2026 October Newsletter
Winding Down
The pumpkins in the garden are orange, the tomato plants continue to deliver, and the flowers remain in bloom. It has been a bountiful season at the garden. As we begin to clean up and prepare for the winter, consider joining us for a Wheelbarrow Brigade, see the details below. As always, if you have any feedback or ideas for improving the garden, reach out.
ACTION ITEMS
Cleaning UpAs you clean out your bed, remember to cut what you put in the compost holding bin into small (six inch) pieces, do not add diseased plants and take any weeds from your bed and around your bed home with you. Most members have completed the mandatory two hours of “give back” time to the garden. Two Community Times remain on the schedule and if you need a more flexible option for your volunteer hours, reach out. Register on Sign-Up Genius.
Garden Member “Above and Beyond”
Shout Out to the Tibbets!
Dave and Marcia Tibbets are always willing to lend a hand at the garden. From setting the poles for the new trellises, to watering the Gather bed, to working on the compost bins, and more, they cheerfully help with the work of the garden.
If you notice someone going “above and beyond,” please let us know.
Join the Wheelbarrow Brigade
On Sunday, October 11 from 4-5:30 p.m., meet at the garden to help spread 15 yards of wood chips. Wood chips help prevent the growth of weeds and keep the garden looking “ship shape.” Bring your own shovels and wheelbarrows if you have them! Register via Sign-Up Genius.
If you’d like to work on your own, be sure to weed the area first, spread the woodchips roughly two inches thick, and record your time on the whiteboard in the shed. Start from the lefthand side of the garden as you enter the gate. Every little bit helps!
Don’t Miss the End of Season Potluck Lunch and Garden Clean Up Day
Sunday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is the final formal event of the season. Spend time cleaning up your garden bed in the company of other members or join at noon for the delicious potluck lunch. Bring something yummy to share!
2026 Season Gather Donation Tops 500 Pounds
Ever wonder where the garden’s donations to Gather end up? Community members facing food insecurity can shop in Gather’s grocery store where they select fresh produce, household supplies and pre-made meals in a beautiful location and with dignity. Thank you to all who donated surplus harvest this season.
Community Outreach Corner
Louise Duprey, Diane Stradling, and Grace Carmichael watered on the weekends at the Portsmouth Senior Center and the flowers looked beautiful all summer. Thank you!
Book Recommendations
Garden member Beth Hartnett loves the memoir Lab Girl by Hope Jahren so much that she often gifts it to friends. The author blends her personal life story as a geobiologist with a passionate look at the natural world. You’ll never look at trees the same way after reading this book!
If you have a book recommendation to share in the newsletter or are interested in running a book club for garden members during the winter, let us know!
Check out the Portsmouth Community Garden on Instagram or Facebook
New to the garden? Find us on Instagram and Facebook – search “portsmouthcommunitygarden.” Be sure to check out the fun posts on social media, led by Ari Ragonese. If you see them at Bed 4D, say hello to her, her husband Daniel and her gorgeous children, Auggie and Gemma. If you take a great picture, send it to Beth Hartnett.
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