WATER: The main on/off valve is in the alcove north of the rectory entrance.    

There are splitter valves along the way too.  Keep the hoses coiled and neat.

FERTILIZING: You are welcome to fertilize or take measures against pests as needed, but please try to use natural remedies.  Miracle Gro is an acceptable fertilizer, but if you are looking for other ideas, we have master gardeners to consult with.  Do you compost on your own?  Consider watering with your own compost tea (shared by T. Garlitz).

UP KEEP:  Assume that you will see things like mold and blight and black rot on some items.  Quick attention is best- rarely does anything go away on it's own, but there are often simple fixes.  Please ask.  Watch for withering, cuts or lesions, dusty mold on leaves.  Oddly shaped produce isn't bad at all.  An ugly tomato from your plot is probably better than anything store bought.     Insects are a good part of the equation, but too many is a problem.  You'll see bunnies and maybe mice... not a problem- it is outside after all.  However, if you notice a lot of damage, mention it.

Although the lawncare guys should take care of trimming when they cut the lawns, sometimes the boxes get a little messy looking.  Please trim grass slightly back from the outside of the box by hand or with the shears in the shed.

Weeds are competition here.  Eliminate them.

Flowers and decorations are fine.  The main goal is produce though, so a few flowers for a splash of color and pest control (i.e., marigolds) are fine.  Stakes and garden swag are fine too, just please keep it from looking like the "It's a Small World" ride from DisneyWorld!

HARVESTING: Harvest often and report your amounts in bushels to Kevin by email text if you have my cell number, or report produce on this form.

Use the metal bushel buckets (picture at the left) in the shed to measure the volume of your harvest.  Weight is not necessary.  Do your best to estimate by quarter bushel if needed- 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 .  Leave the metal buckets, and please deliver your produce in any bags or  boxes in the shed, or which you may have brought.  Use the button below to go to the form for reporting, or if it is easier, simply send Kevin a text or email and abbreviations are fine- easiest on you... I'll figure it out!  For example:  

one qtr toms

one bush grbns

3/4 grpprs

NOT A COMMUNTIY GARDEN:  The purpose is to feed hungry people through the food pantries and feeding programs with which we've connected.  Unlike a community garden, this is meant to be harvested by you, the volunteers and brought to those locations, rather than being generally accessed by the public.  Some people do indeed steal from the gardens- knowingly, but also some take items naively assuming it is generally accessbile.  It is not your job to protect the gardens- don't worry about being security.  But, if you notice someone shopping amongst the plots, at very most, if anything, ask them to be in touch with Kevin in the office first.

THE LIST:  Click below for the list of sites that have received our produce previously.  You can use this list, or if you know of another place, please let Kevin know so that it can be added. 

When reporting your produce, there will be a drop-down menu from which to select the site of your donation.

PHONE AND EMAIL: Gardeners are welcome to email, or call/text Kevin on his cell phone anytime.  The number will not be posted here- if you do not already have it, request it.   The office number however is 815 722-6653, ext. 217.

FACEBOOK PAGE: Join if you like and share pictures or get some discussion going.

THE CODE: The code is.. yeah, right!  Not posting it here for public consumption.  All gardeners should note the code for themselves.  Text or email Kevin if you forget.   Lock it all up when you're done.  Mix the code well.

KEEP IT CLEAN:  Please put things back neatly.  Especially tomato cages in the fall- rebend them so they slide together.  Tools accessible.  Sprinklers, hand tools and watering cans- keep them tidy please.

COMPOST:  Yes, if you have items from home, you can put them in the bins.  No dairy besides egg shells.  No meat or animal products.  Vegetable and fruit scraps  are geat.  Coffee grounds- yep.
Anything you trim from the plot (weeds and bad produce included) are good.  No woody stemmed trimmings- even tomatoes plants at the end of the season shouldn't be put in the bins.  We will have a separate area to collect.  Brown paper and newspapers should be fine, but cardboard, plastic tags and labels should not be included.  And be careful about your kitchen utensils- no kidding... always finding an accidental fork or knife in there!

Feel free to wet the compost heap when you are watering.  If you want to turn it, go ahead.  Just keep it neat and tidy.  Watering and turning is the best for compost.  If a bin gets too full and we want to let it reduce, it will be secured shut.

For the 2024 season, the black barrel of compost is pretty much ready to use, although there is not much.  If you'd like to make compost tea, feel free to take some of this and make this recipe.