Mamie D. Lee Community Garden: Third Time's the Charm

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Third Time's the Charm

This is my third attempt at resuming my blog posts for my beloved Mamie D. Lee Community Garden. This year, for me, blogging has been a lot like gardening. It takes a little while to figure things out and get it right. Here's hoping that the third time's the charm!

Summer is officially here- the summer solstice was yesterday, June 21, 2013, the longest day of the year. Lots of extra daylight for gardening. It's not too late to plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans, cucumbers, and squash. These are all "hot weather plants" and love the summer weather that is descending upon us. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant must be started from transplants, if you can still find any this late. Beans and squash can be started from seed.

Those of you whose garden plots were flooded with ample spring rains still have time to plant a nice summer garden. Don't delay .... after July 4, you are running the risk of diminishing returns for heat loving crops. More on that later.

Happy gardening!

Christina Scheltema

2 comments:

AnonymousOctober 9, 2013 at 8:52 AM
Hi Christina! I am writing a book on "Hidden Histories of Rock Creek Park" and am including a section on community gardens. I was wondering if you would permit me to use one or two of the photos on this blog. I could cite them however you prefer (Photo courtesy of Mamie D. Lee Garden BlogSpot?). I can be reached at Scott_Einberger@yahoo.com. Thank you so much!
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About the Garden

The Mamie D. Lee Community Garden is located in Ward 5 in Washington, DC. Measuring almost 1.5 acres, the MDL Community Garden is one of the largest community gardens in DC. It’s been in existence over 30 years, on land overseen by the National Park Service – Rock Creek Park.

Our community garden is comprised of a diverse group of 93 gardeners, ranging in age from infant to 80+, and representing at least nine different nationalities -- who collectively make up the Mamie D. Lee Garden Association. We are a 501(c)(3) organization. Garden amenities include a community toolshed with communal tools, community composting area, piles of woodchips, water hose spigots, and tables. Because we are a community garden, gardeners agree to abide by a set of rules and contribute a minimum number of hours of community service. Gardeners must also keep their plots in good shape - we have inspections! Last, National Park Service regulations explicitly prohibit sale of anything grown in our garden. If you are a market farmer and you want to grow produce to sell, please look elsewhere. If you are interested in a garden plot to grow vegetables for yourself, your family, and friends, please contact us at info@mdlga.org to request an application. We have a waiting list.