Coop Gardening

Our apartment has a 50 square foot patio that is bordered by evergreen shrubs and gets western exposure. The first two summers we were here we attempted to grow vegetables and berries without much success. Everything either got picked early and thrown, withered on the vine, or was ravaged by the local squirrel population. We were ready to give up on gardening when I read an article in the newspaper about an organization called Sharing Backyards. The website matches up urbanites who have gardening space and need assistance with those that are seeking gardening space and can provide assistance. There wasn't anything for our area when I checked, but talking about the concept with friends produced even better results.



One of our friends from church mentioned that they had done a garden for a couple of years but with measured success. And the kids had seemed less than enthusiastic. We talked our way into a co-op style arrangement where we would provide labor and skill and they would provide the same as well as the garden space. Over the months of February, March, and early May we worked to install a french drain, install fencing and raised beds, add improved soil and mulch, and (finally) plant the garden.



April and May were very wet which meant we didn't have to water much. But the cool weather and mostly-absent sun put everything in slow motion. After the sun re-appeared in June, the garden took off. We've already harvested some cucumbers, string beans, cilantro, and basil, and now the squash, tomatoes, and peppers are beginning to ripen!