ESCANABA — Are you interested in growing your own food and meeting other gardeners?

The Escanaba Community Garden is located on county/airport property at the corner of Hwy 41 South/ 23rd Avenue South. As part of Michigan State University Extension, the Escanaba Community Garden is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. MSU Extension and MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers help coordinate the garden. There are two Extension Master Gardener Volunteers who help with the operations of the garden and are available to provide gardening education especially for beginning or first -time gardeners.

– The Garden is plowed by teams of horses in early spring. The event is open to all gardeners and the public.

– Water is available for all plots; all the garden membership fees currently go to pay for the city water.

– Compost bins are available and managed by the MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.

– Educational workshops and garden grilling parties are planned, and all gardeners are welcome.

Signing up for the garden includes:

– Attend the mandatory garden orientation on Wednesday, May 8 at either 2:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.- at the Delta County MSU Extension Office, 2840 College Avenue, Escanaba, MI 49829.

– Complete the Community Garden Plot Rules Agreement, select your plot location, and purchase your 30’x30′ plot for $40 (Cash or check made out to MSU)

Fore more information contact Rebecca Krans, MSU Extension, 906-875-0606

Horse teams have worked up the soil at the Escanaba Community Garden. This traditional event typically attracts a crowd as these gentle giants pull antique plows or disks which their drivers sit atop. The garden is very appreciative This is the first step in preparing the garden. It helps to till any left-over plant material into the soil making it easier for microorganisms to decompose it. Ultimately, minimal tillage is best for any garden as it limits disturbance of the carbon: nitrogen ratio that is essential to soil health.

What is soil health?

Soil is essential for plant growth. Healthy soil has structure and enough water and air spaces to support root growth. Soil structure consists of aggregrates that stick together due to microbial action. Some soil clumps and semi-decomposed material need to be present within your garden. Overtilling a garden until it feels like flour shows that your soil’s structure is destroyed. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, rely on this soil structure to do the important work that they do. One way to improve your soil’s structure is by adding organic matter every year. Use 3 inches of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or shredded bark, around your vegetable plants. Use 6 inches of an organic mulch within your pathways.

Don’t Guess, Soil test!

Learn what your soil may need as far as nutrients and pH levels, by getting a soil test. MSU Extension provides soil testing. Read more about testing at https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/ Please visit: homesoiltest.msu.edu for more information and to order online.