For the past three years, I have grown food for IMACA, at a plot at the Bishop Community Garden.  Tomatoes are usually the primary product, although last year we also had kale, chard and other greens. We usually include squash, but after the invasion of the monsters by the millions (i.e. squash bugs), I may pass for a while and see if they go away. For the first two years, the garden was watered almost daily by myself in the morning and by a neighbor earning community service hours in the evenings.  This year, after attending a Master Gardener workshop on drip irrigation, we decided to install a drip irrigation system. This meant that I only had to check on the garden twice a week, which made things much easier.

This year, I harvested over 450 pounds of tomatoes, in addition to squash, green beans, tomatillos  and onions.  On the second Tuesday of the month, the harvest went to the Commodities Distribution from the Senior Center, and sometimes those who attended the Methodist Church's Lunch Program received fresh produce as well.  People appreciated the produce and I have some ideas on getting more help with the project next year.  If you or anyone you know are interested in helping, please let me know 872 6608.

~Maggie Phelps, Master Gardener