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Okay, gardening fans.  I know it isn't even 2008 yet, but out here in southern California we're already planting things for spring.  What you see in the picture here is a very large planter, about eighteen inches diameter across the top.  In nursery parlance this would be a fifteen-gallon tub.  I've used a hole-cutting bit to make the 12 cuts you see through the sides.  In a few days I'll plant seed potatoes in this. 

The way this is done is to put a layer of growing medium (soil and amendments) down, then deposit each seed potato near one of the holes on the bottom level.  After that, the potatoes are covered with soil to the next level of holes, where another layer of spudlets is placed.  The top layer is permitted to grow up through the natural soil line.  Altogether you get a triple layer cake of produce.  I will show pictures of this as the planting is done and the things begin to sprout.  The nice thing about this sort of arrangement is that you can turn the pot around to let the sun hit all sides.  What potatoes will I plant?  I'll let you know.

Michael McGrorty, urban farmer

[Note:  first in a series of articles on the Green Library of the present and future]

Here is a test of your Green Library knowledge:

1. What is the best way for a library to maximize conservation of resources?

1. Promote the purchase and use of alternative-fuel vehicles for employee commuting.
2. Promote the purchase and use of electric no-emission vehicles by workers.
3. Provide incentives such as preferred parking for workers who drive less-polluting vehicles.
4. Provide disincentives such as less parking for commuter vehicles except those involved in carpools.
5. Encourage use of public transportation by providing discounts on passes.
6. Arrange library work hours to reduce commuting to a minimum.
7. Arrange library hours to match times of peak patron usage.

Answer and discussion to follow.

Michael McGrorty