At the beginning of March, I anticipated supply chain challenges, so I ordered seeds for my summer garden. I went for the staples: carrots, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, cucumbers. We got some potting soil, and we have egg cartons. Last weekend, I diligently added “plant seeds” to my to-do list.
There’s only one problem: I know absolutely nothing about starting seeds. I have thriving apple trees and an amazing set of strawberry beds, but I’ve always gotten starters for my small vegetable garden. In a good year, 75% of those plants make it.
I tried watching YouTube videos with impossibly clean, smiling ladies who appeared to be trying to sell me stuff. I tried reading gardening websites. The advice was confusing, conflicting, and always seemed to call for something I just don’t have. What I’m saying here is that the barriers to entry feel impossibly high right now, and “plant seeds” is still on my to-do list.
I brought this problem up to Rabbi David, and it turns out he’s experiencing the same thing. He raises chickens for eggs but doesn’t know the first thing about starting seeds. And I can apples and strawberries like Ma Ingalls, but I can’t start kale on my windowsill. The only thing I have going for me is a daughter with two years of carrot gardening under her belt. At this rate, it’s clear neither Rabbi David nor I will be joining the ranks of victory gardeners anytime soon.
And then I talked to Olivia, in our JCOGS office. And you guessed it... she’s got seeds coming in the mail, but she has no idea what to do with them.
If you’ve read this far and are thinking, “I should just email Emily. I can help her,” then here’s what I want you to do. Email me. Offer yourself up as a JCOGS Gardening Mentor.
And if you’ve read this far and are thinking, “Well, darn it. I could use a gardening mentor,” email me. I’ll partner you up with one of our expert volunteers.
Today is a momentous day. Today we kick off the first ever (that I know of) JCOGS Gardening Mentor program.
And today is the first day of the rest of my garden.
Wishing you health, peace, and kale.
Emily
PS: Today is the last day to donate to the Personal Protective Equipment fund, helping purchase protective gear for front line workers in our region. Donate here.
Upcoming Online Events click on each link below in order to connect via Zoom.
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 PM Yom HaShoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration Be prepared to light a candle as our community joins virtually to remember those who perished, honor those who survived, and marks the 75th anniversary of liberation and end of the Holocaust. As we look back, we will also look forward and discuss ways we can make "never again" a reality. This year's virtual event will feature speakers, music, and opportunity for everyone to participate in the memorial candle lighting ceremony for the 6 million Jews and millions of others murdered in the Holocaust. Speakers include: Rabbi David Fainsibler, Jewish Community of Greater Stowe; Miriam Rosenbloom, vice-president and co-founder of the Vermont Holocaust Memorial; and members of the Greater Stowe Interfaith Coalition. RSVP here for the zoom link. ....................................................
Saturday, May 9, 9:30 AM Kinderlach & Gesher Shabbat morning programs for parents and extended family with children birth to seven years old. All are welcome. Join us for movement and singing with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins. ....................................................
Thursday, May 14, 12-5 PM Red Cross Blood Drive at JCOGS Thousands of blood drives have been cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for blood is constant – patients need your help. In order to support social distancing, appointments are now required, click here to sign up. ....................................................
