Thursday 30 May 2013

Help! Garbage sorting.


We are having trouble this year with the spring cleanup (now turning into summer cleanup). We all need to sort the garbage near our own plot, and in the common parking area near the storage sheds.

There are two main problems:
1. We have found garbage thrown in the compost bins.
2. The City will not sort the garbage for us, and therefore they will not remove unsorted garbage from the parking area.

NAGA does not have a janitor going around picking up garbage, so we all need to contribute keeping the gardens tidy, as a whole, as well.

Your cooperation is most welcome!

Thank you,
Mike Chebbo
Chair
NAGA

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Garden Map is available online


In case you haven't noticed, the NAGA garden map is now digital and available online. You will find it at the top of the Home page for the new NAGA website.

The previous numbering system served for a long time. One problem with the old system was that there were several gaps in the numbering (numbers without plots). Also, perennials had a numbering/labelling system that required some deciphering: two plots with the same number, but east and west plots, which could have separate annual lease owners. Finally, by looking at the plot numbers alone, one could no tell if it might be an annual plot or a perennial plot.

The new numbering was determined in the following way: All annual plots have numbers from 1 to 134. All perennial plots are 200-series numbers. The perennials are numbered from 200 to 291. The above-ground boxes are numbered as B1, B2, B3, etc. Some of the boxes in the map are not built yet, but their numbers are already allocated. As a rule the numbers increase as one moves eastward, and southward. The preferred location of the numbered posts are also noted as small black squares.

The new numbering will also assist the NAGA Board in correctly recording plot numbers when inspecting the plots for uncontrolled weeds, or for being untended (neglected/ungardened).

Water tap locations are also noted, as are several other features of the garden. With the snow now gone (the map was made in the winter time), some minor corrections may still occur.

Important: With the new above-ground boxes near the Fire Station, the map provides a warning that absolutely no NAGA members are to ever park at the Fire Hall parking lot. Similarly, we are never to park on the Hydro Ottawa access road. Please park on the grass near the boxes, or in the main parking area, or in any legal location along the street.

Sunday 26 May 2013

Activity in the Garden!


It has been great to see people out gardening after a long winter. The soil is tilled, the water is running, the hay is delivered, compost and mulch is delivered, the porta-potty is in place!

Here you can see a lot of activity is going on. Plants are going in, people are making their rows, spreading their compost, and at least for now nobody is worrying about controlling their weeds, because there are few weeds to speak of at this time. But, when the weeds come, be sure to control them!


In the distance, looking west towards the Fire Hall, you can see people socialising in the garden. I find this is one of the great benefits of gardening in the Association, you get to meet so many nice and interesting people, and you can always learn from more experienced gardeners.


Recently, one of the long term gardeners, Jim, took it upon himself to help the garden by constructing some nice birdhouses along the south fence. This fence separates the garden from the water reservoir which is between Viewmount Dr. and Colonnade Rd. Jim knows more than a few things about birds, and how each species likes certain types of birdhouses (Jim is also very knowledgeable in permaculture and organic gardening). This includes how deep the house is from the entry hole, and the size and shape of the entry hole, which will allow only the desired type of bird to take up residence. In this case, we are trying to attract swallows, which are beneficial for controlling insects such as mosquitos. Mosquitos can be in plentiful supply in the garden due to the water reservoir. Notice that the birdhouses are also very high up from the fence. This is to prevent squirrels from taking up residence.



Here is a picture of one of the older birdhouses, now on the ground, which was taken over by a squirrel! The cheek!


Happy gardening!

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Bales of Straw coming this Saturday May 25 at 10 am


As per our tradition for every year, we arranged the sale of straw at the gardens on Saturday, May 25, at 10:00 am. Usually, this farmer stays around for about one hour.

If you can not make it during that time period, please email me at nagagardens@gmail.com and let me know your plot # and how many bales you want and how you are going to pay for them, ahead of time or later so that I can leave them on your plot (at your own risk).

Each bale will be sold at $6 a piece.

Please bring coin and bill change with you.

Mike Chebbo

Monday 20 May 2013

Seasonal Weather Forecast for Summer 2013


Some of you may find this interesting. Environment Canada publishes seasonal forecasts based model predictions. Forecasts are published each month, for the next three months. It's looking like this summer is predicted to be slightly drier than normal (but not as extreme as last year), and warmer than normal, with other reports in the media saying not as hot as last summer. What is 'normal'? Normal is based on the average weather from 1981 to 2010.

View the maps at the links, below. Predictions made in April for timeframe May- June-July, current seasonal forecasts:

Temperature (map) - red means warmer than normal, blue means cooler than normal, white means 'normal' temperature conditions.

Preciptation (map) - red means more wet than normal, blue means less wet than normal, white means 'normal' precipitation conditions.

These predictions are not perfect, but might give gardeners some indication of what may occur. Of course, we just deal with what the weather gives us, regardless of what the weather people say!

Good luck!

Sunday 19 May 2013

Locations of Ottawa Good Food Markets in 2013

 
Good Food Markets are community non-profit markets that sell a variety of high quality fruits, vegetables and dried goods at great value in various locations throughout the city during the summer. While some food may be from local farmers, (and will be labeled as such), these markets are distinguished from farmers' markets in that they focus on variety and fresh, whole foods, purchasing local when possible. 
 
