The temperatures have really dropped over the last couple weeks here in the Willamette Valley. We wrapped up fall term of class by prepping the Urban Farm for winter. Our students worked on pulling out the last of the warm weather crops, like tomatoes and squash. We dumped all that “green chop” into the compost bins, layered them with “browns” like straw and leaves, then threw a plastic cover on top to let them quietly break down.

The students also covered the pathways with dried leaves, which we got from the City of Eugene. A few team leaders put cover crops on their beds. Others placed row covers over tender plants like lettuces.

There are still a lot of cold season plants growing: collard greens, kale, swiss chard, spinach, etc. We’re hoping to harvest those a little at a time through winter. We are happy to see volunteers show up Saturdays from 10:30-12:30, but class is done for the year. Time for the garden to get some rest.