Seeding for Cool Crops for March

Dear Gardeners,

A great couple of videos showing what to do to get peas, spinach, lettuce, beets, spring onions and other cool crops seeded and started for this upcoming month's growth in a cool greenhouse.  Below is a second video showing how to move the seedlings outdoors). These videos are so educational and they really show you what you want to know!

Charles Dowding's Cool crops to sow in February & March (video)

Also, always of interest is Victoria's Linda Gilkeson's advice:

Seeding: This week is good timing to start seeds of vegetables that take the longest to grow to transplant size. This includes celery and celeriac, leeks and onions. I start them on a bottom heat mat and after they germinate move them to a separate, grow-light setup to make room for other seeds to germinate on the bottom heat.  Over the years I have found that there is just no point in trying to get an earlier start for veggies. Plants started too early have to live longer, usually in less-than ideal conditions (even the best light table set up is not as good as full sunlight). If veggie starts are set out too early in the spring, they can be chomped by climbing cutworms, which feed until late April, when they change into pupae. And then there is the perennial vernalization problem with early plantings of biennial plants, such as chard, onions, leeks. When these are started too early, you risk having them go to seed their first summer. Biennial plants should only grow leaves their first summer (and bulbs in the case of onions) and not flowers. Experiencing the cold chill of winter (‘vernalization’) is the signal for biennials to start producing flowers and seeds in the spring. If started really early in the season, a chilly week or two in April can fool biennial vegetables into reacting as if they experienced winter. Result: some or all or your chard, onions, leeks, etc. produce flower stalks in their first summer. <snip>

If you are getting antsy to plant something, you can experiment with biennials in case there is no cool weather in the spring, but a better bet is to plant hardy annuals, such as frost hardy lettuce, spinach, Chinese cabbage and other annual leafy greens.

For how to start seedlings indoors, see the slide presentation on my web site: “Grow Your Own Seedlings” 

Charles Dowding: Moving early sown crops outdoors under reemay (white polyester row cover). 

Early March outdoor planting (video)

AGM this Saturday

 

Note: The DIGS work party will not take place this coming Saturday morning as we will be having our AGM at 1:30 pm at the lighthouse instead. Come at 1:10pm if you wish to purchase a DIGS membership before the meeting.

 Here are last year's AGM minutes:

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DIGS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES : February 18, 2023

Number present: 20 plus 9 proxies

1. Kevin called the meeting to order at 1:30 pm.

2. Approval of the Agenda: moved by Lin seconded by Kathleen

3. Minutes of 2022 AGM: correction was made to f) under New

Business: Jurgen’s notice of motion that the maximum size of allotment bed per household be limited to a half bed effective March 1, 2023 was tabled so there was no seconder. Read and moved by Margaret to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Lin. Carried

4. Correspondence: a)Margaret read a letter from Carol M. thanking Margaret for sending her photos of the two rhodos which are planted at the front gate to the garden commemorating her husband Mike. b) Kevin read a letter from the Parks Board Manager, pertaining to noise levels that might disturb nesting eagles nearby.

5. Business arising from the minutes. – None

6. Treasurer’s Annual Report: read by Veronica who moved to have her report accepted as read. Lin seconded. Carried

7. Allotment Coordinator’s Report: presented by Jurgen 1) He mentioned the sad passing of Linda Irvine, a long time member of DIGS, last year. At her husband, Jim’s request, everyone of the allotment bed waiting list were given the opportunity to grow something in the Irvine’s allotment bed. 2) One bed was overgrown with invasive plants.  This was dealt with. 3) Some beds are opening up to accommodate some on the waiting list. 4) Currently there are 23 gardeners with a bed.

8. President’s Report: read by Jim 

1) We are back into our regular routine after 2 years of covid. 

2) Little Diggers will be starting in April on Sundays.

3) Events taking place this year: May 13 – Plant Sale; June 17-Dessert Auction; September 8 th and 9 th – Fall Fair; Dec. – Garlic Braid Raffle. 

