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What is a p-patch?
A P-Patch is a parcel of property with a number of gadening plots. The term originated in Seattle. The "P" originally stood for "Picardo", after the family who owned Picardo Farm in Seattle's Wedgwood neighborhood, part of which became the original P-Patch. A P-Patch provides plots for people who ant to grow their own vegetables.
The Fall City Learning Garden is a demonstration garden, not a p-patch.
When will the Learning Garden open?
The Learning Garden began in 2014. We have built a couple of demonstration beds to use in our workshops and to grow veggies for the Fall City Community Food Pantry.
How much time does it take to keep up a garden?
Gardening is fun, but it's also hard work. You must weed, harvest, and maintain your plot. If you are going to be out of town for an extended period, you'll have to arrange for someone to tend your plot. Gardening also demands more time at different points in the season than others.
If you think you can't tend to your plot twice a week, consider sharing with someone else.
Does the learning garden provide seeds?
No, the learning garden doesn't provide seeds. However, other gardeners may be willing to share. Also, seeds may be available at the annual Seed Exchange conducted by Transition Snoqualmie Valley.
Am I allowed to use pesticides or weed killers?
No. All P-Patch gardeners must use principles of organic gardening. Pesticides and weed killers are not allowed.
Instead of pesticides, gardeners should use cultivation techniques - yes, that means pulling weeds.
What is organic gardening?
There are different meanings of "organic gardening." At the P-Patch we insist that all plots use organic gardening techniques.
No herbicides (like Round-Up) are ever allowed in the gardens. We encourage the use of organic fertilizers or fully cured compost. If you are unsure about a particular product, contact the garden coordinator for the garden you are interested in to find out if you can use it.
Is water available at the Learning Garden?
This is an important concern because plants need an inch of water a week during the growing season.
Hoses and nozzles for watering are available in the Learning Garden tool shed next to the Masonic Lodge. A faucet is available on the near wall of the Masonic lodge.
Return watering supplies and tools to the tool shed when you finish.
Who can volunteer to work in the garden?
Anyone, regardless of horticultural expertise can volunteer! All you need is a willingness to be outdoors, the ability to work with a group, and the desire to learn more about where food comes from.
I have no gardening experience at all. Can I still volunteer?
Absolutely! Gardeners love to share and they will teach you everything you need to know. Find out when and where the next work party is, put on your gardening clothes and show up!
We conduct regular work parties at the P-Patch to maintain the common area and prepare for workshops.
Does the Learning Garden provide tools?
There is a minimal collection of gardening tools in the tool shed next to the P-Patch. Please return tools to the shed when you finish.
Is a bathroom available at the Learning Garden?
There is no outdoor toilet available at the Learning Garden.
We do not provide access to the Masonic Lodge hall.
Is the learning garden a charitable organization - 501(c)(3)?
The Learning Garden is a project of Sno Valley Tilth, which is a 501(c)(3) organization. Monetary contributions to SnoValley Tilth for the Fall City Learning Garden are tax-deductible.