Jim Fair
Alyssa Lopes takes the pose of a model as she measures herself to a growing tomato plant at the community garden. Oh, Alyssa said she does commercials for her father's business – Paradise Jewelers on Woodruff Road.
Jim Fair
Brendan Lopes celebrated his first afternoon out of school by visiting Cheryl Moore's garden and picking a squash. Brendan graduated from the third grade today. Carol Dixon, grandmother of Alyssa and Brendan visited the garden today.
Jim Fair
Every garden needs sunflowers. These sunflowers are rapidly growing and are the tallest items in the garden.
Jim Fair
This is one of the few plots that is growing rhubarb. It is showing its thick stalks and its purplish color.
For GreerToday.com
Buddy Waters, a Master Gardener, is overseeing the Greer Memorial Community Garden. The garden is beginning to bear some vegetables and Waters frequently visits the garden and offers tips and guidance from what he sees.
This is Waters’ report today:
I visited the Community Garden several times this week. I observed the following.
1. Most of the plots are growing well.
2. Most of the plots are starting to show problems with weeds. There are exceptions. The mulched plots have very few weeds.
3. I saw some wilted tomatoes that looked like they may have been overfertilized. Remember to use only 1/4 cup per plant every two weeks and be careful not to get fertilizer on leaves or stems. If you happen to get it on the plant, wash it off quickly.
4. Remember to pinch off suckers on your tomatoes.
5. If you planted potatoes, you may be able to scratch around the stems and find some small new potatoes. Look and see. If they are too small just wait a week or two and try again.
6. We've been blessed with enough rain to keep things healthy. Watch for wilting leaves and stems and water if necessary.
7. Your beans and peas should be flowered by now. Start watching as soon as you see flowers so you can track the growth of the vegetables.
8. Throw your waste in the compost pile and be a good neighbor and pick up around your site.
9. If you notice grey or green fuzzy spots on you plants, you could be getting some fungus. Garden fungicides are readily available at the home centers and garden store. Moisture tends to cause fungus. Sometimes a few dry days will put it at bay.
10. Remember the dish soap in your watering can to keep the insects at bay. If you have a serious problem use a little Sevin dust.
Have fun in the garden and get to know your neighbors. Lifelong friendships get forged in the commonality of the garden.