It’s been an incredible growing season so far, and our harvests have been bountiful! In just one day, we gathered 66 pounds of produce from our production garden alone—all of which went straight to our Free Food Market to be shared with neighbors. That’s a lot of fresh, healthy food making its way onto tables in our community. Isn’t that amazing?

We’re deeply grateful for the volunteers and community members who make this possible. Your time, energy, and generosity ensure that our neighbors have access to quality, nourishing food. Because of you, families are able to eat well and thrive. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue showing up for one another—together, we can make a lasting impact.

Determinate versus indeterminate? What variety do I have?

Determinate varieties grow to a “determined” height and are bushy and full looking. The fruit they bear will typically all ripen and be ready around the same time. This type usually requires less pruning.

Indeterminate varieties are vining types that can grow quite tall (or long!) and will need plenty of support such as a trellis or cage. The fruit they bear will ripen in waves over several months.

1) Remove extra stems along the bottom 6 inches of the main stem

2) Remove any brown, yellow or damaged leaves/stems

3) Once the plant has been growing for more than a month, remove higher up stems that don’t have blossoms or fruit as this draw energy away from the fruit bearing stems

Note, be sure to clean pruners with rubbing alcohol before using them on another plant to avoid spreading disease.

September is a great time to get your garden ready for fall and winter harvests here in Portland. According to the Portland Nursery Veggie Calendar, several cool-season crops thrive when planted this month:

Broccoli – Plant transplants now for a fall or winter harvest.

Cabbage – Starts planted in September will be ready later this fall and into winter.

Brussels Sprouts – These are best started in July or August, but if you find strong starts, you may still get a late-season crop.

Radishes – A perfect September choice. They grow quickly, and you can succession sow every two weeks through fall.

Scallions (Green Onions) – Another great option for planting now, with the added bonus that they can overwinter and be ready for spring harvest.

If you’re looking to extend your garden season, September planting offers a rewarding way to enjoy fresh produce well into the cooler months.

Looking to give your garden a boost this season? Here are some local resources for compost, mulch, manure, and seeds to help your garden thrive.

Compost days - https://www.portland.gov/transportation/events/2025/4/26/free-compost-days-2025

Wood chips - https://getchipdrop.com

Horse manure - Forward Stride in Beaverton, OR has free horse manure for community gardeners. Call 503-217-2058 to schedule a pickup time. Schedule ahead of time to ensure someone is onsite. Sundays are best (forwardstride.org).

Seed Libraries:

Banks - https://www.cityofbanks.org/banksseedlibrary

Wilsonville - https://www.wilsonvilleoregon.gov/lib/page/seed-library

Lake Oswego - https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/library/lopl-seed-library

Clackamas - https://www.clackamas.us/lib/seeds-for-sharing

1. If you don’t yet have a garden growing, our Plant Start Giveaway has lots of veggie starts for free! Tomatoes in many varieties, eggplant, several types of squash, tomatillos, broccoli, kale, peppers and much more.

2. As plants ripen, pick and use what you need for you and your family, then donate the rest. As many of us know only too well, even a small garden can grow an abundant supply - often so much more than we can use.

3. Bring your extra bounty to the Free Food Market. Friendly and helpful volunteers will weigh it and help fill out a donation slip.

Please be sure to write “Scattered Garden” on the slip!

Please share this with gardeners in your circle who might be interested!

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