February 2025 Newsletter
Partnership with the Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF)
Several essential donors have recognized our mission's value and provided us with funding. One noteworthy donor, The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF), awarded a two-year grant to support our mission. An institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, the Episcopal Health Foundation is grounded in Christian beliefs that call for equity before God and a mission to serve those in need—especially in the promotion of health and well-being among the 15 million Texans in the 80 counties of the diocese. Specifically, EHF contributes to our mission of duplicating our original location’s success in Katy to other Texas neighborhoods. TNGP is collaborating with EHF to identify and work with Episcopal churches committed to creating their missional community outreach garden.
From a January 28th article from EHF, “Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) has invested $4.3 million in new grants that help community-based organizations and health clinics address food and nutrition security, maternal health, and diabetes prevention in Texas. The investments are learning grants focused on the foundation’s new priorities for change outlined in its 2024-2030 Strategic Framework.
“We believe that by confronting and addressing these priorities we can make strides in reducing preventable differences in health outcomes based on income, race/ethnicity, and where a person lives,” said Dr. Ann Barnes, EHF’s president and CEO. “While our effort to address these priorities makes up just a portion of EHF’s total grants portfolio, we believe that driving positive health outcomes in these new areas will strengthen all of our work and have a broad impact beyond these three priorities.” More here…
What’s Growing On…
As we approach spring with warmer days, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of crops that thrive in the heat and enjoy the longer daylight. Houston has two summer planting cycles: Summer 1 and Summer 2. During Summer 1, we focus on planting tomatoes, peppers, eggplant transplants, and direct seeding summer squash, zucchini, patty pan squash, and cucumbers. In Summer 2, we plant muskmelons, watermelons, sweet potatoes, jicama, and okra. Following these two crop cycles ensures we plant crops in the right seasons as we move into 90+ degree weather. In the third and fourth weeks of February, we remain vigilant regarding the weather and try to plant and seed as early as possible. One of the key advantages of seeding squash and zucchini early is to get ahead of the Squash Vine Borer (SVB), which emerges from dormancy in April. By timing our seeding correctly, we can secure a decent harvest before the pests affect the plants.
SVBs are generally seen as pests because they tunnel into squash, pumpkin, and other cucurbit stems, causing plants to wilt and die. However, in the broader vegetable garden ecosystem, they do have some indirect benefits:
1. Food Source for Predators
• The larvae and adult moths serve as a food source for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals.
• Parasitic wasps, which help control other garden pests, often target squash vine borer larvae.
2. Indicator of Plant Health & Diversity Needs
• Their presence can signal an overreliance on certain crops, encouraging gardeners to rotate plantings and increase biodiversity.
• Companion planting with strong-scented herbs (like mint or basil) can deter them, promoting a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.
3. Soil Contribution
• Larvae that don’t fully develop or are eaten contribute organic matter to the soil as they decompose, though this benefit is minimal compared to their damage.
SVBs are a vital food source for beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals. Instead of using pesticides, it's important to be patient and give time for natural predators to establish themselves. This approach helps maintain a balanced ecosystem without eliminating SVBs.
Meet a Volunteer of TNGP
Jerome Poole has dedicated significant time and effort to supporting the garden by helping maintain its aesthetics and productivity. He is retired from the US Army and experienced injuries in the military that have plagued him in his older years. Jerome has stated on several occasions the benefits he has personally received back from his volunteering. The exercise, serenity, fellowship, and personal satisfaction of contributing toward the greater good have helped Jerome enhance his retirement life. We appreciate his service to our country and dedication to making TNGP successful.
Sowing into the Garden
As we advance our mission across Texas, please join us in sowing seeds of change to transform lives through the garden. Sowing seeds today will guarantee a plentiful harvest tomorrow.
