The Butler Organic Community Garden

Garden Plot Payments Due February 7th

2012-01-31T11:23:00.001-05:00

Hello Gardeners,

I just want to remind all of you that the payments for your garden plot need to be dropped off at 220B Halsey Street by the evening of February 7th or your plot may be made available to those on the waiting list. Make sure all checks are made out the "The Butler Housing Committee".

If you should have any questions, please contact Abigail or Khirika.

NE Organic Farming Association Winter Conference at PU this weekend

2012-01-27T15:38:00.006-05:00

Cultivating Change: Growing the Organic Food Movement

Princeton University - Friend Center, Princeton, NJ

Saturday & Sunday, January 28 - 29, 2012

Sorry for the short notice, but I just found out about this myself. This weekend's Northeast Organic Farming Association's winter conference may be of interest to gardeners. I have heard that admission is free for PU students, although I don't see that corroborated on the website anywhere. The program looks like there will be some very cool sessions.

Garden Sign-ups are complete!

2012-01-24T11:54:00.004-05:00

Welcome, new Butler Organic Gardeners! We have been able to assign plots to everyone who requested one- please see the updated map, above. You will be receiving an email soon about garden rules, plot fees, posting to the blog, and so on. The returning gardeners voted against having the University come plow this year, so you're welcome to start digging in the dirt as soon as the weather warms up (or even earlier, if you're very hardy).

The last remaining plot, 19b, flooded quite badly last year. We believe the problem with the pump is resolved, but, just in case, we chose to assign it last. If you have any intrepid friends who would like to take a chance on gardening there, let us know. We usually get some late inquiries from new students, so it will probably be taken over at some point.

Watch your inbox for an email from Khirika soon, and, again, welcome!

2012 Garden Sign-up for prospective gardeners

2012-01-16T21:29:00.004-05:00

Prospective Butler Organic Gardeners!

New plot sign up will take place on this blog on Friday, 1/20, at 8 am. A blog post with an embedded form will go live at that time.

We will ask for your name, contact information, and plot size and location preference. Plots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and we routinely "sell out" of spaces, so set an alarm clock. Gardeners who are not granted a plot will be placed on the waiting list for plots that become available during the season.

Garden dues ($10 for a half plot, $20 for a full plot) will be collected in the next month. This money goes to buy and maintain garden tools and equipment. If you have any questions, please contact one of the garden coordinators.

Renewing Your Plot

2012-01-09T15:44:00.001-05:00

Hello Gardeners,

Check your e-mail to renew your plot for the 2012 gardening season. Please get these filled out and submitted as soon as you can so that we can then open available plots for new gardeners. For those of you waiting to see if you can get a garden plot for 2012, sign ups will begin at 8:00am on January 20th. Check back here on the blog for more information (plots available, where to sign up) in the coming days.

Look forward to gardening with all of you this year.

Khirika

Ready for Winter...?

2011-11-12T17:06:00.006-05:00

The large Mantis composter has been fixed and is ready for use again! While swapping out parts, we found a few things that just don't seem to break down well... spoons and knives, for example. Plastic bags, even "compostable" ones, also don't compost in our non-industrial system. Please refrain from trying to compost bags and/or flatware in the future.

We also removed and drained the hoses to store for winter and raked up a bunch of leaves for the "dry material" bin.

Think about spending one of these short, gorgeous fall days cleaning up your plot for next season, maybe even planting some fall crops.

Photo from flickr user "life is good (pete)."

Large Composter is Broken

2011-10-31T16:41:00.002-04:00

The 2-sided tumbler composter (brown) is broken. Please do not add any food scraps to this composter, as the handle has broken off and it can not presently be turned. It's okay to use the smaller "Tumbleweed" (green) while we deal with this problem. We are, as usual, short on dry material, but fallen leaves make GREAT dry material, so if you add a few handfuls of those with your vegetable scraps that works really well.

Fall has arrived

2011-10-06T10:25:00.002-04:00

Gardeners, it's decorative gourd season!
You might enjoy this article from today's New York Times about competitive pumpkin growing. Locally, Terhune Orchards has pick-your-own apples and pumpkins well into the fall. The Butler Garden is still going strong; I've noticed some of you are planting fall greens, etc, for the cooler weather. We'll organize a "garden clean-up" event to pull out cages and pre-winterize when it gets a little closer to the end of the season.

Composter & Fallen Trees

2011-09-29T09:12:00.002-04:00

Hello Gardeners,

I just wanted to update you on a few issues in the garden. We have have been trying to get more dry material for the composter for over a week now, and just got confirmation that more dry material will be dropped off today. Hooray! Hopefully we will be able to get the compost that is currently "working" to dry out a little. I apologize that this has taken a bit of time to resolve.

The other issue I wanted to address was the tree(s) that was broken during or around the time of Hurricane Irene that now hangs over some of the plots in the back of the garden. Please use extreme caution when out in that area of the garden. I have shared a few e-mails with the grounds department about my concern for a safe gardening environment. The issue now is that the ground is too saturated with water for them to get the heavy equipment back there that is necessary for the removal of these trees. They have assured me that they will get back there to remove unsafe trees/branches as soon as it is safe for them to operate in that area.

