My 1st year renting a community garden plot: what worked and what didn't

[@Gardenfrog]

You did an amazing job for your first year. You should be very pleased with all that you accomplished. Every garden is a work in progress and with time it comes together more every season. I hope that your garden continues to bring you such joy with each passing year.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you!

[@CMSCK]

I would by some huge inexpensive tarps from Costco and tarp the whole area for the off season into spring. Put everything out and whipper snip the weeds as low as you can and then cover. You will be amazed at how well that kills weeds. Then I would lay down your cardboard and build from there. Much less work for you and less stress. Make a pile of woodchips on your plot to break down and add it to the top of your beds. Builds great soil. I compost woodchips on my paths and then I dig to add it to my beds.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thanks!

[@tennesseenana4838]

I am amazed at all of the work you did there and what you accomplished, especially since you first had to set things up - which is a major ton of work in itself! GOOD FOR YOU!!! I've heard many times that gardening is a learning experience and it's just, or maybe more, important to know what didn't work than what did work. That way you can make corrections and have an even more success next year.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

So true. Thank you!

[@KACn5582]

I am doing my end of the year garden review too. There is always something that is left undone in a garden. (Usually several things!) Each year I just try to tweak things a bit more. Not to mention that mother nature has her own plans for the garden. But gardeners are eternally optimistic that next year will be better. I am already planning. 😊

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Haha indeed. And we have to be optimistic too or else we wouldn't do it all again

[@macaugust2584]

I can relate with you when it comes to gardening. For the past 6 years I’ve done my gardening wherever I can around the house. I’m in NY and growing season is short. So I do appreciate your tips. Hats off to you for your perseverance in gardening. I’m learning from people like you each growing season. We can only grow if we keep learning. Thanks

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

I love that line about how we have to keep learning. It's so true. Gardening is one big experiment in learning.

[@cltinturkey]

Esther, You did a wonderful job in your community plot! You should be very proud of your efforts and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Each year you maintain the plot, you'll improve the soil and your garden will teach you many lessons. Congratulations on a job very well done. Bravissima!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rebeccazody1278]

Sun Umbrella! I am so proud of you, my friend. We all are slaves to the garden and the environment. We love our garden.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you.

[@annmoy8932]

Esther, thanks for walking us through the year with your allotment. You have accomplished so much! You reminded me that I need to reflect on my garden this year, too - the successes, challenges, what I learned, and what I’ll do the same or differently next year. Are you having a fall/winter garden at home or are you taking a break?

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

I have a few things started but nothing significant for the winter other than cover crops. I'm definitely planting garlic and flower bulbs this month though

[@canuckviolet3322]

Hi Esther I'm a little late to the party but I just want to congratulate you on all that you've accomplished in this past season. I've enjoyed your videos and I hope you keep posting I've learned a lot from you not just on winter sowing but also on this last adventure at the community garden. Thanks for sharing with the community that you're building here and I'm sure we'll continue to do so. Cheers!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@drbabe003]

You might try t-posts with pvc across the top. We’ve used that the past 2 years for tomatoes and it’s sturdy and versatile. I’ve done FL weave and lean-lower with it, works great. Not that expensive, either. We got a rain barrel this year. Best. Thing. Ever. You took on a huge challenge with such a big space. Hats off to you!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you!

[@cheyennedesmet5386]

Cattle panels are a great inexpensive option for trellis and T-posts. I use them all over in my garden for cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, beans, pumpkins and flowers. I agree with you about the flowers in the garden. I am planning to at least double the amount I had this year.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you.

[@timothywhieldon1971]

one way to deal with the ditch issue is to get some 4 inch perforated drainage pipe (in a roll) with a filter sock on it (worth getting already installed) and putting it in the ditch and then covering in either gravel or just cover back over with dirt.. might need to dig a tiny bit deeper or just pile a bit more over where you bring the cart over if its heavy. The effect will be the same and not a hazard. IMO the ditch is not draining the ground so much as its keeping other ground water from saturating it.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

That's a great idea and I think you are right about the value of the ditch. You are talking about a French drain effectively right?

[@timothywhieldon1971]

@@EsthersGardeningAdventures looks like the earth there has enough grade that as long as its sloping a little bit that one end daylights to drain the water... french drain would need a large area of gravel to drain into. if the ditch would work as is, then the perf pipe would improve it. the pipe needs to drain somewhere. typical minimal grade is 1 inch per 10 feet. thats just enough to get water out. anything less is not going to drain.

[@dustyflats3832]

You’ve done well considering the distance struggle. Find some way to haul water..a donkey, a mule, a…😅. I like the idea of using brook water. You could use a solar charged battery and a bilge pump with hose. I use this for rain water tanks. Catch rain water with a tarp. Yes, do put screen over barrels as wildlife tend to drown. Thanks for sharing and hope you are able to get your own large garden as it seems you love to garden.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you. Yes I have a submersible pump I can use and a battery to power it.

[@littlefootranch4410]

Your plot in the community garden looks to be a nice size. In Colorado the plots were 4x6 & 25.00 per bed, but it was nice to have extra growing space when we lived on 1/5 of an acre. Lol Beautiful job on the plot!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thanks. Yeah that's close to the rate of most garden plots. Mine is exceptionally cheap at $35 for the year

[@wandakelly2173]

You get a thumbs up for double duty! I have a tiny garden two miles away at my daughter’s home to provide her with basic vegetables so I can imagine the work that goes into a regular size off site!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you! Small gardens also need a lot of work I know.

[@madrabbitwoman]

I reccomend mesh covers for your water - keeps mosquitos and all other critters out

[@juliekraft4102]

I had a tree frog in my lidded rain barrel that I suspect was washed down my barn spouting into the barrel. He was very happy to see me when I lifted the lid,I'm sure 💞

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Haha I bet he was!

