Big Critter Problem (No Joke)

[sbf]

I hope none of you experienced what I have, but I believe this is an
important topic for consideration:

We've all worried about how to protect our bounty from being pillaged
by little critters. Appears we need to be worried more about the
large kind that stand erect and walk on two legs...people.
A few days ago, I went to my garden to water and pick several peppers
that I knew had ripened. Imagine my shock, dismay, disappointment and
outrage (along with a few other choice adjectives) to find that my
peppers had been picked. To be clear...not eaten by some rodent, but
picked clean.
Whoever did this was slick...they only took a few items, perhaps
thinking it would avoid detection. However, that leads me to suspect
that others may also have the same problem, though they might not
realize it.
Never thought I'd wonder about the need to provide security at the
garden, but perhaps some thought should be given to this (seems we
need more than scarecrows...lock on the fence?). If this has happened
to me, it's only a matter of time before it happens to others.

[Martha]

There are a lot of lookyloos in the garden, and I know some of them
are doing more than looking. I heard about one person stealing peppers
right in front of the plot's owner. He had the nerve to ask what kind
of pepper it was. And the other day, a guy came up to me in my plot to
ask about the garden. We had a good conversation while he picked my
grape tomatoes and proceeded to eat them like candy. Right now, I am
more concerned with the serious tomato disease most of us have (that
no one is talking about), and with the parking problem. But if
anyone takes one of my Mortgage Lifters, watch out! I've devoted a lot
of time, energy and money to my garden. Maybe we should put a sign on
the gate to remind people to be courteous and that the plots and
produce are property of the gardeners. I think some people don't
understand this.

[fozzy...@comcast.net]

I haven't witnessed any veggie thievery but I know 2 of my peppers disappeared while I waited for them to get bigger!  The tomatoes have been a problem - just salvaging what we can.  TONS of them just lots of greenies and lots of icky spots and withering leaves.  In spite of the less than perfect growing weather tonight we are having home grown potato salad, a large green salad (homegrown) and cherry tom's too!!  The swiss chard has been abundant as were the beets and radishes!!  In any case I have also put a lot of sweat into my plot and would rather not have anything that i've managed to grow taken without my knowledge.  Maybe people think it's fair game??  The police are right there...

[Steven Weinberg]

Geeetings Fellow community gardeners

Is it mandatory for garden plot owners to be subcsribed to this list? 

(I realize subscription does equate with readership -still...)

Should it be?

Steve

-----------
Sent from Steve's iPhone

[sbf]

I doubt your peppers just "disappeared." That's why I'm trying to get
peoples attention here. I understand everyone's concern with the
tomato problem, but this is a larger problem waiting to happen.
Police presence means nothing...they don't know who belongs in the
garden and who doesn't, and I doubt they care (which I have no problem
saying, since I'm employed in law enforcement)...they have bigger
issues to deal with.
Fact is...anyone can come in and help themselves to a large bounty now
that our veggies have matured, and the smart person will take a few
from your patch and a few from mine (and others) making detection
difficult.
This is an issue I hoped we wouldn't have to discuss, but sadly, it's
inevitable, and will continue every year unless and until we confront
this.

[ric...@aol.com]

   I don't know If I've lost anything but I remember that there was talk of a combination lock at the meeting in the library. I know  locks don't stop anyone who is determined but they do deter crimes of opportunity which is what these seem to be. It's time for a lock!.
   While the cracking and sun scald on my tomatoes is a bother it bothers me more to see all the waste that is going on. Stuff is falling off and rotting on the ground. Some people planted and have not been seen since .Dozens of heads of lettuce are going to seed  cherry tomatoes litter the ground and other gardens are over grown with weeds. I'm sure a friendly note or post card reminder could be sent .  Tony  

[David Moskowitz]

