7/24/2026 Update:
Hello everyone!
We have made great strides on the farm since beginning in May! For our first season of the community garden, together we have laid a foundation for the future. This is a collaborative effort and the farm crew and volunteers are the backbone of the process. Thank you!
It's the end of July, and because of low rainfall in recent weeks and the smoky air quality, the raised bed plants could use straw mulching and more frequent watering. The new cleared ground needs deep tilling to work the soil up. Fencing that area and getting it fully established for next year's planting is a goal, along with tilling other areas for future planting. While revitalizing the farm, the saying "many hands bring light work" rings true. We are seeking volunteers for these gardening tasks, as well as weeding around the gardens and orchard, using weed whackers (please bring one or two) mulching apple trees and walking areas for weed control, and establishing paths.
Does anyone mechanically inclined know how to troubleshoot a riding lawnmower? It's in the garage but needs TLC if it will run again. We would also welcome a push mower for some basic mowing around the driveway and garage. Establishing walking paths would help make the areas more accessible and welcoming.
We are working on the well. Today we realized we need a plug for the well to work with the 220 generator we have available (green one). Rasmussen Well Drilling pulled out the well casing a few days ago to access the original electric pump. Hooray! He chlorinated the well as a precaution, as the original well cap was missing, and installed a new well cap. Once the plug is installed and generator going we will pump out that water into the woods for 45 minutes, as the high chlorine level can kill garden plants. This should be a one time thing. The water is coming from 300 feet down now (400 foot well drilled in 1973) and extremely forceful, so it cannot be sprayed with a hose attachment without a pressure tank installed and electric to run things. Only use a hose with no attachments on the end, if there is anything blocking the hose pressure it can damage the well pump. Be cautious when watering from now on, and please use the new green generator. Direct hose watering, and filling containers is how we will need to water for now. Next spring, we will pursue electricity on site at the power pole.
***SUNDAY AUGUST 23*** from 1-3 pm. is a scheduled volunteer work day at the farm! Please help get the word out. Snacks and beverages provided. Some tools needed.
I'm in communication with some volunteer groups that may be coming out before fall. I did receive news that the farm will receive a $500 grant for establishing pollinator habitat from Pheasants Forever! I'll keep updates going on that. I'm looking into grants as the months continue. Outside financial assistance will help the farm reach its goals. We are seeking future partnerships for growing food in 2027 for community programs that benefit culture, diversity, equality, food security and youth/student engagement. Please share this mission among your circles, and feel free to post the website on social media. I can always be reached by phone or email. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.
Garden Produce Donations Needed
The Duluth Center for Women and Children is seeking fresh garden produce donations for the Nourish program. Dropoff at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The kitchen staff and volunteers create meal kits for community distribution. Learn more at: www.duluthcenterforwomenandchildren.org