Deeply Rooted in Thanks
October Recap: Putting the Garden to Bed
As the days grew shorter and the air turned crisp, gardeners spent October wrapping up another fruitful season at Mid Shooks Run Community Garden. Plots were cleared, beds were tucked in for winter, and the last of the long-season and fall crops—like hearty greens, carrots, and squash—were brought in. It’s always bittersweet to see the garden wind down, but there’s something deeply satisfying about closing the season together, knowing the soil is resting and ready for renewal come spring.
Just like the garden, our gardeners have earned a well-deserved rest. The growing season can be full of joyful work and long days, and this quiet stretch between seasons gives us a chance to recharge before the cycle begins again.
November Events At A Glance
As the chilly winds start making their presence felt, we are reminded of the upcoming winter season and the need to ensure that the garden is well-prepared to overwinter.
Join us as we come together to remove debris, fallen leaves, and decaying plant material. We’ll also turn compost piles, enrich beds, and apply a layer of straw to protect the soil from freezing temperatures and prevent erosion. Lastly, we’ll turn to the garden infrastructure: secure structures, remove stakes and cages, and store hoses.
Garden Cleanup & Winter Prep
Saturday, November 1, 2025
10:00 AM 1:00 PM
Sowing Gratitude
This year, we have so much to be thankful for at Mid Shooks Run Community Garden. Our space continues to thrive—not just with vegetables and flowers, but with connection, care, and community spirit.
This year brought milestones that remind us how much we can accomplish together. Thanks to generous donations from our community, we built seventeen plots in our garden footprint, revitalizing the space and creating more opportunities for neighbors to grow and gather. We also planted five new fruit trees as part of our emerging food forest, adding long-term abundance to our shared space. In September, we held our first-ever general election for the Board of Directors—an exciting milestone that marks a new chapter of growth and sustainability for our organization.
And as the season drew to a close, we received our first grant—a tremendous honor and a meaningful recognition of the garden’s impact in our community.
None of this would be possible without our members and a supportive community - whose dedication, generosity, and shared love of gardening keep this space flourishing. As we rest and reflect this winter, let’s carry forward the spirit of gratitude that sustains our garden and look ahead to another year of growing together.
Other Announcements
Growing Support: Mid Shooks Run Community Garden Receives El Pomar Grant
We’re thrilled to share that Mid Shooks Run Community Garden was awarded a $3,500 grant from El Pomar Foundation’s Anna Keesling Ackerman Fund! These funds will support our three-year expansion project — featuring fruit trees, berry bushes, and pollinator-friendly plants. Combined with member and volunteer contributions, the project will make our garden an even stronger resource for food security, environmental education, and community connection.
We’re deeply grateful to El Pomar Foundation for recognizing and investing in our mission to cultivate a sustainable space that grows fresh produce and a connected community.
The 2025 Growing Season is Officially Over.
Ensure your plot is left in the same (if not better) condition than it was found. Only perennials, if any exist, should remain and they should be managed for appearance. Remove all stakes, strings, poles, tomato cages, Wall-o-Waters, and any other items that may easily blow away from your plot. Take these items home with you - please don’t contribute to the tomato cage graveyard!
This is a great example of what plots should look like after end of season cleanup is complete.
Free Plot Winterizing Supplies in the Greenhouse.
Give next year’s growing season a boost by planting a fall cover crop in your plot: improve soil health, enhance nutrient retention, add nitrogen, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion during the winter months. Here’s how it works:
At end of season cleanup, sow the cover crop seeds in your plot and lightly mulch with straw. No further care is required.
After the cover crop flowers in the spring (or you’re ready to kick off the 2026 growing season), till the cover crop into the soil. Viola! Green manure!
We have several pounds of cover crop seeds that are a blend of Austrian Field Peas, Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch, Annual Rye, and Winter Rye in the greenhouse. Please help yourself to amend your plot!
Next steps for the 2026 growing season. If you’re interested in gardening with us next year, that’s great! In December, a member of the maintenance committee will reach out individually to our community garden members over email, gauge their interest in the 2025 growing season, and advise on next steps. Typically, we’ll ask for a yes / no decision by the end of January. If the response if “yes,” we’ll also email an invoice and ask that plot fees be paid by the end of February. Members who wish to retain their plots the next growing season can do so in perpetuity, provided they remain current on plot fees.
Help us plan for the 2026 growing season. If you know you’re coming back next year (or not coming back), no need to wait until December, let us know now. By doing so, you give our membership committee a head start on all the great work they do in the background to maintain our shared space.
