Thank you and congratulations to all the gardeners who turned out on Saturday, May 3 for our annual spring cleanup! Great community spirit! Planting is underway and we invite you to visit the garden and see all the different things popping up. There are a few remaining plots if anyone is interested. Visit us under extras on the NHCA website.
We are launching a new initiative this year. We have freed up four garden plots for produce for the community. Starting in late June all community members are welcome to the produce. It will be available for pickup on Thursdays at 3:00 pm. First come first serve. First pickings will be lettuces and other greens.
Garden Tip
Use an Olla to create a simple water irrigation system in your garden.
An Olla is an unglazed terracotta pot that usually narrows to a small neck at the opening. This allows for the whole thing to be buried underground with the neck sticking out so it can be filled with water periodically. It has been used for centuries in Latin America to water in very hot and arid conditions. This system ensures that the intended water for plants gets directly where it is going, with little to no evaporative loss of that water.
Most garden centres now sell Ollas but there is a way to make one easily yourself. Get two small or medium sized unglazed clay pots. First seal the bottom drain hole in one of the pots. Then glue the two rims together end to end. Test your pot to ensure all the seals are holding water! Then, bury the pot with only the one open hole left out of the soil. Fill with water and cover that hole with the saucer that came with the pots! The cover will stop water from evaporating or allowing mosquitos to enter.
Your Olla will slowly distribute water to the surrounding area. You should check it every few days to start to understand at what interval you should refill.
For visuals and a more step-by-step guide to making your own Olla, see link below: How to Make DIY Olla Pots – SproutedGarden.com.
Happy watering wisely!
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