I will update you on the situation as I know more. Please feel free to reach out to me or Abigail if there are any other garden issues that need to be addressed.

Just an Update

2011-07-25T13:30:00.002-04:00

Hello Gardeners,

I just wanted to update you all and let you know that any available/unused plots will be distributed later today. Also, we have added a couple of hose racks at each end of the garden, please make sure that hoses are hung up after each use.

At the end of the garden farthest from the shed, the leaking hose and sprayer have been replaced. A trench was dug to try and funnel the standing water away from the faucet. Wood chips have been laid to hopefully create a dry pathway to and from the water faucet.

Please let Abigail or I know if there are any hose, fencing, compost, shed issues that need attention.

Hopefully everyone is having a wonderful season!

Khirika

Finally Gardening

2011-06-06T16:50:00.003-04:00

Hello Gardeners,

I just wanted to update you and let you know that Abigail and I are aware that we have been short on dry material for the composters and are doing everything we can to get more dropped off from the grounds department.

Also, wanted to remind you to feel free to use this blog as a way of communicating with your fellow gardeners. Especially as summer is getting underway, and vacation plans finally come together, use the blog to ask fellow gardeners to water your plants as you are out, or offer up extra veggies that may go to waste if not donated.

Remember that we can/will donate any fruits or veggies that cannot be consumed to the local Trenton Food Bank, please just contact Khirika for more information.

Let Abigail and I know if there is anything we can do to help you this gardening season.

Organic Seedlings Available!

2011-05-06T09:47:00.002-04:00

This note came in from a previous Butler Gardener:

Hi,
I'm the spouse of a grad student, and an organic farmer. I started gardening in Butler, and it led to a career change -just wanted to let the Butler Garden community know that organic, heirloom starter plants are available locally.

Organic Tomato, Eggplant, Pepper Plants - $3 ea. or Mix n Match 4 / $10
Organic Potted Basil $2.50

Heirloom Tomatoes: Moskvich, Cherokee Purple, Pink Brandywine, Paul Robeson, German Green, and Peace Vine Cherry tomato
Standard Tomatoes: New Girl, Rutgers, Sun Gold Cherry
Heirloom Eggplant: Rosa Bianca, Black Beauty
Standard Peppers: Jalapeño
Basil Varieties: Italian Basil, Thai Basil and Sacred Basil

Starting May 19th I will be selling these Thursdays at the downtown Princeton Farmers Market, and this Saturday (May 7th) from 1-4pm at a special 1- day event at Mrs.Gees on Rt. 1 S in Lawrenceville. I wanted to give the Butler Gardeners a heads up, in case any are interested in getting started early. I'm happy to make a delivery if there is enough interest.

Aubrey Yarbrough
Stonehedge Farm
163 Hopewell-Wertsville Rd.
Hopewell, NJ 08544
909-800-3848

Rutger's Ag Field Day

2011-04-01T16:31:00.002-04:00

Hello Gardeners,

I wanted to let you all know that Rutger's Ag Field Day is coming up the last Saturday of April (April 30th). This is a great place to purchase a wide variety of seedlings for just a few dollars. This event is from 10am-4pm with free admission and parking. I will let you know a few things I learned about this event last year.

1. Arrive early, just an hour into the event many plants will have already been purchased, especially any "Jersey specific" tomatoes.

2. Bring cash. They do not accept credit cards for the most part.

Follow the link below to learn more if you are interested.
http://agfieldday.rutgers.edu/

Just wanted to send you into your weekend (which is supposed to be free of rain) with something to look forward to.

See you in the garden!

The Garden Has Been Plowed!

2011-03-30T19:44:00.003-04:00

Looks like someone from the University came out and plowed the garden yesterday. We know that you are all anxious to get out there, so Abigail and I were able to mark off all of the plots with orange flags. The plots are only marked off at their four corners. When you put up the fence to your plot, please remove the orange flags and place them in the bucket in the shed so that they may be reused. Also, when putting up your fences, please make sure that you are not blocking any hoses. If you have a half plot, you may want to work with your neighbor on a gate system for them to access the inner most plot.

It is still quite cold, and is supposed to storm the next couple of days, but I am sure that won't slow any of us down!

Happy Fencing,
Khirika

Plowing

2011-03-29T11:16:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to update all fellow gardeners and let you know that I received an e-mail from the Grounds Foreman who said they will try to plow this week. Unfortunately, this is the most specific information that we can get. Looking at the weather forecast, it may not happen even this week since it may rain/snow tomorrow. I will keep everyone up to date as I find out more information.

Anxiously awaiting spring,
Khirika

Spring Cleaning

2011-03-27T14:28:00.006-04:00

Thanks to everyone who made it to the clean-up and/or kick-off yesterday! It was nice to put faces to names, and we got a lot of work done preparing the garden for plowing, even though it was pretty cold. If you haven't yet done so, we need you to make the time to clear your plot of all fences, stakes, cages, and tall weeds as soon as possible.
Fences and stakes store behind the garden shed, and cages are currently snuggled in between the shed and the garden fence. The university won't plow until it's dry, and there's still some standing water in the garden, but a few warm days might be enough to dry the soil and we need to be ready.

