The Vegetable Garden at the Arboretum

 There is something happening year-round at the Master Gardener vegetable garden where Linda B leads a team of devoted volunteer gardeners that share the bounty harvested with Plant a Row and The House of Blessings food bank.

What at first glance seems like an ordinary backyard garden is actually a laboratory /classroom where many techniques are used to determine what works best for each crop grown, and knowledge is shared through hands-on experience.

Some of the plants flourishing here are brought in as a last-ditch effort to save a dying plant. Volunteers use knowledge gained from the VCE Master Gardener Program to nurture them back to health.

Several of the plants in the garden have medicinal properties for humans and other animals. Comfrey leaves contain a substance that has been used to heal bruises, fractures, sprains, and strains. Moringa, donated by a fellow master gardener has leaves that are high in vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Some consider this wonder plant the next super food.

Left: Bee enjoying Comfrey, Right: Moringa leaves

  

 

Cauliflower and soybeans are planted with the potatoes to take advantage of the benefits of companion planting.

 

Three types of sweet potatoes flourish in large drums outside the greenhouse.

Strawberry and Rosemary growing in Grow Bags.

 

 

 Visit the Vegetable Garden from sunrise to sunset at the Chesapeake Arboretum year-round. Contact the Chesapeake Master Garderners to learn more about volunteer opportunies at the Vegatable Garden.