Saturday, March 28, 2020

Shelter-in-Place at the Garden


Winter crops protected from wildlife with a mesh screen.

The Winter Screen Scene

     Happy Spring 2020 from RWCEG! During the Shelter-in-Place restrictions on our community due to the Covid-19 virus, it is sure nice to have a safe and beautiful place in the outdoors like RWCEG to visit. To be clear, the pictures shown above were the winter season crops grown in Bed 1 (the wicking bed). From front to back, our gardeners grew carrots, violas (an edible flower similar to pansies), many varieties of lettuce, spinach, kale, fennel, chocolate mint, coconut geranium, cabbage, broccoli, and a forest of sugar snap peas. You may notice the green mesh screen cover draped over the white hoops. This screen was added to keep wildlife from eating the plants; especially the broccoli that was eaten several times during the fall. After our third time re-planting the broccoli, we added the screen barrier out of desperation. Prior to adding the screen, we had tried using motion detecting ultrasonic pest repellers. Unfortunately, they proved to be ineffective, so adding the cumbersome screen was our next preventative measure against pests. We made the screen such that is could easily be lifted up on the sides to allow gardeners to water and harvest the plants. Although working with the screen was cumbersome at times, it did do a much better job of protecting the crops. We hope to remove the screen as we transition to spring crops.

Bragging Broccoli

A broccoli with a super sized floret crown.

     Although we struggled to grow broccoli at RWCEG this past season, Evan and I were much more successful with growing them at home. The picture above shows one "super broc" we managed to grow. An advantage we have at the home garden is it is in an enclosed "garden house" made of the same green mesh.

The Red Wiggler Roundup

Multilevel worm composter
Red Wiggler worms in their slurry in composter


     A new addition to RWCEG is our Worm Farm! Around Christmas time, Evan decided he wanted to revive an abandoned Worm Composter. As shown above and to the left, a Worm Composter is made of several stacked bins, each with a mesh bottom. The mesh allows for worms to pass to different levels of the composter. As one level becomes depleted of food, they move to the next level. Worms typically used for composting are red wigglers (Eisenia fetida). They appear similar to earthworms (aka nightcrawers), but they are a bit smaller and redder in appearance. The advantage of red wigglers is they can eat and digest rotting organic material from the surface of the soil while earthworms eat already-composted soil that is deep underground. After digesting, these worms "poop out" material called worm castings. There are many benefits of worm castings. They contain minerals such as concentrated nitrates, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Castings are considered organic fertilizer that can increase a plant’s yield, protect both soil and plants from diseases, and help the soil retain moisture.

     After Evan received a batch of mail order red wigglers, he introduced them to their new multilevel home. To feed them, he made a slurry by blending up news papers (which is rich in carbon), coconut coir, and raw compostable materials such as leaves, and fruit & vegetable food scraps. The worms were placed into the slurry in one of the levels of their composter housing. Over time, the worms eventually moved to a new level for fresh slurry once they had finished consuming from the initial level. The spent level, now full of worm castings, has been mixed in with the soil we are using for Spring planting. We will let you know if we notice a difference in the how the plants grow with this nutritious supplement.

Winter Harvesting and Spring Planting

Ava with her garden salad harvest

Evan standing next to his bamboo trellis masterpiece built with scout skills.

     As Winter came to a close, we had several good harvests. Above is garden-girl, Ava, showing off one of her harvests of peas and carrots. We estimate the winter pea vines produced about 200 pea pods. Ava made several great salads with her family after harvesting lettuces, peas, and carrots each week at the garden throughout the latter weeks of winter.

     More recently we have planted a variety of potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, nasturtium, many varieties of beans, and yes, more snap peas. Later in the season, we will plant tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. Since our pea vines always out grow our tomato cages and 5 ft. back trellises, Evan and I built a 9 ft. high trellis with bamboo and twine. We used our Scout Skills to lash together the bamboo rods with the twine. The newly planted peas have already grabbed the lower rungs of the string lattice with their tendrils. We hope our next picture will show the pea vines reaching the top! We will report back on our garden happenings at the end of the Spring season. In the meantime, from the RWCEG community, stay safe and healthy. During the Covid Crisis, please practice social distancing from other people, but remember, your plants still need your caring touch to thrive!

