Summer Improvements at NHCO Garden Increase Winter Crops

Last summer, volunteers repaired and upgraded the high tunnel at NHCO's Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden. Their efforts are now paying off since the structure helps protect crops during the winter, allowing for a longer growing season.

"This was a huge project, completed by volunteers who had no idea what they were signing up for," said NHCO Garden Coordinator Kate Robson. "We used every tool in our arsenal to get the plastic on... And it has improved the quality of the plants and the look of the garden tremendously."

Kate is currently caring for cole crops - plants that do well in the cold and do not need to be pollinated by insects. These include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and a variety of kale, including red Russian, white Russian and purple.

She's mulching, weeding and adding straw to help keep the moisture inground. This allows the roots to grow so the plants will flourish above ground when it's warm and sunny. The outcome is a more bountiful harvest that benefits NHCO's food pantry clients.

To learn more about NHCO's garden, please visit NHCO.org/garden. Volunteering begins in early spring.