Patrick S. is one of our most consistent and thoughtful gardeners. He has been a part of the garden for the last 5 or 6 years. He had been looking for a community garden to join for a couple of years since he'd moved to Clairemont from the East Coast. He had actually considered creating one at his children's elementary school- but then he found NPC garden! He found the garden while doing his research; then he met someone who participates in the Golden Hill garden who suggested NPC. What a luck!
His favorite part of being part of the garden is the people. As he says, "I've met so many wonderful people who share a love of not only gardens and small batch food production, but value being a part of a group of families committed to cultivating a community connected to the earth and what gardening provides." He has also learned so much about gardens, soil, plants, food production, etc. He feels much more connected to the food he eats regardless of where it comes from -whether from the garden or the grocery store.
A success Patrick has had in the garden is learning how to really care for the soil in his bed. His knowledge has allowed him to make the most of his plantings. Several summer plantings have yielded scores of tomatoes, and winter plantings have yielded the most beautiful varieties of carrots.Right now he is planting winter crops: 3 varieties of lettuce (red leaf, butter leaf, and romaine), carrots, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.
We are so glad to have Patrick in the garden. Cool fact: He is the Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Library Foundation, the non-profit arm that supports SD Public Libraries. Now go support your local library!