While I was away, I see that the issue of vegetables being taken has come up a number of times. I don't think there is really much we can do about it other than posting a sign on the gate. I'll work something up and get it out there in the next day or so. I don't like the idea of a lock, it will be a pain to deal with, and people can simply hop over the fence if they really want to get in the garden, not to mention there are unsecured gardens outside the fence right now. We decided to build the garden at its current location (as opposed to Heavenly Farms) in part for just this reason, because it is was very visible and near the Police Station. But I'm inclined to think that no matter what techniques we try to employ, this issue wont be easily resolved. I'd suggest that each of us approach people we are not familiar with, introduce ourselves and let people know we are aware of who is and is not a gardener. This seems like the best approach to me to let people know there are "eyes" on the garden. I really believe the garden should be accessible to anyone who wants to stroll thru it, and hopefully as it grows in the coming years, there will be even more gardeners out there at any given time to keep an eye on things. However, the Friends are open to any suggestions anyone wants to put forth. Dave


David Moskowitz
Senior Vice President
EcolSciences, Inc.
75 Fleetwood Drive
Suite 250
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
973 366-9500 x 107
973 366-9593 (fax)
732 236-2992 (cell)
www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

[David Moskowitz]

I totally gree with Tony that the excess produce that is simply rotting on the plants is a huge issue. It was raised by the township last week, and it simply should not be happening. We made arrangements at the beginning of the season with the Senior Center to be able to drop off our extra produce whenever we want and it will be used in the Senior's meals they provide. Jim White, our town administrator, also confirmed with the new chef, that they want our extra produce. I think it is embarrassing that our community garden is producing extra vegetables that we aren't using and that are going to waste, when a few steps away there is an outlet where they are wanted and can be used to offset the cost of feeding our senior's in our own town. We should all take a minute to remember that the first word in Community Garden is Community....Again, please let the Friends know of any ideas on how wqe can facilitate this better....I simply hate the idea that there are people in our town who can use the vegetables and WE as a Community of gardeners are letting our own fresh produce go to waste....thanks, Dave  

 

 

David Moskowitz

Senior Vice President

EcolSciences, Inc.

75 Fleetwood Drive

Suite 250

Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

973 366-9500 x 107

973 366-9593 (fax)

732 236-2992 (cell)

www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail 

 

 

---

From: ebcg...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ebcg...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of ric...@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 9:32 AM
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com

[John Scrabonia]

Someone mentioned tomato problems in a recent posting, I have some issues
and hope someone can help. I had some good harvests recently, beefsteaks,
ramapos, romas, and grapes, they all look pretty decent when picked but when
I get them home in only a day or two they rot very rapidly. Spots appear on
the skin and fester all around the tomato. Areas of the tomato gets very
soft etc.

What is the problem or cause? I've had tomatoes in recent years stay for a
week and longer before any of this appeared. Any suggestions?

[li...@haramaty.com]

Dave,
we need a bulletin board for the garden... so i have been thinking - how
about we ask if any garden member can build it (the Friends will pay for
it)?
Liti

Original Message:
-----------------
From: David Moskowitz DMosk...@ecolsciences.com
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:50:34 -0400
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Excess Produce

I totally gree with Tony that the excess produce that is simply rotting
on the plants is a huge issue. It was raised by the township last week,
and it simply should not be happening. We made arrangements at the
beginning of the season with the Senior Center to be able to drop off
our extra produce whenever we want and it will be used in the Senior's
meals they provide. Jim White, our town administrator, also confirmed
with the new chef, that they want our extra produce. I think it is
embarrassing that our community garden is producing extra vegetables
that we aren't using and that are going to waste, when a few steps away
there is an outlet where they are wanted and can be used to offset the
cost of feeding our senior's in our own town. We should all take a
minute to remember that the first word in Community Garden is
Community....Again, please let the Friends know of any ideas on how wqe
can facilitate this better....I simply hate the idea that there are
people in our town who can use the vegetables and WE as a Community of

gardeners are letting our own fresh produce go to waste....thanks, Dave

David Moskowitz
Senior Vice President
EcolSciences, Inc.
75 Fleetwood Drive
Suite 250
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
973 366-9500 x 107
973 366-9593 (fax)
732 236-2992 (cell)
www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

________________________________

From: ebcg...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ebcg...@googlegroups.com] On
Behalf Of ric...@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 9:32 AM
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Big Critter Problem (No Joke)