As part of the kickoff, the shed combination lock has been updated (new combination: 2011) and we did a major shed cleanup as well.

We printed up some handouts about NJ gardening (when to plant, varieties that do well, tips specific to our garden, etc) and made them available at the social. I'm going to stick some extra packets in the shed, so if you missed the party but still want info, stop by and pick one up (or email me with your address and I will drop one in your mailbox).

Garden Kick Off and Clean Up!

2011-03-20T21:37:00.003-04:00

Gardeners mark your calendar for this Saturday, March 26th! We encourage you to join us from 11am to 1pm out in the garden to clear your plot before plowing this season. All fencing, stakes, tomato cages, etc. needs to be cleared from your plot. If you are new to the garden, this may mean cleaning up from the gardener who had the plot before you. After clean up, come join your fellow gardeners at the Butler Community Room from 2-4pm to enjoy a nice cold drink and snacks. At the Garden Kick Off, you will get to meet and interact with your fellow gardeners and exchange tips and resources/knowledge to help you have a successful gardening season.

If you cannot make it to the garden clean up on Saturday morning, please make sure that your plot is cleared by the end of Sunday, March 27th.

We look forward to seeing you all this weekend!

Beautiful weekend- let's get to work!

2011-03-11T20:35:00.002-05:00

Before the garden gets plowed, all fences, stakes, cages, trellises, gates, etc. must be removed. You are responsible for clearing your plot (even if you're a new gardener and it means you'll be cleaning up someone else's mess).

It looks like this is going to be a really nice early spring weekend; it would be great to get outdoors and do some garden prep work!

As you're starting to map out what and where to plant this season, check out the links on the right (under seeds/ plants/ equipment/ nurseries) for local and internet resources to help you get started.

Save The Date- 3/26!

2011-03-02T18:28:00.004-05:00

We're planning the Spring Kick-Off Party for the afternoon of March 26th. The official invitation will follow soon, but this little shindig will be your opportunity to meet and greet your fellow gardeners, swap gardening tips, and learn more about organic gardening at Butler.

Spring to Come Early!

2011-02-02T10:40:00.004-05:00

Well the results are in, and Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck (whose existence I have just been made aware) have agreed that Spring will come early this year!

I hope that they are right, but I for one have a hard time trusting a groundhog....seeing how the ones around here enjoy my vegetables so much!

Either way, I thought I would try to post something encouraging while we are in the midst of the ice storm!

Plot Payments due Wednesday February 2nd!

2011-01-31T21:30:00.002-05:00

Please make sure that your plot payment has been submitted to 220B Halsey Street by this Wednesday, February 2nd. If you plot payment is not received by Wednesday evening your plot will be given to the next person on the waiting list.

If you have any questions, please contact Khirika Quinonez (kquinonez10@yahoo.com)

Garden Sign Ups Are Now Closed

2011-01-26T18:21:00.003-05:00

Sign ups for the 2011 season are now closed. If you did not receive a welcome e-mail and do not see your name in a garden plot in the above map, you should find your name in the waiting list on the right. If you did receive a plot, congratulations and welcome to the Butler Gardening Community!

New members should have received an invitation to contribute to this blog. Returning gardeners should still be on the authors list (although we did clean house, so let us know if we accidentally deleted your account). If you're a co-gardener and would like to be able to blog, please email Abigail.

Garden Sign Up Instructions

2011-01-24T21:35:00.004-05:00

Hello All Prospective Gardeners!

The form to sign up for available garden plots will go live here on the Butler Garden Blog at 8am on Wednesday, January 26th. Remember, available garden plots are issued on a first come first serve basis, so set your alarms! The map above shows available half (10'x15') and full (10'x30') plots. These plots cost $10 and $20 respectively, for the year.

Again, please contact Khirika Quinonez (kquinonez10@yahoo.com) or Abigail Trarbach before Wednesday at 8am if you should have any questions.

Good luck!

Butler Garden Sign Ups Postponed

2011-01-17T19:37:00.003-05:00

The sign up for new Butler gardeners has been postponed until Wednesday January 26th. All Butler residents will be receiving an e-mail with sign up instructions/procedures within the next few days. If you should have any questions, please contact Khirika Quinonez or Abigail Trarbach.

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Butler Gardening Community!

Garden Sign Ups for the 2011 Season

2011-01-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

To All Butler Residents,

The time is upon us to sign up for garden plots for the 2011 gardening season. All existing garden plot holders will have until January 14th to retain a plot. Information should be e-mailed to current gardeners on January 7th. On Wednesday, January 19th at 8:00am all Butler residents will have an opportunity to sign up for the remaining garden plots. The plots are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, so act quick! All butler residents should be receiving an e-mail with sign up instructions.

If you should have any questions, please contact Khirka Quinonez (kquinonez10@yahoo.com) or Abigail Trarbach (atrarbach@gmail.com)

Rain, Rain!

