October Garden Notes

Fall is definitely here! The mornings are damper, the days getting shorter, and we have lots and lots of sunshine (finally!). We've been busy working; here are a few notes about garden happenings:

In the historic Ft. Scott Garden we've been hosting corporate groups to help us with larger projects- removing ivy and blackberry vines, and creating new, usable spaces; we're moving the composting area so that the old composting area can become our new gathering space.

Here's a "before" picture of the new compost area:

Thanks to Salesforce.com for 2 hours of ivy clearing on September 26th- they were hard workers! -->


We want to feature our historic stone walls, not hide them behind compost bins! Come to the potluck on Sunday Oct. 20 starting at 11am to explore this historic gem of the Presidio. Here is the webpage for the garden.

At the MacArthur Community Garden we'll be working with 10 members of the freshman class of the Bay School to weed and mulch the pathways: October 16 from 9:30-11:30am.

Here's another use for a pea trellis! The hawks are in the garden all the time keeping me company. Sometimes we see owls too, but they are usually hiding during the day.

What's going on in the plots right now?

• Folks who planted fall crops have some really nice gardens growing. One member at Baker Beach was having trouble getting her garden to grow. I spent an hour or so helping to prep the soil and plant on Sept 9 and I was amazed at how everything had grown when I checked on the plots Oct 7. If you are struggling or want some help, please email me and I'm happy to come out! 

• Powdery mildew, which always strikes during the fog days of summer, is abating with all the sunshine. Cut off all affected leaves and put them in the compost bins. The plant will usually keep growing and producing. Watch for the mildew on chard, kale, broccoli, and squash.

• Check your plants for baby snails and aphids. Both should be removed and squashed. If a plant is seriously infected with aphids, I suggest removing it completely. What does an aphid infestation look like? Usually a lot of grey fuzz, but on chives I've seen black aphids. 

• Don't forget to water! The rainy season hasn't started yet, and while it is damp in the morning you still need to check your garden at least twice a week. Check the moisture by putting a finger into the soil 1-2" deep. If it's dry, water it. 
• Haven't planted fall crops? You can plant a cover crop instead- fava beans are great. They grow over the winter, fixing nitrogen. Then in the spring you chop them up and mix them into the soil. They break down and add lots of nutrients to your soil. A great alternative to winter veggies.