A team of UME Master Gardeners working with UME field faculty created an outstanding Learning Garden that inspired and educated residents during the 11 days of the Maryland State Fair. Practical, small-space gardening techniques were demonstrated in 25 distinct beds.
A dramatic “three sisters” bed served as the central point of visual interest, attracting people from across the fairgrounds: ‘Honeybush’ butternut squash at the base, sunflowers (instead of corn) growing upright, and ‘Algarve’ pole beans climbing to the top of the bamboo frame:
Demonstrating styles of raised beds was one of the garden’s main themes. Fairgoers really went for the beds with sides fashioned from corrugated galvanized metal panels. They add interest, are long-lasting, and are cheaper to build than all-wood beds. These two beds grew ‘Tasty Jade’ and ‘Suyo Long’ cucumber plants (meeting in the middle on a bamboo trellis) and cost $36 each for materials:
The garden was just coming into peak production during the Fair and most of the harvest is destined for food banks. I can’t wait to see what the UME Master Gardener Volunteers cook up for next year’s State Fair Learning Garden. You won’t want to miss it!
By Jon Traunfeld, Extension Specialist
It was really something for all MGs to be proud of.