2010-07-14T07:40:00.001-04:00

Yeah! WATER, we have missed it so much. Please remember that water is a scarce resource and should not be misused. When watering your garden, ONLY water in the early morning and late afternoon or evenings. No one should be watering during the HOT, mid-day heat. It simply evaporates and wastes the water.

Also, as a courtesy to your neighbors in the garden, we ask that watering be done by hand. You, with a hose or watering can, spraying the plot directly. We have had complaints that watering is being 'automated' - meaning stakes are being setup and sprayers adjusted to water hands-free, without attention to the water. This is not allowed as it hogs the hose and prevents others from watering. No one should be watering this way as it disrupts the watering of your neighbors plots and has caused puddling and flooding in unwanted areas. Others may not want to flood their garden, but can get too much water if it sprays outside the plot line.

Please refrain from any water technique or habit that prevents others from using the shared hose!

Thank you

Food Donations!!

2010-06-26T12:59:00.001-04:00

Hello Butler Gardeners,

As the 4th of July holiday is drawing near, many of you may be planning a trip out of town and will be having some extra produce to give up while you are away. Each year we take donations of our fresh grown produce to a local food bank in Trenton. Mercer Street Friends Food Bank loves the food we give them and appreciates our donations. Many of you may be aware that Trenton is suffering from a food crisis and could use as much of our healthy food as possible. Donations will be taken to the food bank on Friday, July 2nd. Please deliver any produce you wish to give away to my house, 214B Halsey Street by 12 noon. Thanks so much.

(For those of you already away or will be but wish to donate, contact me and I will be happy to pick a few items from your plot.)

Have a great 4th of July holiday!!

Nicole

Watering Next Week

2010-06-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,
I'm going on vacation starting next week for about 10 days and am worried my garden won't get enough water while I'm gone. We just got the plot a couple weeks ago, so the plants are mostly seedlings. If anyone is around next week and wouldn't mind giving our half-plot a spray I would really appreciate it! Of if you have a child who needs a job we could pay $20 for a watering every other day.
Plot is 9a.
Thanks!

Have some lettuce!

2010-06-24T11:33:00.001-04:00

Hi Gardeners,

I will be out of town until July 6, and I have a ton of delicious lettuce ready to be picked. Please feel free to help yourself to as much as you want. If you feel inspired to give anything a little water while you're over there, my veggies and I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Kate Campbell

Bindweed Beware

2010-06-20T21:11:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've all noticed that our garden is great at cultivating weeds as well as vegetables. Most weeds are merely a nuisance, but some can pose serious problems. One such offender is the hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). This invasive species is all over the fences both around the entire garden and between individual plots. You may have also seen it try to climb up your vegetables. Don't let it succeed.

Here's what we can do about it...

1. Hand weed hedge bindweed from your plot and try to get the rhizome right below the soil surface to prevent it from coming back.

2. These vines will be covered in pretty white flowers in the next few weeks. Pick off as many of these flowers as you can before they form seeds. Casually de-flowering this noxious weed will make a big difference in its prevalence in our garden.

Happy gardening!

-David Vinyard

Free Jade plant cuttings

2010-06-07T15:14:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I just seriously cut back my Jade plant and have a ton of cuttings available if anyone would like to grow them up. They're super easy to grow and almost impossible to kill. Just take the cutting, cut it so you only have a straight section (you'll understand when you see the cuttings), stick it in some soil, and let it go. I've found that three cuttings will make for a nice pot, but take as many as you'd like. I'll leave them in a box by the garden shed, so please help yourself.

REMINDER! Rutger's Ag Field Day this Saturday, 4/24!

2010-04-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Visit their website for details.

http://agfieldday.rutgers.edu/

Soil Testing

2010-04-07T18:57:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

We recently took soil samples from the garden, and the results are in from the Rutgers Soil Testing Lab. To obtain accurate recommendations, we divided the garden into four regions: Butler 1 (plots 1, 7, 13, and 19), Butler 2 (plots 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 20, and 21), Butler 3 (plots 4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 17, 22, and 23), and Butler 4 (plots 6, 12, 18, and 24). Over a dozen root-depth subsamples were taken from each region and combined for each analyzed sample.

You are welcome to read the full reports from the lab (click the links above), but here are the main findings and some general recommendations.

1) No nutrient deficiencies were measured. In fact, our soil may be overly rich! This is likely due to excess compost usage. Too much of a good thing is not always best for plant growth.

2) Our soil pH is slightly alkaline (7.25 - 7.40). This is out of the ideal range for most plants but does not pose a serious problem.

3) Avoid using organic fertilizers that contain significant quantities of phosphorus and potassium. These include manure, compost (and compost tea), and commercial "all-purpose" fertilizer.

4) Our soil has good organic matter that slowly releases nitrogen. However, Rutgers generally recommends nitrogen supplementation since this nutrient is short-lived in the soil. If you would like to give your plants a head start or if you notice signs of nitrogen deficiency, use an organic fertilizer such as blood meal or cottonseed meal.

5) To meet the Rutgers fertilizer recommendations, uniformly distribute 3.75 lb of blood meal over a full plot (15' x 30'), and work it into the top few inches of the soil. Approximately one month into the season, an additional ~2 lb of blood meal can be sidedressed in a full plot. Blood meal is readily available at home and garden stores like Lowe's or Home Depot.

