Garden Update -- Water systems and more

[Jack Downs]

Gardeners,

The hoses are set up at PHA and Penfield. At both gardens, here is one important rule. Pull the hoses BY THE HOSE, NOT THE WAND. 

At Penfield, this also means we must guard against damage caused by moving hoses. You can protect your plot by putting stakes up on the side near the hose.  And when you are using a hose, make sure not to let it bang into someone else's plot.

Some other suggestions -- 

• At PHA, always wind the hose up on the stand when you are done using it.
• At Penfield, stretch the hose out when you are done with it.
• Position the hose before you turn the water on to the hose. 
• When you are done watering, release the pressure from the hose. At Penfield, this means turning off the switch at the base of the hose.
• You don't have to use the hose. You can still hand water.
• At Penfield, the person who starts watering has priority. Only begin watering if they are OK with it. Otherwise wait. Three is too many.
• But hand watering always has priority for filling containers.
• Water the roots, not the leaves.
• When possible, water early in the morning. Next best is in the evening. Don't water in the heat of the day. But always water newly planted seeds lightly just after planting.

We are sure to have leaks and breaks. If you are handy and can help with these, please do. Otherwise, Let me know.

On a different topic, at Penfield today I found some of our equipment left in the garden. I also saw some tools put away dirty. Please take better care of our equipment.

Finally, if you haven't gotten to the garden lately please do. Weeds are popping up fast and some aisles at Penfield look pretty rough.

See you at the garden,

Jack