Urban Community AgriNomics

By Secretary Derek Haynes As seasons change, it can be quite the task to consider the next plants to start within your garden.  Granted, the showy plants of the summer months are seemingly aplenty!  We instantly think of sunflowers, tomatoes, peppers, and coneflowers.  But, here is a simple adage to guide your selection as you plant this fall that was given to us by our local Extension Agent Cheralyn Berry: Grow leaves, roots, shoots, but no fruits!  Below is an abridged chart from NC State Extension ( see the full version and more information here ) from the article "Growing a Fall  Vegetable Garden" by Ervin Evans: Vegetables Suggested Planting Inches Between Plants Planting Depth (inches) Days to Maturity Asparagus (crowns) Nov. 15 to Mar. 15 15 6.0 2 years Beets July 15 to Aug. 15 2 0.5 to 1.0 55 to 60 Broccoli July 15 t...

By Lucille Patterson Urban Community AgriNomics had the pleasure of tasting wonderful fresh fruits compliments of Ungraded Produce. I'm writing to say how much UCAN, and all the volunteers, enjoyed the recent donation on our We Can! Workday. Everyone was pleased with the quality of the apples, oranges, and pears they provided. To Courtney Bell, CEO of Ungraded Produce, UCAN says, “Thank you!” Oranges, apples, and pears donated by Ungraded Produce.    Ungraded Produce is a subscription-based produce delivery service that recovers high quality, yet ‘ugly’ and surplus produce from both local and national suppliers. This is then delivered to doorsteps at a discount. Each week, UCAN donates a large quantity of produce to local food banks. We are committed to sourcing the highest quality produce, finding ways to make healthy eating easy and affordable for all, and keeping delicious fruits and vegetables out of landfills! Ungraded Produce is affordable, convenient, and ...

By Shanell Davis Hello, my name is Shanell. I was invited to the UCAN MLK Project through a friend and co-worker, Lucille Patterson. When I arrived at the location, it was very cold. Mrs. Patterson and other helpers had snacks, fresh fruits, water, coffee, and energy drinks. Then, Mrs. Patterson encouraged me to go look at the area where they were going to start gardening. The area looked big and spacious. When I returned to the area where she was; I helped her at the registration table. The volunteers were coming despite the cold weather.  We had other curious drivers passing along stopping every once and while asking, “What are you guys doing today?”  Mrs. Patterson and other helpers answered with glee saying, “We are building a community gardening!” Once all the volunteers arrived, Mrs. Patterson and I headed to the community area. My job was to take photos of the volunteers working and the area. As I was taking photos, I saw the different houses and I asked ,“What...