The Ignacio House Community Garden Prepares for the Winter Harvest

After its second season, the resident scholars of the Ignacio House of Studies recently celebrated another successful harvest of fruits and vegetables from their home-built community garden project. Located directly behind the house near the patio area, the Ignacio House Community Garden is the product of many long hours of hard work and dedication by resident scholar Jimmy who has taken on the mantle of house gardener. Throughout the season, Jimmy tended to a wide variety of fruit and vegetable plants, most notably tomatoes. 

The project, now in its second year, started as an idea to repurpose the large empty space behind Ignacio House that originally was largely unused, empty space. With the help of Italo and Sebastian, Jimmy played a major role in building out the garden space, complete with flower beds and nutrient-rich soil compartments. “Throughout the season, we share the vegetables with other residents and friends of Thrive For Life,” Jimmy explained. Scholars frequently make use of the vegetables in preparation of community meals each week. 

As the growing season draws to a close with the autumn weather setting in, Jimmy is excited to try his hand at a winter harvest for the very first time. During the colder months, he and the resident scholars will grow garlic, beets, winter squash, cauliflower, and other vegetables that can grow outside of the traditional gardening season. These crops, Jimmy says, require less frequent watering and use a special compost and soil mixture. In the coming weeks, he and Sebastian will be acquiring the necessary materials to cover the plants so that they can continue to grow properly in the winter elements. “It’s the first time we are trying this, so I’m excited. I’m no expert, but my family always maintained a garden and this is a great thing for the community,” he said. 

A simple affirmation of the power of collective stewardship, Thrive for Life celebrates the Ignacio House Community Garden and applauds Jimmy for his hard work!