I don't know If I've lost anything but I remember that there was talk
of a combination lock at the meeting in the library. I know locks don't
stop anyone who is determined but they do deter crimes of opportunity
which is what these seem to be. It's time for a lock!.
While the cracking and sun scald on my tomatoes is a bother it
bothers me more to see all the waste that is going on. Stuff is falling
off and rotting on the ground. Some people planted and have not been
seen since .Dozens of heads of lettuce are going to seed cherry
tomatoes litter the ground and other gardens are over grown with weeds.
I'm sure a friendly note or post card reminder could be sent . Tony


-----Original Message-----
From: sbf <sbf...@comcast.net>

To: East Brunswick Community Garden <ebcg...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Sun, Aug 9, 2009 10:54 pm

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
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[David Moskowitz]

I agree, we need one right away, but maybe we should just buy one from
Staples\A.C. Moore or something so it can go up ASAP?

David Moskowitz
Senior Vice President
EcolSciences, Inc.
75 Fleetwood Drive
Suite 250
Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
973 366-9500 x 107
973 366-9593 (fax)
732 236-2992 (cell)
www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

[Steven Weinberg]

Friends, Dorna says I'm too obscure.

What I meant to suggest is that since we are having issues as a community and this list is a great way for everyone to have access to our discussion of these issues, perhaps it's a good idea to make it a requirement of community garden plot ownership to become a member of this list.

even though we can't make people read the messages, they will at least see the flow of the subject lines and see the discussion evolving.

And perhaps the big critters we're having problems with will take the hint.

Steve

================================================

[ric...@aol.com]

Not a bad idea, but not everyone has a computer and that can't be a prerequisite. Regarding theft, several young people robbed items from 13 unlocked cars in a town nearby .Simply Locking the gate would eliminate over 90 percent of theft. People don't go out of the way to steal a few vegetables. The opportunity presents itself to them. Can they reach over or through the fence? Yes. Will it eliminate all theft NO .People outside the fence would have to use their own deterrents.No one will use bolt cutters on the lock no one will jump the fence.Veggie theft is not that type of crime. 
 Some regular gardeners are wasting food but some people planted and have not been back since. A bulletin board or posting on this site will not be useful in informing them.They need a more direct approach a note or a phone call letting them know that what they planted is ready to pick. I'd be willing to help address notes or put on stamps.  tony 

[fozzy...@comcast.net]

I was joking about the police being nearby...  obviously they can't police the garden!  Does anyone agree that maybe since the sign says "community garden" that maybe the community thinks it's free for all??  Or some people anyway...  We could install a video camera (LOL). How fast would that be gone?? Probably just nosy people who figure a few veggies missing wouldn't be noticed.  It's a shame!!!  I agree that the plots next to mine have not been weeded or harvested!!!!  The weeds are definitely spreading into my plot and i'm doing all i can to control them:)  Maybe we need scarecrows that will scare away the thieves...  By the way, my potato crop was fabulous!!!!!  The tomatoes are another story - definitely rotting on the plant and at home once picked.  Not the best summer for veggie gardening - agreed??

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Moskowitz" <DMosk...@ecolsciences.com>
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com

[Carol Runyon]

I think the only solution might be to put a combination lock on the gate.  It would obviously deter anyone who goes in and decides to help himself to some veggies.  In addition, I was at the garden in the middle of the day recently.  There were a bunch of Moms with young children - showing them the vegetables that were growing.  I think that's great!  However, they had the gate wide open.  When I asked them to please keep it shut in order to keep out any rabbits or other animals, I was met with alot of rudeness, etc.  I had to police the gate and again shut it after they left.

We'd have to have a solution for anyone who forgets the combination.   Just a thought.

Carol Runyon

[michael baker]

i think this is getting out of control. Lets chill and keep this all
in perspective in keeping with the word community. We seem to be
outside that realm with all this talk about locks and police and
security....

--
Have a great day,
Michael

[sbf]

Actually, I'm happy people are taking the topic seriously. There are
no easy solutions here, and it's not something that may be resolved
this season. But any idea is a welcome idea for discussion. And
that's in keeping with the word community.

