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Giving Garden

FSC's Giving Garden was created in 2019 and is a space for the community to learn, grow, and connect with the college's agricultural roots. Boasting 12 beds, the garden provides a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for the campus community. Most of the food grown at the garden is donated directly to the FSC Food Pantry, and the rest goes to the volunteers that take the time to make the garden a more productive space.

Interested in getting involved at the garden?

Opportunities to volunteer are available on a scheduled or regular basis. Learn how to get involved today by emailing the campus Sustainability Manager

Location

The Giving Garden is located in a hidden corner of campus. Check out the 'sustainability' tab on the to find the garden. Visitors typically park in Student Lot #3 and walk across the field.

Giving Garden Maintenance Plan

Objective: 

This plan makes sure that the Giving Garden is kept healthy, visually appealing, and provides ecological benefits.

Seasonal Plant Care

Watering Schedule:

• First Year: Water new plantings every other day for thirty minutes using one inch of water.
• Second Year: Water once per week for sixty minutes using one inch of water.
• Third year & beyond: Water only during drought periods when the plants show stress.

Mulching:

• First year: Apply two inches of natural mulch and water before and after mulching.
• Second year: Replenish mulch as needed using chopped plant materials. Keep edges thickly mulched, this is normally around two inches of mulch.
• Third year & beyond: Only add mulch as a last step in the season. Do not use volcano mulching.

Weeding:

• First year: Learn to identify weeds and how they grow in relation to your plants. Make sure to remove them before they seed. Cut at the base after rain for an easier removal.
• Second year & beyond: Let the native plants spread to outperform the weeds. Focus on removing invasive species.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Spring Maintenance (March-May):

• Avoid early cleanup, wait until the soil reaches fifty degrees for a week before cutting back dead plants.
• Cut dead flowers to varying heights, this may range from eight to twenty-four inches. This is to support native bee nesting.
• Weed and remove unwanted seedlings.
• Rely on the spring rains for watering.

Summer Maintenance (June-August):

• June:
  • Begin cutting back fall-flowering perennials for a better appearance.
  • Continue weeding.
• July-August:
  • Water new plantings if needed.
  • Avoid excessive mulching; retain last years stubble for bee larvae.

Fall Maintenance (September-November):

• September:
  • Water new plantings and start a seed collection.
  • Continue weeding and remove invasive species.
• October:
  • Best time to plant native species.
  • Enjoy the fall bloomers while contributing to the seed collection.
• November:
  • Water newly planted areas and collect seeds for future plantings.

Winter Maintenance (December-February):

• Only trim drooping foliage if necessary, leaving twelve to eighteen inches to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
• Water newly planted trees and shrubs if conditions are dry.
• Leave seed heads and leaf litter for bird habitat and soil enrichment.

Final Notes

• Maintain clean borders: Wild gardens look best with neat fences and defined edges.
• Minimal Maintenance Approach: Native gardens are low maintenance, let nature take its course whenever possible.
• Encourage Biodiversity: Support wildlife by leaving natural shelters and food sources.