Updates, thank yous and a plea

It's been another busy week.  Red, white and blue corn, beans and flowers have been planted.

We get so many questions about the garden, so the basic information was posted on this sign:  This is a trial garden with all produce going to local food pantries.  Volunteer hours are 8 - 10 am on Tues. and Sat.

Thanks to the Cumberland/North Yarmouth Lions Club for the $100 donation.  Also to Greg Fowler for bringing us a load of hay mulch--the plants are growing, but so are the weeds, so we'll be getting the mulch down as soon as possible.

Finally, a plea from our hard working volunteers. . .We encourage everyone to visit the garden, but PLEASE do your best to keep your dog from coming into the garden.  While we are looking into better solutions, we ask that everyone try to keep their dogs from breaking through the fence.  We love seeing dogs romp through the park, but not trampling plants.  THANK YOU!

Are we Nuts?

Things are busy in the garden!  Last week, a group of students planted peanuts--yes you can grow peanuts in Maine (or at least try).  And seeds that were put in a few weeks ago are sprouting--melons, cucumbers, potatoes, etc.  Sunflowers have been planted around the fence border so we are hoping for lots of tall flowers later in the summer.  

This Saturday (June 25th) we are holding open volunteer time from 9 am to 11 am for anyone interested --bring the kids along.  We'll be planting (and watering if we don't have a good soaking rain before then).

Planting Begins -- At Last!!!

(left to right):  Karyn Marden, her daughter Katherine (a fabulous helper!), and Karen Gallati


After 2 plant sale/fundraisers and lots of hard work in prepping the 60 x 60 garden, we were finally able to start planting on Saturday and Sunday.  The fencing around the garden will go up this week.   


While it wasn't great weather for the beach, it was pretty good for planting.  So far we've put in lots of varieties of tomatoes, along with marigolds and peppers.  Karyn went back today (Sunday) and planted lots of winter squash and pumpkin seeds:t four hills each of Boston Marrow, Blue Hubbard, Indian Long Pie, Casper White pumpkin, Wyatt's Giant pumpkin, Winter Luxury squash, Waltham Butternut, and New England pie. Several rows of potatoes also went in.


A big thanks to Greg Fowler for plowing, and to the town employees who erected the cedar posts for the fence (a big job!) and installed our water line.  


Three final notes for today:  1)  please consider making a donation to the garden or asking your church, civic groups and friends to support this effort.  Remember--everything we grow is for the food pantry.    The town of Cumberland is all set up to accept donations for the garden (info on sidebar).  2)  follow our progress by submitting your email address (right top of blog) so you'll get updates in your email.  3)  volunteer some time to help out--there's a lot to do!  Contact Karyn Marden if you're interested.  THANK YOU!!