--Chase

Tomato seedlings

2010-03-20T10:32:00.000-04:00

Hey, fellow gardeners! I have started an obscene number of heirloom tomato seeds, about 10 different varieties. This means, if they keep germinating, that I will have plants to spare in late April/early May. Once they're grown, I would like to offer them to you guys for $1 each, which will help me recoup some of the cost of the lights and seeds and stuff.

You can read about the varieties at tomatobob.com. I started Green Zebra, Mule Team, Red Brandywine, Stupice, Greek Domato, Coyote, Black Krim, Cherokee Purple, Ildi, and Livingtson's Favorite (I told you it was obscene, but if you look at all those varieties, it's hard not to go a little crazy).

Obviously, I don't know yet exactly how many of each variety I will have, but if you're interested you can email me [trarbach at PU] or comment on this post... I don't think I'll be in town for the meet-up. Or, if anyone is starting other kinds of seeds, I'd be happy to swap plants a little later in the season!

-Abigail

Spring Kick-off Party, 3/28!!

2010-03-20T08:42:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Nicole Jui & Chase Zachary
The Butler Community Garden Coordinators

Please RSVP to nicole.jui@gmail.com or czachary@princeton.edu asap as we need a headcount for food & drink.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Rutgers Resources

2010-03-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here and I'd like to share some resources from our neighbors at Rutgers as you begin to plan your season.

Rutgers Ag Field Day:
Saturday, April 24 10 am - 4 pm
Cook Campus, New Brunswick (less than half an hour up Rt. 1)

A great place to get really cheap (sometimes free) seeds and plants. Famous Rutgers tomato plants will be available as well as other vegetable varieties specially suited to our area.

More information on Jersey tomatoes and seed order forms can be found here.

--Chase

New Garden Coordinator

2009-12-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Gardeners-

I am happy to announce that Chase Zachary has been elected as the second garden coordinator. Please welcome Chase and feel free to contact either of us with questions.

czachary@princeton.edu

End of the Season

2009-10-06T06:48:00.000-04:00

Gardeners,

Thank you all for making the 2009 season a good one. I know many people struggled with the 'off' weather we had this year - it is unusual. As for the end of the year wrap up, please clean what you can from the garden in order to prepare for any growing you are doing to prepare for the Spring. You hold this plot until January when you will get a renewal reminder. However, you are more than welcome to plant in preparation for next year if you would like to retain your plot. Keep in mind, as a renewing gardener you are able to switch plots prior to the open sign-up for the community. We will send emails after the new year.

Thanks again for all your efforts. We hope you enjoyed the season and ALWAYS welcome feedback and comments to help us improve the gardening in Butler.

Nicole Jui (& Tao Long - who we wish well in NYC)
Butler Garden Coordinators

Northeast Late Blight Warning

2009-07-03T12:55:00.000-04:00

I was recently alerted to this article from the University of Vermont; the wet weather we've had lately has promoted early outbreaks of late blight in tomatoes and potatoes. Wholesale plant companies (selling to the common large home garden centers) have also been selling infected plants as well.

Excerpts:

"If you grow tomatoes or potatoes, take heed. This is shaping up to be one of the worst years for Late Blight, the fungal disease made famous as the cause of the Irish potato famine of the mid-1800's. Today, this disease doesn't pose the threat of famine, since we don't depend on one or two local crops for our food, but it could ruin potato and tomato crops for local farmers and gardeners unless they are alert and take appropriate action. Note that this disease poses no threat to people -- except for the loss of these crops."

"The symptoms that develop on tomato leaves, stems and fruit are quite dramatic, and are very obvious to the naked eye. The infected areas on leaves appear to be water-soaked, varying in size from a nickel up to a quarter, often beginning at leaf tips or edges. They proliferate when the foliage has been exposed to watering, rainfall, or heavy overnight dews. If these infected areas dry out quickly, they may appear lime-green or beige in color.

The edge of the water-soaked area, either on the top or bottom of the leaf surface, will be covered with white fungal growth (mycelium) that contains the spore inoculum (visible with a hand lens). Spores are easily blown to surrounding areas and infect plants and even weed species, in the plant family Solanaceae (the black nightshade family).

Brown to almost black lesions appear on infected stems, and the same lesions will develop on fruit, either directly on the infected plants, or a few days after they are sitting on your kitchen counters.

Be aware that there are several other common, but less serious, diseases of tomato and potato. If the infected area has a yellow border and is occurring on the bottom of the plant, it is likely due to either Early Blight or Septoria Leaf Spot. These two diseases are found in home gardens most every year in the Northeast, but they rarely kill the plants, and they don't spread long distances.

Please inspect your tomato and potato plants on a daily basis! If Late Blight symptoms are already appearing on plants in your garden, these plants should be removed immediately and put in a plastic bag for disposal. Don't just put the removed plants in a compost pile as spores will still spread from this debris. Your neighbors, not to mention commercial growers, will appreciate your taking this action immediately."

- Matt

PLANT AWAY!

