Gardening

The Gardening Team is responsible for the care, cultivation, and maintenance of the Learning, Heritage, and Perennial Gardens. The gardens provide opportunities for our Community Connections Program participants and campers to learn about gardening and gain hands-on experience. Produce is used in educational tasting, cooking, and nutrition programs designed to help community members of all ages connect with the natural world while learning about where their food comes from. Volunteers will be matched with agroupthat fits their schedule and led by a Lead Gardener to complete weekly tasks in the garden. Volunteers can expect to gain hands-on experience cultivating these gardens at Prescott Farm and join a great community of volunteers.

Commitment: Preferred 1x per week for one season

• Season: April - October
• Schedule: Flexible, we will work with your schedule. Having one consistent day/time per week to assist in the gardens is preferred

Tasks & Responsibilities

• • Daily: Weed, water, retrieve and return tools, record harvest, log timesheet
  • Weekly: Treat for problem insects, mulch, soil additives (lime, blood meal, leaves, etc.)

• Monthly

• • February: Clean seed trays, start seeds, care for seedlings
  • March: Start seeds, care for seedlings
  • April:Turn over beds, early planting, (un)cover plants as needed, repair equipment
  • May: Plant, prep beds, test soil, (un)cover plants as needed
  • June: Put in extra support for plants (frames, stocks, netting, etc.), thinning
  • July: Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating)
  • August: Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating)
  • September:Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating)
  • October: Winterize gardens, plant winter crops, drain hoses, and store tools, and equipment
  • November - January: Attend garden planning meetings if scheduled

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm to learn about gardening practices
• Ability to maintain a set schedule throughout the gardening season
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs, bend over, crouch, crawl, work outside, and walk on uneven surfaces without assistance

Training: Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator

Safety:Team members are expected to bring and wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and activities they will be doing; this includes closed-toed shoes, gloves, bug repellent, and sunscreen.Ensure to use safe practices with all tools and equipment.