President’s Letter

We are only weeks away from planting The the cold weather crops. My peas will be in by St Patty’s Day. This will shortly be followed by spin- ach and lettuce. If you want more information on what and when to plant be sure to attend our Winter Meeting (Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.). Gardeners will be chatting away about compost, planting, what works, and what doesn’t. Your best source of information is your fellow gardeners.

On my to-do list for the weekend is planting trays of tomato seeds and placing them on our radiators. This is the only time of the year that I am grateful for these big monstrosities located in every room. When the seeds germinate, they go under a grow light, but this year will be different for me. As soon as my greenhouse warms up, I will be placing the seedlings on shelves there. I do enjoy visiting my cute little greenhouse every once in awhile. It has survived the snow and wind. In fact, parsley has been growing there all winter. Also surviving, but not really growing, is a container of spinach and lettuce.

Be sure to keep up with CWG responsibilities through our website http://crowswoodsgardeners.com. Our webmaster, Mauricio Suarez, does a great job of keeping the information up to date for us. You really need to know the rules especially for maintaining your plot. Check the dates for planting and cleanup. These are very important. Opening Day is Saturday, April 16. Be sure to put it on your calendar. It always feels so good to be out there with other gardeners who are full of hope for a great season.

Volunteers Needed

Our own gardener, Ann Koelling, reports that the Shade Tree Commission desperately needs weekend volunteers to provide one day per year of watering new trees. This year the commission has targeted 78 trees which will be planted around town beginning in April.

When? Weekends, April to mid-September

Where? A map will be provided

How long? One day, 8 hours

Whose water? Borough watering trucks with a watering hose attached

Training? Borough staff will train you

Contact person? Ann Koelling, Shade Tree Commission, aekoelling@verizon.net or 856-795-3791

Kathi Stokes