April 2026

Volunteer
Newsletter

In this Newsletter:

Greenhouse Update
- Watering Shifts
- Heat Mat Protocol
Vegetable Gardening 101 Workshop
Volunteer Sign Up- All Shifts are Open
Early Distribution Starts this Week
Donations for Gratitude Gathering
Free Plants
Jen's Garden Article
Next Meeting: May 6th

Greenhouse Update

Have you been in the greenhouse lately? Our plants are happy and growing strong!

A few important reminders to keep them thriving: this is a critical time for watering, especially on warm, sunny days. If you’re signed up for a watering shift and can’t make it, please be sure to contact the watering lead (listed at the top of that week’s volunteer sign-up sheet). It’s also important to come during your scheduled time slot so watering is spaced evenly throughout the day. No shifts can go unfulfilled.

Waterers, please take a moment to review the Heat Mat Protocol and be sure plants are moved at the appropriate time.

Finally, this time of year means we need to start keeping an eye out for pests. If you notice any bugs, contact the watering lead right away.

Thank you for helping keep our plants healthy and growing!

Vegetable Gardening 101 Workshop

Our very own Growing Collective Leaders Gracia, Jen and Sue will be leading our next workshop, Vegetable Gardening 101. This workshop is offered at no cost as part of our food equity initiatives. Designed especially for new gardeners and those for whom cost may be a barrier, this learning experience is open to all. Please share with friends who are new to gardening. Registration is required, and space is limited to 30 participants.

Share and/or Sign Up

Volunteer Sign Up- All Shifts Are Open

All shifts are currently open on the volunteer sign-up sheet. Please take a moment to sign up. If you’re able, we ask that everyone sign up for at least one plant sale shift as part of your volunteer hours. Your participation is what makes this event possible.
Additionally, we will have our clean up day on Wednesday May 27th (Note: this is in place of the June member meeting). At this event, we clean up our space and, afterwards, enjoy a potluck to celebrate the end of the Growing Together program. All are welcome and encouraged to come. Please sign up on the volunteer sign-up sheet.

Early Distribution Starts this Week

Can you believe it's almost time to start taking your plants home?! If you'd like any of the early plants listed on the Plant Selection List, the first early distribution date is this Saturday. Please review D istribution Instructions here, if needed. If you forgot how many plants you signed up for, levels can be found on the 2026 Member list.

Silent Auction Donations Needed for the Gratitude Gathering

We’re looking for silent auction donations for our Gratitude Gathering in June! With such a creative community, we know we can come up with some amazing items.

Ideas that tend to do especially well include:

Unique experiences (often top sellers!)
Gift certificates to local businesses
Services you can offer
Themed baskets (could be single items or a whole basket, baked and canned goods are allowed)

If you’d like to contribute, contact: Jen 715-252-8903 Sally 715-252-8899 or Sue 715-347-6460. Thank you for helping make this a successful event!

Free Plants!

Our “freebies” will be available in the northeast corner of our greenhouse space beginning at early distribution and continuing through the last day of final distribution. These plants are open to all Growing Collective members.

Please use only the soil and pots designated in the freebies area when working with these plants.

Monthly Gardening Article

Spring is here and gardening is underway! From transplanting seedlings to preparing and protecting growing spaces, Jen's lastest post shares simple lessons from her garden. You can read it here.

Next Member Meeting:

May 6th, 5:30pm
ADRC- Lincoln Center

Planting Good Wishes,

Growing Collective