The Greenhouse has had a bountiful year. The Spring Sale was hugely successful and we have about 130 members. Many of these are new members.
The membership program is at the core of our success. Every year we teach gardeners how to be successful at growing their own gardens though hands on activities inside the greenhouse and in our own outside garden.
There were two focuses this year. We grew most of our plants from seeds this year. We learned about the individual needs of each seedling in order to germinate. We kept logs of how many seeds were started, how long the average germination period was, what the temperature needs were, whether they needed light or darkness, and any other specific needs such as stratification. Members were responsible for making decisions about planting depth and the best location in the greenhouse for germination.
Another focus this year was broadening our understanding of regenerative gardening. We have been trying methods of natural pest control, no till gardening, worm towers and soil building. We hatched three praying mantis ootheca (egg sacs). It was astounding to watch the nymphs cascade down from the casing and scurry around the greenhouse.
We had a lot of community involvement this year. Students from the high school helped us prep our garden beds. Another student created a worm tower presentation for the Science Fair. We had an Open House for Earth Day Open to the public and we taught a lesson on growing micro greens at home at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging.
