Raised Bed Workshop

I will be out in the garden on Saturday, March 20th at 12pm to assist anyone who wants to build a raised bed.

There's lot's of ways to build both, but if you need some guidance, here is a list of materials to purchase for a very simple design.

* please not that some of these items have been updated from the last post

Raised bed:

• two 4' long pieces of 2"x6" 2'x8' or 2"x12" untreated wood. ( treated wood is highly inadvisable because it releases toxic chemicals into the food you are growing)
• two 6' long pieces of 2"x6" 2x 6" or 2"x 12" untreated wood
• four large "L" shaped brackets and screws
• Box of 3-1/8" nails
• Hammer

Mini-Hoop House

• three 6' or 10' long 1/2" PVC pipes
• 12 pipe mounting brackets ( must fit your pvc pipes) and screws
• enough clear plastic drop cloth or hoophouse cover to fit over your hoops( let me know if you are interested on going in on a roll together)
• giant binder clips (not found at hardware stores)
  

Other useful Materials

• a power drill if you have one - I'm bringing one, but it would be nice to have more than one.
• a level

That's it. Easy as pie! If you have any questions about this feel free to email me. If you bring this list to the hardware store they can probably help you pick up everything you need.

Also check out these links for ideas

Hoop Houses:

this one give you a picture of the pipe brackets that I mentioned in the list
http://www.dropstonefarms.com/2009/04/on-hoophouses/

http://www.agrowingtradition.com/2009/10/building-mini-hoop-houses.html

Raised Beds:

http://organicgardening.about.com/od/startinganorganicgarden/a/raisedbed.htm

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/bed~const.html

Seed Bonanza!

CLICK FOR SEED REQUEST FORM

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Due to the inclement weather and the disruption of mail service, the deadline for dues and paperwork is extended until FEBRUARY 19, 2010. Please remember to turn in your:

1) Garden Contract
2) Waiver - All individuals including children, must have a signed waiver on file.
3) Photo release
4) Check, money order, or cash for dues ($60 per family)Your check will not be cashed until we confirm your space in the garden.

There are still spaces available, but keep in mind that plot assignment is first-come first-serve.

Forms are available on the blog

Enjoy the snow!

Quick Recap

We had a great first meeting of the year! It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and to see so many new faces. Here is a very brief recap of the meeting. If you are on the email list, you'll recieve the meeting minutes. To get on the email list send an email to frederickgardeners@gmail.com

1. Fees will be $60 a family. Please remember that we do not wish to exclude anyone based on cost. The fee can be adjusted or waived if there is a demonstrated need.

2. Board Member elections were held last night. The results are as follows:

President: Karen Buchsbaum
Secretary: Mary Lou Reidy and Pam Bell
Treasurer: Eli Roth
At-large: Nancy Lewis
At-large: Kara Sheehy
At-large: Julie Hayn

Thanks to everyone who graciously accepted leadership positions.

3. Groundhog control: We will be hiring a wildlife removal service to trap and remove the groundhogs before they have babies. If you know of anyone who can provide this service at a reduced rate, please let us know!

Don't forget to get your applications in as soon as you can.Space is limited!

Thats it for now. The countdown to spring begins...