2009-04-21T13:52:00.001-04:00

Gardeners-

The garden has been plowed, flags have been placed, and it is ready for planting. Good luck! Let us know if you have any questions or need additional fencing, stakes, etc. Please be courteous of your fellow gardeners. Don't use what you don't need, sharing fences, don't double up, etc. Share seeds!

Have fun and we look forward to seeing everyone in the garden very soon!

The Garden has been plowed

2009-04-18T23:02:00.000-04:00

The garden was plowed yesterday - yes, thank you University Grounds Crew. Before planting, we will restake the plots with the flags. We will let you know when they are ready for move in! Thanks

nicole & tao

PLOWING - almost time to plant, almost

2009-04-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

We have informed the university grounds crew that the garden is ready to be plowed. They will now inform us on a date (most likely Monday 4/20 if the weekend weather cooperates). They will plow based on the condition of the soil (too wet, and they wait). When we have a firm date from them, we will be letting you all know so that, if anyone has plants to remove, you will have enough time to do so. After they plowing, PLANTING can begin!

I know everyone is anxious, so hope for dry weather this weekend!

nicole & tao
coordinators

images from last year's garden

2009-04-12T14:33:00.000-04:00

a green tomato

a tall sunflower

harvest

Plot Cleaning

2009-04-02T12:48:00.001-04:00

REMINDER.....

Please have your plot cleared out of fencing, tomato cages, wire, stakes, large rooting plants, etc by tomorrow APRIL 3RD. The grounds crew will then come to plow the garden prior to planting once the garden is completely cleared.

We appreciate your help!

Garden Coordinators

2009-03-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

All gardeners are invited......

Hosted by Nicole Jui & Tao Long
The Butler Community Garden Coordinators

RSVP to nicole.jui@gmail.com or taolong@princeton.edu asap as we need a headcount for food & drink.

We look forward to seeing you all!

what's what?

2009-03-08T17:04:00.000-04:00

hi everybody!

i was around the garden the other day, and being new to all of this, have some questions about what's what. there is a pile that looks like leaf mulch, on the ground, and a bin with what appears to be only dry leaves inside - is that right? do people use the leaves that are in the big pile as mulch and put raked leaves into the bin to get "mulchy"? also, there is another (i think freestanding) bin with what appears to be "cooked" compost, ready for use - is that right? just want to be sure i've got all the materials correctly identified! thanks.

-michelle

Composting Issues

2009-02-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

Gardeners & residents:

Each year we are faced with issues and ongoing problems with our composting systems. Unfortunately, we just don't have the (wo)man power to keep the composter going between Tao and myself, so WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please, please follow the composting instructions and permitted scraps as this will help us with the process.

We will be closing one chamber at a time to allow for proper control of the materials in the composter. You will see new signs, etc to help with this process. We appreciate the efforts as this will help us control the composting in Butler.

Thank you

2009 Season Sign-up

2009-01-24T17:29:00.000-05:00

Butler Community Garden Plot Sign-up 2009

To all Butler Residents:

Thank you for your interest in joining the Butler Organic Community Garden. All plots have been filled, but we are still accepting requests to be added to the waiting list.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=peinEZbr3wDToIX1OBVbYZg&hl=en

Instructions for Plot Sign-ups (waiting list):
1. Type your name and e-mail
2. Select your preference for full or half plot (this is not guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate you)
3. Submit your request.

All plots are given on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Questions? Please email the garden coordinators.
Nicole Jui (nicole.jui@gmail.com) and Tao Long (taolong@princeton.edu).

New Composting Area!

2008-10-18T10:07:00.001-04:00

Butler Gardeners & Residents,

The University Facilities has generously assisted us in our composting efforts. A new asphalt pad was recently installed next to the shed to organize and keep our area clean.

Please see the instructions for composting on the wall of the shed. Your contributions are appreciated all year long!

Fall & Winter Planting

2008-09-16T14:07:00.000-04:00

For those ambitious enough to plant year-round, check out some information I have found. One of my favorite books, The Zen of Gardening by David Wann, talks about winter planting and this Colorado gardener knows the cold.

http://www.humeseeds.com/falwint.htm

Good luck.

Broken Composter @ Community Room

2008-07-29T22:06:00.000-04:00

Gardeners,

Today I discovered that the large, double-chamber composter at the community room is broken. It appears the crank has broken and no longer allows the composter to rotate. Tao and I will look into the problem and get it fixed as quickly as possible. For now, please use the Tumble Composter at the garden until we can get the larger one fixed. Please pass the word on to those you know use the large composter. Thanks

Nicole

New Equipment in and near the shed!!

2008-06-27T11:57:00.000-04:00

Tomato cages and stakes are near the shed! This will be the last bunch of tomato cages we purchase this season, so get them before they are gone. As for the stakes, we can purchase more, if needed.

Composter Help

2008-06-19T13:15:00.000-04:00

We are in the process of bettering the compost system in Butler. It is a little up-in-the-air as to how this is going to be accomplished as it takes a lot of community cooperation to make this successful. Because we, as gardeners, are directly affected by the compost situation, we ask that you do what you can to get the word out and encourage your neighbors to use the composters, but most importantly, to USE THEM PROPERLY. Misuse of the composters is the biggest problem and communicating to all Butler residents the proper way to compost is not easy. We ask that you follow the new guidelines (posted on the signs at the patio and near the garden) to better our compost and continue to replenish the garden with the nutrients it needs.

