With the support of Carrot Cache, the Trent Vegetable Gardens was able to secure a tilther and a rototiller to support increased food production and install new pollinator windbreaks.
Incredibly, 23% of our beds were succession planted in 2024, up from the previous 7% in 2023. As a result of this succession planting, we were able to increase our offerings of quick-growing fall harvests, like salad radish, lettuce and green onions. Additionally, with the help of the new rototiller, we were able to prep previously unused soil to install a much-needed perennial pollinator windbreak, which brought new insects, energy, and joy into the drab end of the field. An unexpected outcome of this new equipment, which gave us time back, was the improved quality of our produce. We were better able to assess crops as they grew and determine unique water and fertilizer needs throughout the season. Our beets nearly doubled in size, our tomato harvest weight tripled, and we were able to catch our zucchini at the ideal harvest time (instead of ending up with giant, watery veggies!).
What is most incredible about this project is that it will continue to provide increased value for many years to come. As staff get more comfortable using the equipment, and we continue to plan for increased succession planting, our harvests will continue to grow and the community will continue to benefit.
- Natasha Sheward