Posted by Glenn Starnes;  a RWCEG caretaker

379 comments:

  1. Excellent, informative garden news & pics!!! A sunny spot of how to grow your own fresh, nutritious food - benefits emphasized by this scary covid-19 pandemic. Thanks for all you do!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..

    เกมบาคาร่าออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete

  3. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..

    visit PokerClub88

    ReplyDelete
  4. Royalgreen Hotline 61008187. Get Direct Developer Price, Discounts, Floor Plan, E-Brochure, Balance Unit & More. New Freehold Bukit Timah Condo next to MRT.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Aveniby GuocoLand. Hotline 61008187. Get Discount, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List & More. Former Pacific Mansion at River Valley.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Best Article top sex medicine awesome post. I really appreciate this website. Mainly this website great for sex medicine and it's really helpful for better sex even also great loves makes you more comfortable and confident. So I really prefer you to buy this pills from the website.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..

    visit PokerClub88

    ReplyDelete
  8. Don't compromise on quality. essayplanet homework helpers can service all your academic needs perfectly.
    academic helper

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks a lot for sharing .
    Did you know ? Pomsky is a designer breed of dog that is a hybrid of the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky. Adorable Pomsky puppies have attracted a lot of attention recently and made them one of the most popular breeds of 2017.
    Best Online Pet Adoption : Cavapoo Puppies For Sale : Australian Shepherd Puppies Below $200 : Available Maltipoo Puppies Online : Where To Buy Golden Retriever Puppies Online

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi
    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. I am Really very happy to say that this post is very interesting and informative to read.
    https://globalasiaprintings.com/corporate-gifts/
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete

  11. This article's content is really unique and amazing. This article really helpful and explained very well. So I am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..

    casey reinhardt

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, your blog is amazing. I feel happy after visting your blog. thanks for sharing such type of info. keep it continue and share some other amazing tips and tricks kinemaster mod fname without watermarkc

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice post. I really enjoyed to read this post if you want read more click here utah seo services

    ReplyDelete
  14. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..
    lucas asher
    lucas asher
    lucas asher
    lucas asher
    lucas asher

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice post. I really enjoyed to read this post if you want read more click here cbd oil

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow! I must commend this writer highly!
    This is a very informative and detailed post, thanks, I'd surely bookmark your website 😊😉😃.
    Review Mr

    Fiverr Review

    Harmonweb Review
    Inforib Review

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for a really awesome blog. It was actually very helpful. I am so happy I found this

    ReplyDelete
  18. hi, there is no doubt that you always shared good content and it is one of them. Keep doing your best.
    https://www.mazzaleen.com/
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. Newsone12.com will give you all about skin care tips in urdu/hindi.
    I will provide u skincare remedies that will give u instnat result without any side effects.
    At Newsone12.com i will upload an 100% natural remedies about skin care.
    Everyone like clear skin, flawlwss skin, spotless skin, crystal skin and fresh skin will help u to make your skin younger, glowing and beautiful skin by these natural and effective remdies, tips in urdu/hindi. Beauty Tips in urdu

    ReplyDelete
  20. Golden goose sneakers sale


    Dear Admin!
    I want to tell you. I am new on your website. You are an extremely hardworking person. I have never seen every person is a hardworking man. But you’re doing the best job on this article. I have collected much information through your article. So I appreciate your effort.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. This blog is really interesting. please check my Blog site.
    We are sharing all celebrity biography and net worth, celebrity age.
    celebrity height, celebrity Instagram, celebrity boyfriends,
    celebrity wiki, celebrity bio, celebrity weight, Etc.