We will try to reach out to new residents as well as current residents to make sure everyone is aware the composters exist. Composting is an important part of our organic garden since we do not allow synthetic fertilizers to be used. GOOD compost is essential for high yields and the necessary nutrients plants need to grow.

Please take the time to help individuals you may see at the composters. Pass along the knowledge and express the importance of Butler-wide participation.

Thanks. For more information, please visit the Butler website, 'Garden & Compost' http://www.princeton.edu/~butlerap/gardening.shtml for further information.

A Community Plot

2008-06-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

Gardeners,

We recently had a couple of gardeners decide that they would not be able to garden this season. All wait listed people now have a garden plot, but there is still a half plot that is available. Unless someone objects or would like to claim another half plot (location TBD), we will be designating this as a 'Community Plot' that anyone can plant in and the produce will be donated to residents throughout the season using a bin in the community room or to Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. We donated to MSFFB last year and they were very appreciative of the healthy food.

If anyone has any other suggestions, we would be happy to hear them. Also, if anyone has extra seeds or seedlings that are not going to be used, please donate them to this cause. Thank you so much.

More Resources on Organic Pest Control and Others...

2008-06-02T17:22:00.000-04:00

Check the recipes from GardenWeb:

What are some Great Natural Pesticidal and Fungicidal Recipes

Garden Pests Have Arrived...

2008-05-17T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hi All,

I spotted pepper weevils on my plants about a week ago. Its snout gave up its identity!

There are many sites willing to discuss types of garden pests and/or diseases. However, it seemed more of a challenge to find sites with actual organic pest control options/products. So, to save you time, I hope this will help if you find pests too.

Arbico Organics Website:

Beneficial Insects & Organisms - Where to buy?

Organic Insecticides

Clean Air Gardening Website:

Organic Pest Control

I also stumbled across Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, which looks VERY good. This may help us understand and identify key "ready to use" products based on ingredient knowledge from this site (which is also available in book form).

It's tick season

2008-05-14T12:35:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder that we live in NJ and with spring upon us, the ticks are out in full force. I pulled one off of myself today (I did not go near the garden today, but I am sure they can be there too).
Just be careful and check after spending time outdoors.

Weed Control

2008-05-06T20:47:00.001-04:00

Visit the Organic Gardening website for great information on weed control. Browse the website for more great tips on improving your organic gardening techniques.

http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-2-11-200,00.html

Farmer Ronnie Lee Visits Butler Garden

2008-05-04T19:49:00.000-04:00

For those of you who were able to make it out to Ronnie's visit, THANK YOU. It was such a great talk and Q&A that he provided us with and this was something he volunteered for, so it was great to have a nice turn out to show him our appreciation for his tips and very useful information. We will be planning a trip to his farm (as he has offered to tour us around there) later this season. We will keep you posted!

For now, visit the Lee Turkey Farm website. http://www.leeturkeyfarm.com/

A Complete List of Nearby Gardens

2008-04-23T22:18:00.000-04:00

For people who are interested in purchasing seeds, young plants or other things from nearby gardens, here is a complete list.

Equipment Theft

2008-04-22T21:25:00.000-04:00

Gardeners,

Tao's father is visiting and while working in her plot today, he noticed two women lurking around the shed. He had been in the shed earlier to tidy up and knew of the equipment in the shed. While he was working, the two women helped themselves to some of our equipment, loaded it into their car, and drove away. It appears these women are not gardeners and may not even be residents. Please keep your eyes open for this kind of stuff. Although our equipment may not be the best, replacing what we have would be very costly. Please let Tao or I know if you notice this stuff happening. Remember to lock the shed if you are the last one to leave. Unfortunately, this occurred while people were working in the garden. It is unfortunate people would steal from us, but that's how it is. Be aware of it and try and prevent it from happening again. We will try and replace our newly purchase fencing, but we have already lost nearly $75 worth of equipment and replacing this amount becomes difficult. We will do our best to replace what was lost. Thanks for your understanding.

Our pile is finally sorted!!

2008-04-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Becca (in plot 1), the pile of fencing, stakes, and garbage (lets face it) has been cleaned up. It is much appreciated. Thank you.

A Place to Buy Young Plant

2008-04-20T18:56:00.000-04:00

I bought some young plants today, including tomato, eggplant, pepper, cucumber and strawberry. They offer a variety of young plants as well as flowers.
The address is:
1980 Rt206 S, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 (908)-359-8002
It is about 7 miles away and very easy to be found!
Good luck!

Come get tips from a farmer

2008-04-17T23:23:00.000-04:00

Ronnie Lee, owner of Lee Turkey Farm, will be coming to give us mortals tips about gardening.
He will be at the community room Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m.
Last year I got several tips from him and our yield was much better. He's already given me more tips this year about keeping weeds down.
Hope to see everyone there.

New Equipment in and near the shed!!