4) The adult work party will still meet on Saturday  

5) The Parks Board have set aside $10K for a greenhouse and $5000 to restore the rotting wood on the raised beds. Jim will be speaking on DIGS behalf at a City Finance Meeting in April to formerly request funding for these two issues.

6) DIGS is still waiting for approval from the Parks Board of new boundaries for the garden.

9. Directors for 2023-24: President: Jim H. Secretary: Margaret H. Treasurer: Veronica Z. Directors: Jane F., Mike G., David E., Jurgen G.

10 New Business: 1) Veronica moves that the asparagus be dug up this spring and sold at the Plant Sale to free up the beds for other uses. Seconded by Jurgen. Carried. 2) Jurgen moved to increase the allotment bed for allotment beds from $10 to $15 for a 1/3 bed, from $15 to $25 fir a ½ bed and from $30 to $50 for a full bed beginning at the start of the 2023 season. Seconded by Corinne

Discussion: a) Marla supports raising fees to allow more movement from leased beds b) Lin supports fees being raised but wonders why fees are only raised slightly. c) Barry proposed an amendment to the motion to allow low income residents not being prevented from getting a bed because of the increased fees. Kathleen seconded this amendment. Carried. d) Jim suggested that potentially 3 more beds could be added to the garden but built with another material other than wood to cut done on costs e) Veronica opposed the fee increase. She proposes to put the fee money for allotment beds in a reserve fund for bed replacements and repairs. This and the City’s input of $500 will be enough to cover the costs of refurbishing 2 beds a year. A vote was taken on Jurgen’s amended motion. Carried.

3) Jurgen moved that the maximum allotment bed per household be limited to a ½ bed effective March 1, 2023. Kathleen seconded. Discussion: a) Kevin said that we have to honour previous commitments. Beds have been grandfathered by the constitution and it would take a 2/3 majority to change the wording of the constitution. b) Jim pointed out that the wording in the DIGS constitution states that the only reasons an allotment bed holder would have to give up their bed is if they did not pay their fees on time or they did not clear weeds from their plot. He also said that there would always be a waiting list and that you cannot remove existing bed leasers so that those on the waiting list be given a bed. The motion failed.

 4) Veronica moved that all allotment bed fees be held in a reserve fund for future bed replacement and repairs and, further, that this takes place retroactive to 2021 with funds totalling $720.00 transferred from General Revenue. Seconded by Lin. Motion carried. 

5) Jane moved that in order to be placed on the waiting list for an allotment bed it is expected that the applicant has worked in the community garden on a regular basis for a least a year. Veronica seconded. Discussion: Ann opposed this saying allotment bed holders water and mow the lawn which is a contribution to the communal garden. Kevin opposed the motion saying that he sees the allotment beds and the communal beds as 2 separate entities. Motion failed. 

6)Corinne moved that a space in the garden be provide for the propagation of native plants. Barry – seconded. Discussion: Jim mentioned that he has a plan to provide a space behind the garden fence. Motion carried. 

7) Kevin moved the DIGS directors complete an annual review of DIGS finances and, based on that review, bring to the membership at the AGM in the form of two separate motions their recommendations for the membership dues and allotment bed fees for the upcoming year. Marla seconded. Motion carried.

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Allotment Guidelines & Rules

DIGS Allotment Guidelines & Rules

MISSION STATEMENT: Our purpose is to create a self - regulating community garden on Protection Island that will promote organic gardening, contribute to community development, foster positive social interaction and increase environmental awareness.

1. Registration Fees and Allotment Reservation

A. Each island resident is entitled to lease a plot if space is available. As of February 28, 2017 allotment lease holders must be a current DIGS member.

B. Annual allotment fees are full $30 per plot or $15 per half lot or $10 for a third of a plot. These fees are non refundable.

C. The fee includes frugal use of water and soil amendments (fertilizers). Compost including seaweed and leaves from the community garden supply is for the communal beds only.

D. Allotment leases are good for one year (March 1 to February 28). DIGS reserves the right to change location and availability of allotments in future years. DIGS  reserves the right to refuse to rent allotments if there is just cause.