On Aug 10, 8:44 pm, michael baker <mikey0...@gmail.com> wrote:
> i think this is getting out of control.  Lets chill and keep this all
> in perspective in keeping with the word community. We seem to be
> outside that realm with all this talk about locks and police and
> security....
>

> On 8/10/09, Carol Runyon <carolbu...@verizon.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> > I think the only solution might be to put a combination lock on the
> > gate.  It would obviously deter anyone who goes in and decides to help
> > himself to some veggies.  In addition, I was at the garden in the
> > middle of the day recently.  There were a bunch of Moms with young
> > children - showing them the vegetables that were growing.  I think
> > that's great!  However, they had the gate wide open.  When I asked
> > them to please keep it shut in order to keep out any rabbits or other
> > animals, I was met with alot of rudeness, etc.  I had to police the
> > gate and again shut it after they left.
>
> > We'd have to have a solution for anyone who forgets the combination.
> > Just a thought.
>
> > Carol Runyon
>

[David Moskowitz]

Lois and I are planning on weeding at the Butterfly park on Saturday and could use some help for an hour or two (tops) from anyone interested. We plan on being there at about 9. We are going to weed the beds one last time, so they are in order for the spring mulching and the more hands the better and the more quickly it will go...thanks, Dave

 

David Moskowitz

Senior Vice President

EcolSciences, Inc.

75 Fleetwood Drive

Suite 250

Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

973 366-9500 x 107

973 366-9593 (fax)

732 236-2992 (cell)

www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail 

 

 

---

From: ebcg...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ebcg...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of ric...@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 9:32 AM
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com

[Richard Wolfert]

Sorry, I'll be at Jamaica Bay if we have a good enough sized group. 

Rich

--

[David Moskowitz]

no sweat, any hands available will be appreciated!

 

David Moskowitz

Senior Vice President

EcolSciences, Inc.

75 Fleetwood Drive

Suite 250

Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

973 366-9500 x 107

973 366-9593 (fax)

732 236-2992 (cell)

www.ecolsciences.com

P Think globally. Act locally.

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail 

 

 

---

From: ebcg...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ebcg...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Richard Wolfert
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:40 PM
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Junk released by Allow List] Re: Butterfly Park Help

[ady...@aol.com]

Is there any poison ivy/oak/sumac in the vicinity?

-----Original Message-----
From: David Moskowitz <DMosk...@ecolsciences.com>
To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com

[Daphne Speck-Bartynski]

I am taking my Father to Washington, D.C. on Friday until Sunday to visit my Aunt and brother.  Sorry I can't help this weekend.

[dhdlsb]

The grant we are submitting is requesting funding for a bulletin board
similar to the one at the Butterfly Park for the Community Garden.

I think the verbiage that Rich came up with as a sign for the
potential picking of other plot owners produce was good.

Daphne

On Aug 10, 11:03 am, "David Moskowitz" <DMoskow...@ecolsciences.com>
wrote:

> I agree, we need one right away, but maybe we should just buy one from
> Staples\A.C. Moore or something so it can go up ASAP?  
>
> David Moskowitz
> Senior Vice President
> EcolSciences, Inc.
> 75 Fleetwood Drive
> Suite 250
> Rockaway, New Jersey 07866
> 973 366-9500 x 107
> 973 366-9593 (fax)
> 732 236-2992 (cell)www.ecolsciences.com
>
> P Think globally. Act locally.
>
> Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ebcg...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ebcg...@googlegroups.com] On
>

> Behalf Of l...@haramaty.com

> Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 11:51 AM
> To: ebcg...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: [Junk released by Allow List] RE: Excess Produce
>
> Dave,
> we need a bulletin board for the garden...  so i have been thinking -
> how about we ask if any garden member can build it (the Friends will pay
> for it)?
> Liti
>
> Original Message:
> -----------------

> From: David Moskowitz DMoskow...@ecolsciences.com

[David Moskowitz]

A scout is planning on building a kiosk for us as his Eagle Scout Project

[Daphne Speck-Bartynski]

Is there an existing bulletin board at the Butterfly Park? I haven't been
there for a while.

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Moskowitz" <DMosk...@ecolsciences.com>
To: <ebcg...@googlegroups.com>

[David Moskowitz]

There is a huge kiosk right at the entrance filled with all kinds of
butterfly-oriented info...