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Back Row L to R: Cassandra, Rob, Stuart, Logan Front Row L to R: Brooke, Megan, Sydney, Juliana, Emma, Jacob (Click Photos to Enlarge) |
It was another scorcher in the garden today! We had two of our interns, Rob Huston and Stuart Jennings from Iowa State University, join the Stillwater SPIN students in the garden to assemble the cucumber tepee’s. Using a trellis to support the cucumber plants, or other vining vegetables, is the best way to grow beautiful and tasty cucumbers. Many gardeners have learned the hard way (including us) that letting cucumber vines just spread upon the ground is a good way to not have many cucumbers.
The plants are much more susceptible to diseases, such as powdery mildew, and can cause the fruit to rot on the bottom when they are allowed to spread on the ground. Not only does a trellis help prevent this, but it will also help save space in the garden. Growing cucumbers vertically can save several square feet of garden space, which could then be use for growing other vegetables. Over the next few weeks we will be training the plants to climb the structures.
The SPIN Students also finished spreading the last of our donated marsh hay in the third section of the garden. They also harvested raspberries and lettuce that they were going to bring over to the food shelf.We saw many beads of perspiration on the faces of this great group of kids – AND on the interns as well! But better yet, were the smiles.
Thank you SPIN Students, and we will see you next Friday!
Thomas Edison said; “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” I’ve come to think this Giving Garden is a balanced 33% perspiration, 33% community and 33% pure enjoyment!
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| Cucumber Structures Completed! (Click Photo to Enlarge) |
