May Newsletter
THE THREE SISTERS
We are excited to represent the classic "3 Sisters" Native American tradition in several of our residential and school garden plots. Corn, beans , and squash is a wonderful companion planting strategy.
The farmer's first job is to make sure the soil is carbon/nitrogen balanced. Corn is a heavy nitrogen feeder and beans are nitrogen-fixing, so there we have it! Corn grows tall and serves as a natural trellis for the beans. Squash cools the roots and retains moisture because it grows low to the ground in the hottest season. It's spiny leaves also act as a critter barrier. Each of the 3 Sisters has a special complimentary purpose to serve one another, just like each sharecrop member! We are designed to accomplish more when we work together, and we are so thankful for each of you and look forward to showing you this gratitude by putting each of the 3 Sisters in your harvest box soon!
CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS
In April, nationally known spoken word artist, Scribe Sayar, wrote a special rap song to help our sharecrop elementary students understand this farming principal that aligns so perfectly with our values of sharing and teamwork. Scribe planted a seed in Mia's ear four years ago that led to the launch of Good Neighbor Gardens, and today his rap is developing into a theme song that even the adults can't stop singing. Who knows, maybe we will turn it into a music video next:
"Plant a seed in the soil, water sun let it grow, learn about companions the friend and the foe. Every living thing thrives best with a friend. Corn, beans, squash and the list never ends."
GRACIOUS NEIGHBOR SHOUT OUT
We are beyond grateful for San Diego's esteemed "Agrovate", Michelle Lerach, of the Berry Good Food Foundation, for donating a generous share of the bounty from her incredible ocean-view, cliff-hanging, organic garden to this week's harvest distribution. She sincerely extended her heart in her hands with every beet, fava bean and fennel bulb. Her gracious offering will be included in the boxes this Wednesday to all who subscribe! Neighbors loving neighbors, ya'll!
SOCIAL CONTEST!!
Show us your grubby hands in the garden or the kitchen for a chance to win a free restorative yoga session with our Gracious Neighbor JoAnn, founder of OG Yoga! One lucky winner will receive a private class and can invite up to 4 friends. No prior yoga knowledge needed, just an open heart and mind! How GOOD is that?
"JoAnn lead me through the most and healing and restorative yoga I've ever experienced"
- Albert Margens, Good Neighbor
Tag @goodneighborgardens in your social posts and use at least one of the following hashtags to share your photos. The winner will be announced in the next newsletter!
#goodneighborgardens
#1bigfarm
#urbansharecrop
#whatsgrowingon