Beginning anew 2013

We are beginning a new season at Gan  Am Messiah.  There are some very good things.  Some things to consider and some things that might cause us trouble.

We have begun and there are 3 gardens and a 3x3 raised bed involved in our efforts.  The 3x3 raised bed is at my home and is planted with both Red and Keuka Gold Potatoes.  There are also some Guardian Onion Plants (more on that later).  We have started planting at the Shul.  So far we have planted spinach, arugula, swiss chard, perpetual spinach, beets, edible pod peas, onion sets and some onion plants and mixed leaf lettuce.  We have set out head lettuce, cabbage and broccoli plants.  We hope to put in vegetables that require warmer weather within the next two weeks.  Oh, by the way we have red lettuce, thyme and dill that came up from last year - the Lord must have planted them.

New row of arugula

The owners of a very moist garden have given us the opportunity to plant.  We planted pod peas and onion sets.  We set out broccoli and head lettuce.  There are some dangers in that plot.  The deer like to bed in it in the winter.  Also, one side is surrounded by poison ivy.  So far I haven't caught the poison ivy.

Planting Onions

The last garden has not been started yet.  We hope to arrive there between 1 and 2 on Sunday.   I have started melon and some flowers.  In addition I plan to plant peas, potatoes, and cucumbers.   By the way, these will be purple and red potatoes and the advertising promises a good harvest.

There is at least one more good thing.  My brother has donated a small quanity of semi-unique seeds.  I have started the tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage and onions.  I intend to plant some of the other seeds into the gardens.  I regret that I did not get the celery started.

Now let me tell you the cautions.   Some people have contributed their land.  Some have contributed money.  One has contributed unique skills.  These people have made their contributions, but if you have not I am asking for money to go toward seeds and fertilizer etc...  If there is one person in your family, I think $10.00 is fair.  If you have a large family, I think a larger sum is needed, perhaps $50.  We will try to divide crops according to contributions and family size.  So that you know,  I have spent about $140 on seeds, potatoes and onion sets.  I have started plants for the project.  We also need to buy fertilizer and perhaps some bags for dividing.  I believe that we will all receive more than $50 worth of vegetables this year.  In fact,  I am hoping that we can each preserve some.

Planting Head Lettuce

We will all need to do something to help with the work.  Some have helped already.  Some of you will help this weekend.  There will be any ongoing need for weeding,  watering,re-planting, picking and packaging.  There will also be a need to keep some kind of record to insure a fair distribution of produce.  I have an experienced person who is willing to divide, but can no longer make a commitment to pick produce.  We may need produce picked at least twice weekly and distributed twice weekly.  (Note that beans and peas when they come in require two pickings a week.)

I have laid this before you and I acknowledge that it is a lot of work.  I will be doing much of it, but I cannot do it alone.  We will attempt to give approximately 10% of our produce to the congregation (especially the oneg) and those in need.   The act of gardening may also help prepare us in some small way for the future.

 Please pray for this as a ministry remembering:  Psalm 67:5-7

                            Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
       Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
                            God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.