Re: Water question

**A* <g*@earthlink.net>**

Jason wrote:

I'm trying to determine a reasonable monthly stipend to charge the
gardeners to offset the water cost which I suspect could end up being
substantial.

Heh, heh, heh. We are so fortunately that the Housing Authority picks up
our water cost. However, even with "free water," we are finding GREAT
benefits to collecting rainwater from the roofs of our two sheds -- the
plants really appreciate the "untreated" water and pouring veggie oil in
the top is a cheap way of keeping out the flying insects.
Seriously look into any rainwater collecting you can do onsite (write a
grant to get the funds if it's beyond your current means) to minimize the
use of treated water. Check out the listserve archives for URLs and
techniques that other gardens use -- this has been a much-discussed topic
in the past.
 We are thinking of asking gardeners to buy their own mini drip system to
conserve but already some individuals are suggesting this is not
affordable and defeats the purpose.

Buy up soaker hoses in September -- last year, I was able to get whole
rolls of soaker hoses at Kmart for $5/roll. Sell it for just under regular
price in the Spring and you'll have a fund raiser AND a way to get your
gardeners to use less water. Or, get Kmart et al to donate the unused
soaker hoses to your community garden in September and sell them for
$5/roll. Kmart makes out because they get a tax deduction for the regular
price, rather than the discount-to-get-it-out-of-here price.
Dorene

Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator
St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden
A mission of
St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA  19460

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