May greetings to all, and a warm welcome to our three new garden members!
Now that we’re moving into the peak gardening season, here are a few items of note:
Covid-19 protocol: The same Covid-19 protocol will continue for the foreseeable future. The City has helpfully posted signs at either end of the garden to remind us all to follow safe practices: stay home if you are sick or feel unwell; keep a 2-metre (6-foot) distance from others in the garden; wear gloves when handling locks, bins, etc.
Shed reopening: The shed will be reopened for members who would like to use the community tools, hoses, watering cans, etc. To ensure that the appropriate physical distance is maintained, only one person should be in the shed at any time. Those using community tools, hoses, watering cans, etc., are asked to sanitize them after use. It isn’t feasible for us to provide sanitizer, so please bring your own. If you’re using sanitizing wipes, be sure to take them home for disposal along with any other garbage.
Plot inspection: A reminder that cultivation of garden plots is expected to be started by May 15th. Please refer to our plot inspection process for details. If you are unable to start cultivating your plot by May 15th because of some extenuating circumstance, such as illness or other unanticipated life event, please let us know.
Manure: The mushroom manure that was added to all garden plots over the past few years means that the soil in our garden plots is in good condition. Therefore, there will not be a supply of manure for the garden community this season. If you would like to further amend the soil in your garden plot, please purchase your own manure or fertilizer.
Volunteer work: The Covid-19 situation means that we aren’t able to hold any work parties for now. Therefore, the requirement for volunteer hours this season has been relaxed, but feel free to do any weeding of common areas should you have some extra time. You may record your work on the tracking sheet posted on the inside of the shed door or keep your own record and report your time at the end of the season. Thank you to those who volunteered to look after putting out and bringing in the green waste bins and to those who volunteered for mowing and trimming. It’s much appreciated!
Pets: A reminder that any pets brought into the community garden must be on a leash. You must clean up after your pet and take any pet waste offsite for disposal.
In the meantime, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach us is by email.
Safe and happy gardening, everyone!
Port Coquitlam Community Garden 