Volunteers sought to work at Tarentum community garden

Some helping hands are needed at Tarentum’s community garden.

The rain and warm weather has lead organizers to plan a “Garden Party” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Tarentum’s Greg Blythe Friendship Garden.

They plan to weed, plant, mulch and pick.

“We have been fortunate that folks have utilized all of what we planted,” said the Rev. Phil Beck of First United Presbyterian Church in Tarentum. “We have empty beds. Rather than leave them empty, we’ll get some folks together to replant them.”

Beck said they plan to put in more beets, spinach and lettuce.

Weeding is a common chore, and the wet weather has only added to weed growth, Beck said.

But the warm, wet weather has also helped the tomatoes, which Beck said are going “like gang-busters.” As a result, they’re pulling over the tomato cages and need to be staked up to keep them from collapsing onto the ground.

“There’s lots of work to do,” he said.

Those wishing to help should bring tools and a water bottle.

The garden is located on First Avenue next to Dreshar Stadium.

The garden’s bounty is freely available to anyone. Those who take from it are asked to help tend to it, but it is not required.

Things currently available include kale, sugar snap peas, blueberries, Swiss chard, squash, herbs and cherry tomatoes.

Beans, peppers and tomatoes will be ready soon.

The wet weather has slowed tomato ripening. Garden organizers have asked that people do not pick the green tomatoes — because if they’re picked, there won’t be any red ones.

Green tomatoes can be picked in late September and early October.