2008-04-17T18:33:00.000-04:00

I have recently replenished our stake and fencing supply. We were getting pretty low out there. Please use this new material wisely. There is still some old fencing material next to the shed that should be used as well. Please take only the stakes that are absolutely necessary for your plot. They are not cheap and should be used sparingly. Your fence doesn't need too many. Every 5-7' is about right for staking. Keep your fellow gardeners in mind.

(Note: all equipment, tools, events are funded by the plot fees collected each year.)

Ever Heard of Companion Planting?

2008-04-16T19:41:00.000-04:00

No, this does not simply mean planting in the garden with a friend! :-)

Having gained popularity in the 70's with an organic gardening movement, companion planting is the idea of plants helping other plants. This technique was brought to my attention by a neighboring gardener. It may be worthwhile to check this concept out if you are unfamiliar. I definitely plan to give companion planting a shot for my "must-survive and thrive" plants (i.e. I LOVE fresh garden peas).

To start learning, see the link below. And if you find or have a better site, feel free to add a link to the comment section of this blog!

Until next time, see you all around the garden!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants

Don't Let Fear of Frost Keep You Away!

2008-04-14T19:04:00.000-04:00

One way to protect your plants from April frost is with milk jugs. Here is how to make "mini-greenhouses" for early, tender transplants:

1) Take a 1 gallon milk jug (size for spacious reasons)

2) Discard the cap

3) Cut off the bottom (about 1 in. from the bottom)

4) Place over each individual selected plant in your garden

5) Push jug slightly into soil and add dirt around the base to secure (using thin stakes optional)

Plants to Consider Covering:

*Tomatoes

*Peppers

Cabbage

Broccoli

Squash

Cauliflower

Pumpkins

Benefits & Tips

- Allows planting tender plants on the earlier side of suggested planting dates

- Protects plants not only from frost but also winds

- Water through the top of jug

- Remove when danger of frost is over or plant is out-growing the jug, whichever comes first

NOTE: This technique only provides protection down to around 30 F. Also, it is important the milk caps are off for air circulation.

Seed Exchange Anyone?

2008-04-04T17:31:00.001-04:00

I have extra seeds of the usual stuff as well as some new, less common plants. Anyone interested? I would be interested in some more unusual plants if anyone would be willing to exchange.

READY, SET, PLANT!

2008-04-03T18:25:00.000-04:00

The garden was plowing this morning by the grounds crew. Tao and I have marked the plot lines and you are can now begin planting. You will notice the flags represent a corner marker for a plot. Half-plots are marked as well so if you have a full plot you can ignore this middle flag. See the map above to locate your plot. There is a 4 ft. path at each gate. If you have questions or need help locating your plot, please let us know.

Oh, the grounds crew was most appreciative of the clean garden we left them. They were awesome to get it plowed so quickly; sounds like leaving them a clean garden is the answer to a quick plow. Not to mention the weather has cooperated with us.

Happy Planting!!!

How to Prevent Bunnies from Eating Your Vegetables?

2008-03-30T01:08:00.000-04:00

Some gardeners concerned about this problem. I have no practical experience, but found this interesting discussion here. Anyone who has successful experience is welcome to share the trick!

Tips from a local farmer

2008-03-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

I am friends with a man who runs a Pick-your-own farm in East Windsor. He said that he would be happy to come and give us gardening tips if we would like. What would be the best day/time?
Patrick Ross

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT PLOT CLEAN-UP

2008-03-24T17:16:00.000-04:00

IN ORDER TO PLOW, ALL PLOTS NEED TO BE CLEARED OF ALL TOMATO CAGES, FENCING, DEBRIS, STALKS, LARGE PLANTS/ WEEDS, AND TRASH. PLEASE HAVE YOUR PLOT CLEARED BY MARCH 31ST.

We are going to do a group clean-up this Saturday (Mar.29) from 1pm to 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Butler Garden Kick-off Party!!!

2008-03-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

To all Butler Gardeners:
when: Saturday, March 22nd
3:30 - 5:00 pm
where: The Butler Community Room

why: To gather all 2008 Butler gardeners to meet and share tips and suggestions for the upcoming season. Food, drinks, beer, wine, and dessert will be provided. We will be providing all necessary information regarding local garden nurseries, tips and techniques for gardening in Butler and New Jersey, use of our community equipment, proper composting information, as well as answering any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you all Saturday!

Welcome 2008 Butler Gardeners!

2008-03-08T16:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your interest in the upcoming 2008 garden season. As the season draws near, information will be coming your way to prepare you for the gardening season. In an attempt to make the most out of your time in the Butler garden, we would like to use this blog as a tool to communicate between all gardeners in the Butler Garden. Throughout the season, Tao and I will be posting important information weekly.

Please post anything you feel is relevant to our garden. If you have questions, concerns, ideas to improve the garden, equipment that needs repair or replacement, seed sharing, information to share with your fellow gardeners, etc. we would love to see this act as our 'home base' and enhance gardening in Butler.

If you have specific questions or concerns that you do not want to post, always feel free to contact the garden coordinators, Nicole (nicole.jui@gmail.com) or Tao (taolong@princeton.edu).