Spring is definitely here, and I’ve found myself running a little late in the gardening department this year. Step one: clear out all the junk that got set out in the back yard over the fall/winter. Step two: move the composter, etc. The list goes on. Fortunately, the weather is very temperate, and I was able to do a lot this weekend. I’m doing a raised-bed garden reusing old cedar fence planks.
Dr. Anna J. Cooper. Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905-1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
However, many city folks don’t have the luxury of a big back yard (or a little one, or one at all). Up until a few years ago, I didn’t even have access to a balcony or a sunny room. There was one thing that I did have available access to (although I didn’t take advantage of it): a community garden.
Growing up in the Columbia Heights-Petworth area of the District, I recall many folks taking advantage of whatever green space they could, from front porches to community gardens such as the one on 14th and Taylor Streets, NW. (I even had one neighbor who managed to grow a whole crop of green beans by simply tossing the beans out his window and harvesting them when they grew).
Folks in the District have long been avid gardeners. Young or old, prosperous or struggling; everything from houseplants to full-sized crops. It’s in our blood.
Many of us can recall an aunt, cousin or grandparent who always had something growing around the house. My grandmother had begonias that rival any of the “rare” specimens at the U.S. Botanical Garden, and she grew them in the dining room window.
Prof. Kelly Miller. Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905-1994. Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
There’s nothing like the feeling of planting seeds and growing fruits and vegetables of your own choosing, not just what Giant and Safeway feel like bringing in. Also, when you grow your own, you control the chemicals that get sprayed on, if any. I prefer to use natural pesticides and home-made remedies.
When you have children and grandchildren, a garden is a real plus. Remember that aunt/cousin/granddaddy that we all used to visit out in the country who made us pull weeds and we loved every minute of it? Remember picking tomatoes, rinsing them off, and eating them right away? Wouldn’t it be great if our children could get that same feeling right here in our own ward?
Speaking of children, what better way to get the young’uns interested in science? Talk about a science project! There’s math as well. How many weeks does it take for a head of lettuce to go from a seed to harvesting?
My little one has gotten so excited watching seedlings germinate on the dining room table, she can’t wait for them to get into the ground. The other day, I was joking around, quoting my grandmother I said, “You’re burning daylight!” Yesterday evening, as we were finishing up arranging the planks before staking them to the ground and the sun was going down, she very seriously said, “WE’RE BURNING DAYLIGHT” to get me to move faster!
Produce section at Giant during Snowmageddon
Does anyone remember what the fruit and vegetable section at the Giant looked like during the snowstorm? Yeah, me too. I love butternut squash and cauliflower, but one can only eat so much. Because our produce has to be brought in from far-flung places, grocery stores can only provide what they can afford to sell at a profit. There are dozens of varieties of winter squash, not to mention the other fruits and vegetables that are available for harvesting and use during the winter.
It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I can provide my family with enough fresh fruits and vegetables to last for a whole year by just spending about $10 on seeds. I can harvest green beans, peppers and potatoes, etc. and freeze them for the winter, so that I don’t have to make the icy trek to Giant if I don’t feel like it. I can eat tomatoes, strawberries, grapes, and watermelon all summer long.
Where are the veggies?
However, a community garden provides something that everyone can enjoy: the company, knowledge, and camaraderie of other gardeners. Each person that takes part in a community garden has something to offer. There’s always somebody who knows a good way to stake tomatoes, has recipes to share, etc.
If you’d like to take part in starting a community garden in Ward 8, talk to your family, friends, and neighbors. Spread the word! I guarantee that you’ll find a lot of interested folks.
Now, here are some links to whet your appetite for getting back to the soil:
Environmental Film Festival (this happened last month, but there may be films you’d like to see and have future supporters look at): http://www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org/films/
Ecolocity: http://www.meetup.com/EcolocityDC/: Meet other local people who live in, or are interested in making DC a Transition town starting with an Intentional Community, that will encompass Clean Energy, Freecycle, Natural Building, Organic Farming, Community Salvage, New Urbanism & Sustainable Development, Permaculture, Frugal Living/Voluntary Simplicity, Greentrification, Alternative Commerce (e.g. CES/LETS), Greentrepreneurs, Training and Education.
Ecolocity’s NING group: http://ecolocity.ning.com/
Sowing Seeds Here and Now: http://sowingseedshereandnow.com/2010/03/29/visiting-the-real-food-farm-in-baltimore/. Sponsors of the Cheasapeake Urban Farming Summit (June 18, featuring Will Allen).
University of Maryland Agricultural Extension’s Grow It, Eat It: lots of information for the home and community gardener: http://growit.umd.edu/
The Dinner Garden: FREE SEEDS! http://www.dinnergarden.org/needSeeds.html
Winter Sown: MORE FREE SEEDS! http://www.wintersown.org/wseo1/Free_Seeds.html
Burpee’s Money Garden: $10 worth of seeds = $650 worth of vegetables! http://www.burpee.com/product/id/112011.do#
DC Urban Gardeners: http://www.dc-urban-gardener-news.com/community_gardens/
Sharing Backyards: http://www.sharingbackyards.com
