Anderson County Master Gardener Association continues food harvesting and school garden maintenance though Summer.
Just a quick update on our summer school gardens project. We have completed harvesting the Neches, Slocum and Elkhart school gardens as these schools are now back in session. Pam Denson has tracked the weight of each type of vegetable from each garden all summer. A grand total of 339 pounds of produce was harvested and either taken to the Stock Pot or the Catholic church food pantry in Frankston (coordinated by Charlotte Sanders) or the Church food pantry at Elkhart’s First Baptist Church (coordinated by Darcy Burrow).
“Solarized” bed at Elkhart Elementary is prepared and planted with green beans.
HOW TO SOLARIZE YOUR SOIL
- Remove all plants and wet the soil
- Cover with clear plastic up to 4 ml thick and secure the edges
- If drip system is present, keep it under plastic to add moisture
- Leave in place for at least 4 weeks during hottest part of summer-longer in cooler weather
- IMPORTANT! After completion, remove the plastic and cover the surface with 2″ or more of organic compost to reintroduce beneficial organisms. (One bag will cover 4’x8′ bed)
About Us
Anderson County Master Gardeners are trained volunteers facilitating the educational work. The Texas Master Gardener program is an educational volunteer program conducted by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System. Master Gardeners are members of the local community who take an active interest in their lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens.