Weeds, weeds, weeds
We know that spring is here as unwanted weeds begin to grow in abundance. Weeding is key activity at our monthly working bees at this time of year. It is also an important task for those who have leased a raised bed. It is essential to take out weeds from both your raised bed and the area around this. Most important to get weeds out before they flower and seed. The above weed was pulled from one of the raised beds recently. Lots of seed pods forming. There is a saying, ‘one year of weeds means seven years of seed’. If we allow weeds to go to seed and disperse it will take us another seven years to remove all the future weeds that will result from that seed.
Our gardeners come from many different backgrounds and some are new to gardening, so we know not everyone knows our local weeds. If you are unsure if a plant is a weed, please ask your fellow gardeners. You could also take a picture and post on WhatsApp.
The importance of soil temperature
Most of us are rather keen to get in our spring planting ready for fresh summer salads. However, if the soil temperature is too hot or too cold plants will not grow. Experiencing a few sunny days gets us in the mood for planting but air temperature is not reflected in soil temperature.
The importance of soil temperature is highest when the plants are in their early stages. Optimal temperature is essential for seeds to sprout and thrive and also for transplanting seedlings. Different seeds have different optimal temperatures ranges. Soil temperatures of 16 degrees and above are important for most summer crops. Sowing seeds in a glasshouse environment where the temperature can be kept higher helps give your garden a head start. With the coldest September morning on record in Adelaide this year checking the soil temperature is essential for successful growing.
Save the date - Saturday November 2nd
Our November workshop will be Sustainable gardening in small spaces and containers.
Even if you have limited space or are renting you can still have a productive, colourful and sustainable garden. In this practical session we will focus on vegetable and fruit growing and include creative container options, improving the soil, raised beds and organic gardening basics.
Alan Shepard has had many years of practical experience in establishing community, school and organic gardens across Adelaide and coordinating primary school garden programs. He has been involved in and consulted on bio-diversity and revegetation projects across Adelaide. He presents school talks and workshops for KESAB on setting up successful composting systems and worm farms and advises in these fields at sites. He also gives public talks on sustainable gardening related topics. His own garden won a Sustainable Gardens Awards Competition in November 2018.
Booking will be available on Eventbrite soon.
Dogs in the garden
Many of our fellow gardeners enjoy taking their dog for a visit to the garden. Please remember to take your doggy bags and keep an eye on your dog to ensure you remove any droppings! A young girl busy in the children’s garden area had an unwanted, unexpected and rather smelly parcel on her shoe.
Working Bees
Dates and times (all 10am - 2pm):
Sunday 29 September
Sunday 27 October
Saturday 30 November
As in the past, if you can help with a task but are not available on the scheduled days please let a committee person know that you can help at another time.
Fundraising Bunnings BBQs
A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped at the Bunnings barbeque Saturday 21st. We had a rather hectic day with record sales thanks to Jan for all her hard work and co-ordination.
Our next Bunnings BBQ will be on Saturday 19th October from 8.30am - 4pm. We usually work in 2 hour shifts.
Please get in touch if you are able to assist on the day. This is an easy and fun way to contribute to the facilities in the garden, meet lots of people, and tell our customers about a great community garden.
Love to hear from you - please email Jan with BBQ Help on the subject line on the garden email: seafordcg@gmail.com.
Driving and Parking cars at the Garden
Please do not drive vehicles on to the garden lease area unless you have express permission from one of the committee to deliver materials or equipment. Please also do not park in the Ambulance/CFS car parks and in Grange and Somerton Courts.
Coming Up in the Garden and Wetlands in 2024
Weeding the paths around the raised beds
Extension of the Market Garden area
Continued development of the Native Edibles area
Maintenance and weeding of our amazing orchard area
Erecting a second shed on the paved area
Fortnightly Friday morning Social Group - next one Friday 27th September
Fundraising Bunnings BBQs - next one Saturday 19th October
Stella's Intro to Bee-keeping workshop - Sunday 29th September
Mid Coast Sustainability Inc AGM - November this year
Sustainable Gardening in Small Places and Containers - Alan Shepard Saturday 2nd November 1.30-3.30pm
This project was seeded by
Our Committee
Our committee is Rory Fitzsimons (Chair), Kaarin Wilkinson, Jan Brown, Melissa Styles, Jennie Simon and Wayne Good. If you have any questions or ideas please contact us via Facebook , on our website, on the Seaford Wetlands Gardeners WhatsApp chat or on the garden email seafordcg@gmail.com.
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