E. Allotments leases are to be renewed and signed annually by March 1. Reminders will be emailed to current gardeners at the beginning of each calendar year. Plots  will become available to those on the wait list if any lease holders have not signed  and paid the fee by March 1

F. Allotments must be cleared of weeds by April 1. Failure to do so will result in the plot being reassigned to another gardener.

G. If, for any reason, a renter finds that they cannot care for their garden, they are require  to notify the allotment coordinator and make arrangements for the care of their garden during their absence. The care giver needs to be made aware of all the guidelines concerning the allotment beds including mowing and watering duties. If the lease holder’s absence extends beyond one year his/her case will be reviewed by the allotment coordinator. If the lease holder is unable to complete watering and/or mowing duties he/she must discuss this with the allotment coordinator.

2. Wait List 

Any Protection Island resident can be on the wait list for an allotment bed as long as they are a member of DIGS. As a full bed becomes available it will be divided in half and the gardeners in the overflow bed will get first option to take a lease on ½ of the bed.

3. Watering:

The rental fee includes the frugal use of water. A gardener must remain in the community garden while his/her garden is being watered. Gardeners must monitor  their water to avoid flooding of or her plot and neighbouring beds.

4. Planting Restrictions

A. Only organic methods of growing are permitted - no manufactured chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. Gardeners using these items will lose their gardening privileges.

B. No trees are allowed because of shade and root problems.

C. No invasive species (eg. bamboo, scotch broom, purple loose-strife)

D. Care must be taken with hard to eradicate plants such as bindweed and berry vines. If not kept in check they may be treated as weeds.

E. Tall plants can only be planted where they will not shade neighbouring plots.

5. Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in the garden area. This is a safety issue and a means of preventing the spread of the tobacco mosaic virus.

6. Weeds and Trash

It is the gardener's responsibility to control the weeds and trash in their own plots and adjacent pathways and to clear their plot of trellis and staking material, plastic mulching, and plant debris when not in use.

7. Rebar

Exposed rebar is not allowed for staking or trellising for safety reasons.

8. Pets

Pets are not allowed in the garden.

9. Storage

Storage on site for gardener's tools or supplies will not be provided. Gardeners must pack what they need in and out.

10. Gates 

Gardeners are asked to close and latch all gates when leaving to keep the deer out.

11. Compost and Garbage

A refuse bin (for non organic garbage), a closed or sealed compostbin (for fruits and other organic foodstuffs) and an open compost bin (for leaves, stem and root material) will be available on site. Gardeners are encouraged to recycle their garden wastes in those compost bins.

12. Harvesting

No one may pick another gardener's crop unless he/she has been given permission by that plot user.

13. Cooperation and Community

A. In addition to the annual fee gardeners are requires to make a contribution of their time by participating in the following communal tasks:

i) grass cutting – each allotment lease holder will be required to cut the grass and trim edges of the whole garden (inside and out) for an assigned one week period;

ii) watering – each allotment lease holder will be required to water the communal beds as needed during an assigned one week period;

iii) construction tasks and maintenance tasks;

iv) Lease holders are encouraged to attend weekly work party meetings to contribute in discussing issues pertaining to the garden.

B. Conflicts or concerns with other gardeners over gardening matters should be resolved as follows: Step 1. Discuss resolution of the conflict by directly contacting the other party. A resolution must be within the existing rules. If that is not successful..... Step 2. Contact the allotment coordinator for mediation. If that is not successful… Step 3. The mediator and/or the complainant will bring the issue to the weekly work party and request their help in finding a resolution. If that is not successful … Step 4. A binding decision will be made by the executive. If either party is not satisfied with the decision… Step 5. the matter can be brought to the AGM for the membership to make a final decision.

14. Privacy of Personal Information

All information collected on registration forms will be compiled in a database accessible only to the executive and will be kept confidential. This information will not be lent, rented or sold.

15. Subletting:

The leased bed is to be used as a garden by the lease holder and may not be loaned or sublet except as decided in section 1. G

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These rules will be reviewed annually and may be improved.