Week 5 - Weed Prevention + Seeds and Cuttings Presentation

This week we added hay to the gardens to prevent weeds naturally by stopping sunlight from getting to the soil. I also added two cherry tomato plants from Professor Clark's class (with permission of course).

Key takeaways from the presentation on Direct Seeding, Transplants, and Cuttings:

Direct seeding = for crops with sensitive root systems (such as nasturtiums, carrots, spinach, peas, beets, and snapdragons) and quick germination (such as radishes, beans, peas, turnips, and beets).

Transplanting = more predictable results, more resistant to insect and other pests due to greater maturity, will mature sooner and give an earlier harvest.

Cuttings = duplicates the plant, cut below the node and put in a special mixture.

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Week 3 - Plants + Plant Anatomy Presentation

The seeds are no longer just seeds! All the seeds have sprouted which is great to see. They will be left in the greenhouse until next week. Key takeaways of the presentation on Plant Anatomy & Plant Families: Shoot = Above ground growth Root = below ground growth Vegetative organs = roots, stems, leaves Reproductive organs = flowers, fruits, seeds Easily & quickly produced = leaves, stems May take longer = roots

Week 2 - Intro to Class and the Teaching Garden

On the first day of class we were given the syllabus, a tour of the teaching garden and greenhouse, as well as seeds and a seed starting tray. The greenhouse was really interesting because of the temperature regulation system and the various plants and hydroponics. I chose to plant watermelon, cucumbers, corn, pumpkins, and kohlrabi. I chose watermelon because I have never grown it before but it is one of my favorite fruits. Cucumbers and pumpkins were chosen because I like them and was interested in trying to grow some for the first time. Kohhlrabi I found interesting but I am actually not very familiar with it. After the seeds were put away in the greenhouse, we were allowed to take some sunflowers so here is a photo of them!

Week 13 - Cucumber & Bean harvest + Protected Ag Presentation

I started off the day by harvesting cucumbers and beans from the garden. They did really well and look perfect! Now for the bad news, the cucumber plants' leaves are still slowly dying from whatever disease they got. But the cucumbers are still growing. Key takeaways from the Protected Ag presentation: Lack of bacterial contamination by herbivores = greater food safety Types of hydroponic systems = Nutrient film technique, deep water culture, wick system, ebb and flow, drip system, aeroponics Pros of hydroponics = up to 90% less water used, no chemicals, consumers get it fresher, reduces damage/spoilage/waste due to not having to be transported as far, more can be grown quickly Cons of hydroponics = time consuming, requires expertise, requires 24/7 on site supervision/maintenance, needs constant electricity

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