    A fantastic job is done. I just loved your work here. Lovely. I visited your blog for the first time.
    celebrity biography

    Happy Blogging

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am a new user of this site so here i saw multiple articles and posts posted by this site, I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  24. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  25. I was extremely satisfied to discover this site.I needed to thank you for this incredible read !! I certainly getting a charge out of each and every piece of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff you pos
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  26. I read a article under the same title some time ago, but this articles quality is much, much better. How you do this
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  27. Extremely inspired! Everything is extremely open and clear illumination of issues. It contains really certainties. Your site is extremely important. Much obliged for sharing.
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice story. It's good that they have made something like these. This looks a whole lot better to me.
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  29. I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! very useful!
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am a new user of this site so here i saw multiple articles and posts posted by this site, I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles next articles
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  32. I was extremely satisfied to discover this site.I needed to thank you for this incredible read !! I certainly getting a charge out of each and every piece of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new stuff you pos stuff you pos
    Click
    here for
    more
    info

    ReplyDelete
  33. You have a good point here! I totally agree with what you have said !! Thanks for sharing your views ... hope more people will read this article ! read this article!
    Click
    here for
    more info

    ReplyDelete
  34. At Marketing Pro Tech, you will find the varieties of marketing products, quality, and lowest price in the industry. That will allow you to increase your bottom line and grow fast.

    ReplyDelete
  35. At Marketing Pro Tech, you will find the varieties of marketing products, quality, and lowest price in the industry. That will allow you to increase your bottom line and grow fast.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great post. Thanks for sharing such a information.
    Check out My blog

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks to the author for sharing this awesome content with us.
    I have a small Nepali Jokes,Nepali News & Nepali Radio App please download and give your suggestion.

    ReplyDelete
  38. mobile phone features, Authorized Dealer, Store Location, Price, etc.
    mobile price in bangladesh

    ReplyDelete
  39. Very interesting, good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog. Your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up. Check This Out
    Best Kitchen Faucets

    ReplyDelete
  40. Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself
    to say something about it. i am Really very happy to say that this post is very interesting
    to read.

    You’re doing a great job Man, Keep it up.
    I blog at
    Best motivational speaker in the Africa

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for sharing a very nice blog post amazing.
    Gaming Grave

    ReplyDelete
  43. Very interesting, suitable job and thanks for sharing such a precise blog. Your article is so convincing that I by no means end myself to say some thing about it. You’re doing a extraordinary job. Keep it up.
    used cars in pakistan
    buy a cars in pakistan
    toyota aqua vs honda fit
    toyota vitz specifications
    suzuki alto specifications
    honda civic generations
    porsche sports car

    ReplyDelete
  44. Good write-up. zzzoomer I certainly love this website. Stick with it!

    ReplyDelete
  45. AAs per your blog, it is helping me to find a better option. Your all postings are really important for me because of the information provided by
    office com setup
    you maybe you have done a lot of research on it that is why it is too accurate for everyone

    ReplyDelete
  46. ZeivaPro UV-C Sanitizer Box makes it possible to destroy more than 99% percent of bacteria and viruses without the use of chemicals, not causing secondary pollution, thus protecting your family with the innovation UV Light Sanitizer

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information. Nice post sharing. Thank you for your analysis. Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Keep it up...

    No more waste time to searching #HDimages, #PCwallpaper, #smartphone_wallpaper, #socialmedia_banner, #socialmedia_image_post, #natureHDimages, and many more awesome pictures. Just visit All Awesome Pictures Only For Love Hearts and choose your best choice.
    All Awesome Pictures Only For Love Hearts
    All Awesome Pictures Only For Love Hearts
    All Awesome Pictures Only For Love Hearts

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nice gardening site, when you have free time Latest Remote Jobs

    ReplyDelete

  49. A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should publish more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but usually people don't talk about such issues. To the next! Many thanks!!viablequran.com

    ReplyDelete

  50. I'd like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. I'm hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own site now ;)
    I'm very pleased to find this page. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to look at new things on your web site.viablequran.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I truly thought you would probably have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.learn quran online

    ReplyDelete
  52. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up..

