Now is the time to think about a vegetable garden

Spring and Summer are fast approaching. Now is the time to think about a vegetable garden, especially since food prices including beef and vegetables will be increasing. California, the nation’s fresh vegetable producer, is in the throes of a serious drought and much of the land will be out of production. It’s Victory Garden time!

The local Community Garden plots will be available for sign-up in the next few months. There are some things to consider if you are thinking about growing your own vegetables. This year the community garden will charge $10 per plot for the season. The community garden provides the plot, water, fertilizer and rototilling, and free guidance by Master Gardeners.

A well-tended plot will return more than the cost of the plot. A well-tended tomato plant might produce more than 30 pounds of tomatoes. In the grocery store a pound of tomatoes probably costs a dollar even when in season. In the past weeks Kale has been $1.89 for ½ lb. in the market. A row of 8 to 10 plants would yield more than that each week for several months. A row of mixed lettuces cut as micro greens would provide at least one salad a week for several months. Six to 8 broccoli plants would provide cuttings for several weeks. With selective planting, a plot can be highly productive and the harvest will be fresh, organically grown vegetables to supplement the food dollar.

After the initial set up, a garden plot would only require 3 or 4 hours per week to water, weed and harvest, and replant as necessary. It is a great opportunity to get out of the house, do something productive, get some exercise and fresh air.

If you think that you would be interested, contact Carrie at the Extension office, 795-3278 and leave your name, telephone number and email address.