La Mesa Verde

La Mesa Verde (The Green Table) is a newly established community program dedicated to building organic vegetable gardens at the homes of low-income families in Santa Clara County. The Master Gardener program is collaborating with the Health Trust and Sacred Heart Community Services to support this exciting, ground-breaking project.

Phase One

In August 2009, 30 low-income families were recruited for the pilot project. La Mesa Verde Program Director, Raul Lozano, consulted with Master Gardeners on the design and construction of raised beds. In September, Master Gardeners conducted classes on basic gardening and cool season vegetables for the participating families. Classes were offered in both English and Spanish.

On September 26th, families came to Sacred Heart Community Services and collected seeds and seedlings for their cool season gardens. Master Gardeners then helped each family plant their first garden. The gardens have thrived and provided fresh vegetables all winter long, enough for sharing with neighbors. The vegetables planted included lettuce, peas, chard, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, onions, garlic, and cilantro. Master Gardeners have continued to advise the families, answering questions and offering guidance as needed.

 

Phase Two

An additional 70 families have been recruited for Phase Two, bringing the total to one hundred families. Beds have been built, classes taught, and on April 24, 2010, the families will plant their summer gardens. Some gardeners from the Phase One families will be on hand to advise the new participants, making La Mesa Verde a true community effort.

Want to Help?

La Mesa Verde welcomes assistance from the public. To donate or volunteer for La Mesa Verde, contact Raul Lozano at Sacred Heart Community Services, raull@sacredheartcs.org, 408-674-4135, or call Sacred Heart Community Services at 408-278-2171.