On Sunday, April 30, the Colgate Community Garden hosted its kickoff event of the 2017 growing season. Partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, the garden hosted the first in a 4-part series of garden educational workshops. Several people braved the chilly spring weather and came to the garden to learn about planting and transplanting seeds. The next event in the series will be held on June 11 from 12:30-1:30 and will cover the topic of scouting and managing pests.
Despite the disappointing loss of the greenhouse at the garden this past winter, other operations at the garden are in full swing. Peas, potatoes, radishes, beets and turnips have been planted. Two new rain barrels have been installed next to the garden’s small shed (pictured left). Raspberry plants and apples trees are starting to bud, the garlic that was planted last fall is growing beautifully, and plenty of other green things (weeds-yikes!) can be found all around the garden.
The garden team and the newly founded Colgate Beekeeping Club are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to the garden area- bees! Also be on the lookout for another exciting experiment at the garden this year- mushrooms! And who could forget the opening of the Good Nature Farm Brewery right next door?
The 2017 growing season holds a lot of promise. We hope you will come and join in the fun! If you are interested in learning more about the garden, contact Garden Manager Beth Roy (eroy@colgate.edu).
Community members enjoying the first of a series of workshops at the garden.