    Loyalty records

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi there! This article could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I'll forward this post to him. Pretty sure he'll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!learn quran online

    ReplyDelete
  54. I used to be able to find good advice from your blog articles.viablequran.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Wonderful post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.Wonderful post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.

    ReplyDelete
  56. That is a great tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate info… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
    marketing consulting

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for this important and usefull post, keep writing this type blog post,

    This portable baby car tray will carry everything you would like to tug off a successful diaper change, beat one mini carry pouch, with a cute red wipes case included to offer your baby extra comfort, the top section has been padded with a pillow.

    The toys on this list will challenge kids to think and expand their minds while having fun. We selected a number of the simplest children repair tool toys, from qualityshopalways picks to big kid gadgets, which will get your kids doing everything.

    Buy bubble machine for children from qualityshopalways, When your kids are within the mood for bubbles this summer, don not think that you simply need to run out and by a jug of homemade bubble mix and a plastic wand.

    This wooden number counting puzzles for kids from qualityshopalways asks kids to match numbers and shapes to a train car. With numerous things to seem for and do, this puzzle is great for developing number recognition, counting, and shape sorting.

    ReplyDelete
  58. That's a really interesting blog related to gardening. I myself love gardening. loved your blog.
    WordPress Design Agency

    ReplyDelete
  59. " Chairs Accent | High quality chairs buying guides and Reviews
    Chairs Accent A place to get honest and unbiased review on chairs from dedicated experts, visit our site and make an informed purchase of your new chair.
    "

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thanks for this great article, I really enjoyed it from beginning to ending because this is very interesting.

    professional web design services

    ReplyDelete
  61. Chairs Accent | High quality chairs buying guides and Reviews Chairs Accent A place to get honest and unbiased review on chairs from dedicated experts, visit our site and make an informed purchase of your new chair.

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is really nice blog or wix is really good plateform for makeing blogging or other type website. Thx one again.

    Buy property online india

    ReplyDelete
  63. This is an awesome post. Really very informative and creative contents. This concept is a good way to enhance knowledge. I like it and help me to development very well. Thank you for this brief explanation and very nice information.
    Visit more Riigames.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Meticore Advanced Diet Pills Supplement for Weight Loss Burn Capsules Extra Strength Metabolism Weight Loss Supplement Capsules. https://bit.ly/3opIWnp

    ReplyDelete
  65. https://crackieseo.com.ng
    This for the info provided in this article

    ReplyDelete

  66. It’s hard to come by experienced people about this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
    onlineclassesforkids

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thank you for sharing, and nice articles you have here buy painkillers online moreover the admin of this site has really worked hard for all this once more thanks for sharing your articles.We decided that the "stroad" bike lane on Delaware Ave was not good for families so we used the river route to the park.
    mobile price in bd

    ReplyDelete
  68. Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up.mobile price in bd

    ReplyDelete
  69. Thanks for right unique information about this topic.My all curiosity on this topic now cleared.I am waiting for your next valuable contain informative post.You can checkout anytime our website at mobile price in bd

    ReplyDelete
  70. Much appreciated you all Larning card company for kids that much to share these connections. Will look at this..

    ReplyDelete
  71. Thanks a lot sharing such a useful information with us. I have found some other blogs with related to your information please check on Livejournal, Blogspot, Wix, Tumblr, WordPress & Weebly. Hope you like this and please keep sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... shelters

    ReplyDelete
  73. Glad to see your article that's great.
    https://crackvip.com/nch-clickcharts-pro-crack/

    ReplyDelete
  74. This article content is really unique and amazing.This article really helpful and explained very well.So i am really thankful to you for sharing keep it up.Clik Here For More Information...mobile price in bd

    ReplyDelete