“Best Job Ever” is my response when asked how I feel about our Grow Appalachia/Berea program. Serving our gardeners is very rewarding. We really enjoy seeing the appreciation they have for what is being done for them.

While our fearless leader, Tim, was temporarily assigned elsewhere, for 2 weeks in May, we got all the gardeners called and had them all scheduled for appointments to come in for the next plant distribution. So his first week back he was able to see all of the gardeners, have a chat with them, and help them choose the best plants for their needs. While they were there they also received printed materials, seeds, and trellising supplies. They were surprised by the selection of varieties to choose from. Although the plants were mainly tomato and pepper plants, there were 17 different tomato and 9 different pepper types.

We have finally been able to take possession of our Mountain Pride fertilizer order from Berea. It was another one of those times when the best laid plans go awry but we persevered and we will get it out to our gardeners very soon. It has been a slow process getting people to switch over to something new. They seem to get hung up on the fact that it is chicken manure. They make a statement like chicken manure is to hot to use in the garden. Everyone that has tried it though really likes it. We use it in the community gardens and the Henderson Settlement Greenhouses uses it in their operation. They have even started selling it at their retail store front.

There is always something to look forward to. Next it will be an in person workshop on Garden Maintenance. Stacey White, a local extension agent, will be leading the class. He also is going to demonstrate how to sharpen a hoe. We are going to introduce an organic spray to help combat pests that plague our vegetables. This is all so exciting too since we have not been able to meet as a group in such a long time.

AND THEN… Garden visits and harvest reports.

“Choose a job you love and you‘ll never have to work a day in your life” – Confucius.