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Project Overview
This project addresses the growing need for sustainable living by empowering you to design and implement your own edible garden. As you navigate through the challenges of gardening, you will acquire core skills that align with professional practices, ultimately enhancing your outdoor space and contributing to local biodiversity.
Project Sections
Design Fundamentals
In this section, you'll explore the principles of garden design, focusing on creating a layout that incorporates both edible plants and aesthetic landscaping. You'll learn how to assess your space and plan effectively for your garden's needs.
Tasks:
- ▸Research and select a garden layout that suits your space and needs.
- ▸Create a list of edible plants and flowers based on your climate and preferences.
- ▸Sketch a preliminary garden design, incorporating elements like pathways and seating areas.
- ▸Consider the aesthetics of your garden by choosing complementary colors and textures.
- ▸Identify potential challenges in your design and brainstorm solutions.
- ▸Finalize your garden design and prepare a presentation for peer feedback.
Resources:
- 📚"The Garden Primer" by Barbara Damrosch
- 📚Online garden design tools (e.g., Garden Planner)
- 📚Local gardening extension services for climate advice
Reflection
Reflect on how your design choices align with your gardening goals and local environmental conditions.
Checkpoint
Submit your finalized garden design and receive feedback from peers.
Soil Health Essentials
Understanding soil health is crucial for a thriving garden. In this section, you'll learn about soil types, preparation, and how to improve soil quality to support your plants' growth.
Tasks:
- ▸Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
- ▸Research amendments suitable for your soil type and climate.
- ▸Create a soil preparation plan, including composting strategies.
- ▸Implement soil health practices, such as mulching and crop rotation.
- ▸Document the changes made to your soil and their anticipated impact.
- ▸Present your soil preparation plan to the class for feedback.
Resources:
- 📚"Teaming with Microbes" by Jeff Lowenfels
- 📚Soil testing kits
- 📚Local composting resources
Reflection
Consider how soil health impacts plant growth and what steps you can take to improve it.
Checkpoint
Demonstrate improved soil health through documented tests and amendments.
Plant Selection and Care
Choosing the right plants is key to a successful garden. This section focuses on selecting edible plants and flowers that thrive in your local climate, along with care techniques.
Tasks:
- ▸Research edible plants that grow well in your climate zone.
- ▸Create a planting calendar based on seasonal needs.
- ▸Develop a watering schedule tailored to your plants.
- ▸Learn about pest management strategies for your selected plants.
- ▸Document your plant selection process and care plan.
- ▸Share your plant care strategies with classmates for additional insights.
Resources:
- 📚"The Vegetable Gardener's Bible" by Edward C. Smith
- 📚Local plant nurseries for sourcing plants
- 📚Online plant databases for climate-specific recommendations
Reflection
Reflect on the importance of plant selection and how it affects your garden's success.
Checkpoint
Submit your plant selection and care plan for evaluation.
Irrigation Techniques
Efficient watering is vital for plant health. In this section, you'll explore different irrigation techniques suitable for your garden design and climate.
Tasks:
- ▸Research various irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, etc.) and their benefits.
- ▸Design an irrigation plan that meets the needs of your selected plants.
- ▸Implement your irrigation system and test its effectiveness.
- ▸Document your irrigation setup and any challenges faced during implementation.
- ▸Gather feedback from peers on your irrigation design.
- ▸Adjust your plan based on peer feedback and observations.
Resources:
- 📚"The Drip Irrigation Handbook" by Richard W. Hurst
- 📚Online irrigation design tools
- 📚Local gardening clubs for irrigation advice
Reflection
Evaluate how your irrigation choices align with your garden's needs and sustainability goals.
Checkpoint
Demonstrate your irrigation system's functionality and effectiveness.
Seasonal Gardening Tasks
Gardening requires ongoing maintenance. In this section, you'll learn about seasonal tasks that keep your garden thriving throughout the year.
Tasks:
- ▸Create a seasonal task list for planting, pruning, and harvesting.
- ▸Develop a maintenance schedule to keep your garden healthy.
- ▸Document your seasonal gardening tasks and any adjustments needed.
- ▸Learn about crop rotation and its benefits for soil health.
- ▸Share your seasonal task plan with classmates for feedback.
- ▸Reflect on the importance of ongoing care in gardening.
Resources:
- 📚"The New Organic Grower" by Eliot Coleman
- 📚Gardening apps for task reminders
- 📚Local gardening workshops
Reflection
Reflect on how seasonal tasks contribute to the overall health of your garden.
Checkpoint
Submit your seasonal gardening task plan for evaluation.
Garden Implementation
In this hands-on section, you'll bring your designs to life by implementing your garden plan, applying all the skills you've learned throughout the course.
Tasks:
- ▸Prepare the garden site according to your design specifications.
- ▸Plant your selected edible plants and flowers following best practices.
- ▸Implement your irrigation system and soil health strategies.
- ▸Document the planting process, including challenges and successes.
- ▸Create a visual record of your garden's progress through photos or videos.
- ▸Present your completed garden to the class, highlighting key features.
Resources:
- 📚"All New Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew
- 📚Local gardening clubs for support
- 📚Online gardening forums for troubleshooting
Reflection
Consider the challenges you faced during implementation and how you overcame them.
Checkpoint
Successfully implement your garden design and present your progress.
Harvesting and Enjoying
The final phase focuses on harvesting your crops and enjoying the fruits of your labor. You'll learn about best practices for harvesting and utilizing your produce.
Tasks:
- ▸Research optimal harvesting times for your plants.
- ▸Develop a plan for utilizing and preserving your harvest.
- ▸Document your harvest process and any recipes used.
- ▸Share your harvest experience with classmates and gather feedback.
- ▸Reflect on the entire gardening journey from design to harvest.
- ▸Create a presentation showcasing your garden and its produce.
Resources:
- 📚"The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping" by Rosalind Creasy
- 📚Local cooking classes for using fresh produce
- 📚Online resources for preserving food
Reflection
Reflect on your overall gardening experience and what you've learned about sustainability and food security.
Checkpoint
Present your harvest and share recipes or preservation techniques.
Timeline
8 weeks, with weekly reviews and adjustments based on progress.
Final Deliverable
A comprehensive garden portfolio showcasing your design, implementation, and harvest processes, complete with photos, plans, and reflections on your learning journey.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Demonstration of understanding garden design principles.
- ✓Effectiveness of soil health management practices.
- ✓Quality and variety of selected plants and their care.
- ✓Functionality and efficiency of irrigation system.
- ✓Completeness and creativity of final garden portfolio.
- ✓Engagement with peers for feedback and learning.
Community Engagement
Engage with local gardening clubs or online forums for feedback and collaboration, showcasing your garden journey and receiving support from fellow gardening enthusiasts.