Spring has sprung, and everything is blooming. Azaleas, lilies, roses, and more. It also means for gardeners time to plant. Warm-season veggies that do best in our region are Tomatoes, Squash, Peppers, Cucumbers, and more. I contacted The ArtsXchange, which hosts a Saturday morning information session, “Garden Like a Boss,” led by East Point Urban Agriculture Manager Tenisio Seanima.
I asked Tenisio Seanima to explain what an Urban Agriculture Manager does. He spoke about the Foodwell Alliance, an agriculture-related policy that started in 2018. Local leaders came together, and to ensure the policy was implemented, Seanima was hired as the Urban Agriculture Manager. He speaks about the need to change our food system.
I asked Seanima to share with backyard and front porch gardeners who are planning to start planting what they should do first. He speaks about preparing the soil. Cleaning out any weeds and dead plants and ensuring the soil is healthy. Feed your soil limestone, alfalfa (nitrogen), and azomite for healthy plants.
I have a concern about determining the amount of water needed for vegetable plants. Seanima explains that you have to pay attention to your plants. Are the leaves brown and wilting? Is the soil damp or dry? If you “listen” to your plants, you won’t over or under water. He speaks about the relationship between water, soil, and your plants.
My grandmother always added eggshells, orange peels, and any “fruit” that may have been damaged to the pots. Is this still considered a good thing? Seanima explains that composting by adding elements that break down it is similar to what nature does.
Seanima also shares that there are resources for community gardeners to share their harvests and receive assistance with any challenges.
For more information go to East Point Grown.
For more information on the Saturday Garden Like a Boss classes.