Summer of 2020 brought the opportunity to change a grassy area into a veggie garden, so Scott, Mike and I covered the grass for a few weeks, removed the covering and then covered it with wood chips alternating with rows and hills of garden mix (soil and compost). Despite our late start with the garden (and last summer’s drought), we had started many plants from seed and as a result had a bumper crop of veggies which we shared with the Got Lunch! Newport* program in Newport, NH.
This year we redesigned the garden (again) to allow for more plants and fewer pumpkins and spreading plants. We also are planting lots of flowers to draw beneficial insects into the gardens to fend off the insect pests that are pervasive. We would rather have the insects duke it out for territory than use any pesticides on our plants. All of our produce will be available (in its time) at the Sunapee Farmers Market from 8:30-11:30 on Saturdays starting May 29. While all of our products are grown organically (no chemicals whatsoever) we have chosen not to go through the rigors (and expense) of the USDA Organically Certification process.
*”Got Lunch!” is a program designed to provide additional nutrition to school-aged children who may deal with food insecurity during school vacations and holidays. Donations may be made to Got Lunch!, South Congregational Church, 20 Church St., Newport, NH 03773.
