Happy new year, everyone! My name is Emma Davis, and as one of the Food Program’s new coordinators, I’ll be organizing the Garlic Co-op from now on. I’ll do my best to follow in Janice’s very big shoes.

What is it?

The Garlic Co-op is a group of garlic enthusiasts who collectively grow a few varieties of organic premium garlic, with scapes, in a large, shared, sunny plot at the end of Morgan Road, at the south end of the island. We meet about once a month for work parties. Together we learn about this easy-to-grow, hardy crop, share the load of bed-preparation, seeding, weeding, mulching and harvesting, and enjoy some delicious garlic. We also explore various soil-building and composting techniques.

Membership

Annual membership is $30, which covers the cost of our seed and soil amendments. Each member gets garlic to take home; your participation level determines the size of your share of the harvest. A portion of the crop goes towards Food Program community meals as well as the food bank.

How do I join?

To get involved, send an email to galianofoodprograms@gmail.com, call 539.3389, or just show up at the next work party. No previous experience required.

Next work party

February 7, 10:30am.

We’ll be adding organic matter to the beds, so please bring any material you can contribute—seaweed, compost, nettle stalks, leaves, compost tea, ash, lime, manures, grass clippings, cardboard, newspaper, etc. are all welcome!

Please bring gloves and forks if possible.