many months. Remember to check regularly for any signs of decay to maintain quality during storage. Look for butternut squash in our experimental beds (near the garden entrance) and growing along the east fence.
“Moranga” Pumpkin. This pumpkins is ready to be harvested when it reaches its full color: a deep orange-pink! Like other winter squash, the stem and the skin will give you clues to readiness: the stem will start to turn brown and dry out, and the skin will be difficult to mark with a fingernail. To harvest, use a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving several inches attached to the pumpkin to help prolong its storage life. Consider curing harvested pumpkins, especially if they will be stored long-term. Look for pumpkins in our experimental beds (near the garden entrance) and growing along the east fence.
A variety of flowers. These hardy perennials provide a colorful display while attracting beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Herbs like thyme, marjoram, lavender, lemon balm, tarragon, and sage are flourishing, ready to be harvested for culinary and aromatic purposes. Check out plot DD, which community gardeners can help themselves to!
Lemon cucumbers. You'll know it's time to harvest when they’re about the size of a lemon and turn from green to yellow. Don't let them turn a deep yellow or they'll be overripe and have a bitter taste. You’ll find them in the northern end of the perennial beds in the corrugated metal raised bed.
Mexican sour gherkins (AKA cucamelons). These super adorable fruits look like mini watermelons! Harvest when they are about the size of a large grape but still firm to touch by twisting or cutting the fruits from the vine. Be careful not to damage the plants! You’ll find them in the northern end of the perennial beds in the corrugated metal raised bed.
“Tidy Rose” Tomatoes. Three Tidy Rose tomato plants are nestled alongside our winter squash. You’ll find them in the experimental beds, just south of the entrance to the community garden. These compact, indeterminates don’t need staking and will continue to produce until the first frost. Enjoy!
Walking Onions. Walking onions can be harvested throughout the season. In August, the bulbets make a great shallot substitute. You can also harvest the bullets to plant in the fall so that you have your own crop of walking onions next spring!