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre - 731A Chapel Street at Wiggins Private:
June 1, June 22, July 20, August 31.
Overbrook Neighborhood - Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre:
June 15, July 6, August 24 (all from 10am - 2pm).
Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden - Corner of Bronson and Laurier in Centretown - Northeast corner of Bronson and Laurier, across from 570 Laurier:
June 8, July 13, August 10 and September 14 (all from 10am-1pm).
Nepean Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre and South Nepean Community Resource Centre – Parkwood Hills Inverness Park 76 Inverness Avenue: June 22 11am-2pm
 
Somerset West Community Health Centre - Rochester Heights neighborhood 299 Rochester Street: June 15 in Mechanicsville (Laroche Park), June 20 in Rochester Heights, July 20 in Rochester Heights.
 
Michele Heights Park 2955 Michele Drive - Pinecrest Queensway Community Health Centre: June 30.

Friday 17 May 2013

Compost and New Planter Boxes - May 2013


Hi to all anxious gardeners.

Finally the good weather is upon us this long weekend, and the City compost should arrive Friday afternoon.
 
We will try to divide it in 4 piles: East, West and two central areas.

The individual plot limits are: 4 wheel barrows (our black ones) for each annual plot and 2 wheel barrows for each perennial plot.

Remember that sharing is caring, don't take more than your allowable limit please. If we see that there is a lot of leftover (like last year) we will let you know after.

New planter boxes: we are planning to meet on Saturday morning at 10:00 am to help finish filling these planters in order to rent them out this season. We will use our wheel barrows as well and our shovels. If you have extra tools such as these, please bring them in.

Water connection preparation for these boxes: we will need a couple of volunteers to dig 4 small trenches, 1 to 2 inches wide and about 8 inches deep in order for our water pipes to be laid down by our professional volunteers next week.

We are all excited about this project as it contributes to solving some of the long waiting list and it increases our membership.

Hope to see you all at the gardens on these dates or during the weekend.

Mike Chebbo
Chair
NAGA

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Volunteers Needed - Saturday 18 May 2013!


This coming Saturday, May 18, we are calling for volunteers to finish the 12 wooden planter boxes, near the Fire Hall, that were started last year.  These boxes are meant for gardeners that are downsizing, and for gardeners that may have mobility problems.

Volunteers are requested to show up for work on Saturday starting at 10 am. Bring some basic tools if you have them, work gloves, and dress for any weather. Vouchers of $5 will be given out to volunteers that request them. These vouchers may be applied to your next year's plot fee.

Friday 3 May 2013

Annual Plots are Tilled for 2013!


This morning the annual plots were tilled and are ready for gardening. In the afternoon the eastern side of the annual beds were staked (with the new numbers) and I expect the western end will be staked very soon as well. The new plot numbers are available on a map, located at the new website (http://nepeanallotmentgarden.yolasite.com/).

Thursday 2 May 2013

Getting ready


As daytime temperatures are rising, every gardener at NAGA wants to get into their gardens and start planting. Many are uncertain however, as to which vegetables can be direct seeded prior to the last spring frost, which in Ontario is around Victoria Day.

As soon as your soil is dry enough to work, you can begin seeding these types of crops:  
  • Radish
  • Onion Sets
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Swiss Chard
  • Lettuce
  • Greens (beans) and Peas

Good luck!


Companion Planting


This is a section that appeared in Ritchie Garden News - April Newsletter 2013 

Companion Planting

With the terms "going green" and "organic" on everyone's mind these days, some might be interested in trying companion planting in the garden. The idea behind companion planting is planting varieties of plants together that would benefit from being positioned within close proximity of each other. A couple of phrases used in regards to companion planting are "nursery plants" and "trap crops". Nursery plants would include herbs, which are attractive to beneficial insects by providing shelter and food. Beneficial insects include pollinating insects and predator insects which are both beneficial to the other surrounding plants. Trap crops refer to plants that deter unwanted insects away from desired plants. Flowers, leaves, and roots of some plant material contain substances that create an odour and/or taste that naturally repels unwanted insects. Another belief about companion planting is the improved flavour and growth that may occur when certain varieties of edible plants are planted adjacent to one another.


Suggestions for compatible companion plantings in the garden are:

Alliums can confuse and deter slugs, aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage worm. They are ideal to plant near carrots and cabbage.


Flax is a multi-tasking plant. It repels potato bugs as well as improving the taste and growth of carrots and potatoes.


Mints enhance the growth and flavouring of cabbage and tomatoes while discouraging white cabbage moths.


Rue is not recommended for planting near cabbage, basil, or sage but it is an excellent beetle repellant for roses and raspberries.


Nasturtium is a great edible annual and it attracts predatory insects while repelling and distracting cabbage lopers, squash bugs, white flies, and cucumber beetles.


Petunia is another pest deterrent annual that repels and distracts leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, aphids, and asparagus beetles.


Marigolds are a tried and true pest deterrent. People have been using this annual for years to repel beetles, nematodes, and other garden pests. 

Ritchie Feed & Seed
1390 Windmill Lane, Ottawa, ON, K1B 4V5
613-741-4430 www.ritchiefeed.com