HOUSTON—The Fifth Ward community garden is a project of the All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP).
It is worked by the membership of the local Houston AAPDEP chapter, along with community members.
We are committed to work collectively for the upkeep and maintenance of the garden.
The work includes composting, sowing multiple rows of vegetables and building our first raised beds.
The winter garden is currently growing an assortment of mustard greens, collard greens, kale, peppers, beets and other vegetables.
In addition, we have planted our first banana tree. We will see how that turns out.
The garden is funded by neighborhood contributions and a community flea market.
"We will be able to provide good, healthy, nutritious vegetables to our community and generate economic institutions through the food co-op and flea market," said Omowale Kefing of AAPDEP Houston.
Building our first raised beds
Contained raised beds are the most popular type of raised beds, and they are great for vegetable and herb gardens.
Wood is pre-drilled and then the corners are screwed together with galvanized screws.
A small piece of wood is placed in the corners, and each side is attached.
Beds are then filled with a good mixture of quality topsoil and compost.
Once they're filled and leveled, we are ready to plant or sow seeds.
Raised-bed gardens require very little maintenance, and mulching the top of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
Moisture retention is important, because raised beds tend to drain faster than conventional beds.
Composting
Composting is a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus, which fuels plant growth, adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain moisture in the soil.
Composting can divert as much as 30 percent of household waste away from the garbage can.
Microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, break down organic material for plant use and ward off plant disease.
Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers.
The Fifth Ward community garden will be seeking additional vacant and abandoned gardens/properties in our community that could provide incomes and jobs for the people.
Our mission is to work and our potential is limitless!
