Mid-Willamette Valley Jewish Community
A Few Garden Tips for Spring...
We are lucky to live in a community that offers an abundant amount of gardening-related resources - much more than could fit in this newsletter column. For April’s sustainability column, I will share with you a few local gardening resources that I have utilized.
First off, “why” is it important to have a home garden. We know that food packaging, shipping, and unsustainable growing practices account for huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, unsafe working conditions, and misuse of valuable natural resources--such as water and soil. Growing at least a little bit of our own food gives us an opportunity to create an alternative to our current system. Between Corvallis’ climate and the amazing local resources, it is within reach for all of us to grow a little something this summer!
So, where to start? A great starting point is the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Garden Resource Guide which lists local resources for things like seeds, soil, plant starts, classes, community gardens, and more. If you need something, check there first. I also recommend the Benton County Master Gardener help desk. They offer free soil pH testing. As the season progresses, you can bring in any plant questions you have. Last year I brought in withered cucumbers and sun- burnt tomatoes. They helped me identify the problems and offered solutions.
You don’t have to have a yard to garden! I currently live in an apartment and do all my gardening at Dunawi Creek Community Garden and have loved that experience. Being part of a community garden doesn’t just mean space and water, but in this case, shared tools, seeds, some starts, potlucks, and lots of knowledgeable gardeners to get help from. We’re lucky to have a bunch of commu- nity gardens around town so you can likely find one near you. Another great way to learn from others is to volunteer at a local garden. I’ve had fun volunteering at SAGE and at Produce for the People.
A few more quick tips to get your garden growing. Did you know that Corvallis was the first community in Oregon to collect food waste to make municipal compost? I have been very satisfied using Pacific Region Compost (PRC) in my garden. It’s available at multiple locations, but the cheapest is to pick it up directly from Coffin Butte Landfill north of town. We brought home half a yard for only $12.50. Lastly, try and avoid purchasing plants in those black plastic containers as they are not recyclable. If you want some, buy them used from the Habitat ReStore - only $1.35 per pound! Better yet, consider starting seeds in egg cartons or other biodegradable containers.
Finally, when the harvest starts to roll in, think about how you want to preserve it. Last year, I took a few canning classes through OSU Extension services. Master Food Preserver Hotline, which opens in July, is also a great resource for canning questions.
This summer, try something new or expand your skills. Try starting from seed or maybe just growing your first edible plant in a pot on the patio. I hope after reading this article, you feel encouraged that our community can support almost any gardening goals you can dream up!
By Sara