Organic Seedlings for Backyard Garden

By Lorena S.

Michael Kerr and I went to the Sunnyside Organic Seedlings in Richmond, where we volunteered from 10am to 2pm and were allowed to take as many seedlings as we wished! We ended up bringing fragrant basil, two types of pepper plants, tomatoes (small and big), and cucumber as well! We can't wait to show them to you guys at the next meeting and hopefully we will have more of you who would like to come volunteer for an informative and relaxing day at the Sunnyside greenhouse. Plus, what's not to love about free and organic seedlings?

Backyard Garden June 21

The committee had meet at Ron's backyard, with Jenna and Lorena facilitating to determine our needs and resources to get the garden started. Master Gardeners Janet Miller and Jerris Hogue attended the meeting to help us. Janet measured out the 5-foot wide planting beds and 21-inch pathways. Jerris advised our immediate need was to have irrigation supplies. Janet advised we first need a truckload of compost for the beds, and wood chip mulch for the pathways. After getting these supplies, next is to water the soil before digging in the compost. To participate, call Jenna at 925-246-5461.

Meeting June 9

Edi Birsan announced he is looking for volunteers to his Rotary club's Gleaning project. The project collects fruit from backyard orchards to give to food banks. He is encouraging people to talk to their neighbors to find if they have fruit to donate. Email Edi for more information.

Jenna talked about her Peace Corps Urban Farming experience in Honduras and Nicaragua. Like in the U.S., people are getting disconnected from their food sources. That is they're eating less fruits and vegetables.

The pilot Backyard Garden Project now has Lorena, an AmeriCorps volunteer working with Jenna. The subcommittee will meet this month.

Michael Kerr talked about how he started the Ambrose Community Garden in Bay Point. He found land with a willing owner, and met Jerris the Master Gardener who helped a lot.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday July 14, 7 PM at the Keller House. We will have more information on the upcoming Sustainable Commercial Urban Farm Incubator (SCUFI).

Community Gardens Meeting

Wed June 9
7:00 PM

Keller House

Jenna will speak about her Peace Corps Urban Farm