Hughes Food Forest six month Update!

Over the past six months, something really special has been taking shape at Hughes. With the help of more than two dozen volunteers, who contributed over 100 hours, we have been steadily preparing the site for its big next step: planting in March 2026.

We began in June by giving our toolshed a much needed reset and investing in a few new tools. From there, volunteers cleared trash, weeds, and old planter boxes. Once the area was opened up, we spread about eight inches of fresh woodchips over contractor paper. This simple but powerful step smothers the old grass while beginning to build a rich fungal dominant soil layer, similar to what you would find on a healthy forest floor which will support the trees and shrubs we plant this coming spring. Thanks to arborists who use getchipdrop.com, we received dozens of cubic yards of woodchips to make this possible.

We also created five new vegetable beds, each three feet by twenty feet, by flipping the grass, laying down contractor paper, and adding six inches of high quality Dirt Hugger compost from Mt. Scott Fuel. Even though we planted late in the season on August first, the beds still produced an impressive harvest. Robin, the pastor at Hughes, shared the produce with congregants, neighbors, passersby, and people in need. It was a great preview of what this space will continue to offer the community. Next year, we expect an even larger harvest along with free, hands on garden education for anyone who wants to learn more about growing food.

In late November, we wrapped up the season by chop and dropping the remaining plants. This keeps the soil protected during the winter, reduces erosion, and creates habitat for beneficial insects and other small life that help a garden thrive.

Design work for the long term site layout is already underway. This winter, we will be meeting with the congregation to gather more input and finalize the shared vision. We'll be planting in early March and hope to see you then.

More updates will follow soon. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this growing community effort!