what's what?

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

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

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!

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

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

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!!

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.