[@karenzorn773]

Hey Esther you might try a cattle panel for trellising next year. I also save rain water using bucket

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Yes. I've been meaning to get some cattle panels. Thanks for the reminder!

[@denisedoodles]

Great review! The weather this year was difficult as well. At first, the spring was very wet with very little sun, then summer came with that dry, scorching sun. It made for a challenging growing season for me. You must have been hauling water like crazy! I think the work you put into your community plot this summer will make a big difference next growing season. You had some obstacles this year but will be starting from a better position next spring and girl, you did not let it get you down! There were a couple of times I yanked plants out of my garden this year out of sheer frustration! Squash/Zucchini plants were my nemesis this year. I harvested 2. Yes, you read that correctly...just 2. The veggie I'm normally leaving on people's porches. This year, I got 2. Neither were edible. Dry inside. The plants looked amazing, so I add some liquid phosphorous, and then the blooms looked amazing. Still nothing...not many female flowers and I guess those were playing hard to get! I have a much smaller space so fewer tomato plants but found these tomato cages on Amazon and love them. Just search "FOTMISHU 3Pack Tomato Cages Plant Cage Stakes Deformable Up to 72 inch Garden Stakes Vegetable Trellis, Assembled w/ 4Pcs B-Clips Fork, for Vertical Climbing Plants" on amazon. They are amazing for indeterminate tomatoes. I used them in a triangle shape. I hear cattle panels are great too, but I have no way to get them home.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thanks for the tips on tomato cages. I feel your pain on the squash. I got more than 2 this year but no where near the abundance I wished for.

[@dianeoneill9789]

I’m amazed your plot was so big! Our community garden plots are only 10 feet x 10 feet.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Yeah it's a massive plot! Even 10x10 is pretty big

[@celiaanklesaria5685]

Really enjoyed visiting your garden and now hearing your reflections. So glad you have plans for next year! KUDOS!🤗🎉

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you Celia! I hope you get to visit again next year....poison ivy free this time. Lol

[@shirleygold5152]

Esther, you did a great job! I found your channel last winter and I am so glad I did. You are such a breath of fresh air as you describe the joy of being outside in the garden with flowers and all the rest. I am looking forward to seeing what you have going on next spring and summer.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Awe thank you! I'm glad you found my channel last winter also. This coming up winter is going to be a fun one too!

[@robertaaOHIO]

Hi Esther, you had a big job ahead of you, and you've accomplished so much. I'm looking forward to seeing what next year will be like. You will be one step ahead, and I am sure you will have an awesome garden. I really enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing your learning experiences.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@shampoo7112]

I also use 3-6 ft thinner type bamboo to stake up my tomatoes and peppers and use yarn to tie the plant to the bamboo as it grows.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Nice!

[@rg-mi5hh]

The weather had a lot to do with our strange growing season. Weird shaped tomatoes, peppers that didn't produce much, and a few other things were different. We use tomato stakes for peppers and just old sticks from old wood siding. We tied them up with strips of old cloths.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Yes the weather was crazy this year.

[@blessedbeyondmeasure318]

Re: green pepper stakes, I use tomato stakes (cages), then as they grow taller, insert plastic 6' stakes that I got off Amazon, and use clips to attach the plants after they've grown well past the tomato stakes. It was a game changer for me this past year.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

That's a great idea. I have those clips but keep forgetting to use them lol.

[@TheGardeningMe]

Cardboard topped with mulch for the paths will definitely make a huge difference. We're always learning and I've enjoyed watching you on your allotment journey. And next year will be the best year ever, right??? P.S. Love the t-shirt! ❤️

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you. It's a great T shirt! And yes, less weeding will be a great help.

[@glg3945]

Great lessons learned review. You have a really good outlook and I like your positive attitude. All the best. Peace and Good Fortune and Good Health to you and your family. 😃

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you. I wish the same for you and yours

[@jeanettesapartmenthomestea1603]

Maybe get one of those Rubbermaid type deck boxes or the small sheds so you can lock it so you can keep some stuff there

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Yes that's definitely a good idea. I haven't found one with a price point I like that also allows you to lock it.

[@jeanettesapartmenthomestea1603]

@@EsthersGardeningAdventures I saw one at Aldi’s today. Don’t know the price

[@lunalou3489]

Have you looked into core gardening? MIgardner does it and I think it is something I am going to try this year. Might be an idea for your water issues.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

I haven't. I'll check it out. Thanks!

[@Maplecook]

Here for Esther time!!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Hahaha yay!

[@RETIREDBABY]

Im proud of you

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you!

[@bristolveggiebeds5310]

It will get easier each year!

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Thank you! I hope so!

[@heatherharder1368]

How much is your garden plot rent? Is rent for season or monthly?

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

It is an annual rental. It's $30 a plot which is actually really low compared to most community gardens in my area.

[@BNN079]

How much was it to rent?

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

$35 I think but that's really low compared to most community gardens.

[@BNN079]

@@EsthersGardeningAdventures ok yea that is cheap. Thank you

[@agatth]

nice

[@sammcalilly107]

i'm an intermediate gardener and i'm renting a 750sqft plot, similar size to yours. do you think you could've used more space?

[@heatherharder1368]

What do you pay in rent?

[@heatherharder1368]

Is rent for the season or monthly?

[@paulnicholson8524]

You have a imbalance in your soil. Nitrifying bacteria are turning ammonium into nitrates, you need to add more fungal microbes to off set the ph. The bacteria live in compacted environment at 7 ph and up. The fungi secrets an acidic compound to off set the ph. Arreate, add good compost, then the fungi microbes,but air is important. Thanks for listening.

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

Great tip. Thank you!