Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Bibliography
I have compiled my bibliography of the sources that I used during this project. Now I have to write a commentary on the journey of researching for this project. I am interested to write this because I found some things to be extremely helpful. I am not to sure how it will turn into a paper about my research and my learning, but I am anxious to see how it turns out. I want to try and get it finished by tonight.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ross Creagan
I sat down with Mr. Creagan today and talked to him about his experiences as a gardener. He was also able to give me a little advice about some of my plants and what to do to solve some of the problems I have encountered.
Mr. Creagan has been gardening for over 40 years now. Since he has started gardening he has had 4, 1/4 to 1/2 acre plots of land that he has used for gardening. He has always been organic. When he began gardening the USA was in a time that had placed a focus of green practices and organic foods. When he saw that organic gardening was rewarding as well as healthy, he was excited to grow almost all of his own food. His methods involve deep trenching, french intensive methods of planting, crop rotation and the idea of companion planting which pairs beneficial plants with each other to help them support one another. In the local ecosystem Mr. Creagan has been an integral part. He has brought many species of insects including praying mantis, lady bugs, and red worms to green spaces around Ithaca.
When I asked him if he could answer a few of my specific to my garden questions he was happy to help.
I have had problems with my tomatoes ever since I put them in the ground. He told me that he had never had much success with tomatoes but what he suggested was that the soil may be too cold. He said especially my variety, brandywine pink, likes to be hot. He suggested using black plastic to help insulate and warm the soil. He proposed another method which sounds interesting and may be an interesting experiment.
The method lays in the idea of waters high spcific heat. If you place a plastic moat around the tomato plant, when you fill the moat with water, the sun heats it and then when night falls it holds on to that heat and keeps the plant warmer through the night. It may be interesting to try both ways and see the difference it may cause.
I asked him what he found to be the best to grow in this area. He talked of the success of his greens. All kinds of lettuce, and other similar plants like spinach and kale. He mentioned ones that due well most any where including squash and zucchini. Beans he added were a helpful way to add nitrogen to the soil, and they are very hardy when it comes to standing up to the Ithaca climate. In general he said that the best plants to use are ones that can be planted early in the season and give fruit before it gets too hot, or plants that can go in the ground in august and have fruit before winter comes.
The thing I found most fascinating about this interview was the passion that mr. Creagan showed. He was eager to share everything he knew and what he had accomplished. This showed me that gardening is such an intense process and takes a strong love for your plants and for the earth to commit yourself to such an extensive pundertaking gardening is. When I left Mr. Creagan he said to me that gardening is his heart and soul. What I have seen in Mr. Creagan is true happiness.
Mr. Creagan has been gardening for over 40 years now. Since he has started gardening he has had 4, 1/4 to 1/2 acre plots of land that he has used for gardening. He has always been organic. When he began gardening the USA was in a time that had placed a focus of green practices and organic foods. When he saw that organic gardening was rewarding as well as healthy, he was excited to grow almost all of his own food. His methods involve deep trenching, french intensive methods of planting, crop rotation and the idea of companion planting which pairs beneficial plants with each other to help them support one another. In the local ecosystem Mr. Creagan has been an integral part. He has brought many species of insects including praying mantis, lady bugs, and red worms to green spaces around Ithaca.
When I asked him if he could answer a few of my specific to my garden questions he was happy to help.
I have had problems with my tomatoes ever since I put them in the ground. He told me that he had never had much success with tomatoes but what he suggested was that the soil may be too cold. He said especially my variety, brandywine pink, likes to be hot. He suggested using black plastic to help insulate and warm the soil. He proposed another method which sounds interesting and may be an interesting experiment.
The method lays in the idea of waters high spcific heat. If you place a plastic moat around the tomato plant, when you fill the moat with water, the sun heats it and then when night falls it holds on to that heat and keeps the plant warmer through the night. It may be interesting to try both ways and see the difference it may cause.
I asked him what he found to be the best to grow in this area. He talked of the success of his greens. All kinds of lettuce, and other similar plants like spinach and kale. He mentioned ones that due well most any where including squash and zucchini. Beans he added were a helpful way to add nitrogen to the soil, and they are very hardy when it comes to standing up to the Ithaca climate. In general he said that the best plants to use are ones that can be planted early in the season and give fruit before it gets too hot, or plants that can go in the ground in august and have fruit before winter comes.
The thing I found most fascinating about this interview was the passion that mr. Creagan showed. He was eager to share everything he knew and what he had accomplished. This showed me that gardening is such an intense process and takes a strong love for your plants and for the earth to commit yourself to such an extensive pundertaking gardening is. When I left Mr. Creagan he said to me that gardening is his heart and soul. What I have seen in Mr. Creagan is true happiness.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
In class 5/24
What do you know now that you didn't know in September?
Dear Future WISE Student,
This class began as a way to get away from normal English and try and explore something new, something I had wanted to learn about. Throughout the year I learned an awful lot about myself. I learned that I am far more shy than I thought I was. I thought I could go in to this and be self sufficient while completing this project. But I found through just working on the project and through my mentor that this process is not only about yourself, but being able to open up and accept help from others. My project was to plant a garden. It wasn't doing well, and not being a gardener myself I didn't know why. I realized that this needed outside help to be solved. I couldn't just hope that my garden would do well. For me this project has been about more than learning about gardening. But more so about learning to take the skills I have and apply them to a project. And if those do not suffice, having the ability to reach out and ask another to help. So when you embark on this journey, and it truly is that, you will find that it is not easy. And the only way to solve a problem you have come to a halt on is to seek out someone who may have the answer.
Dear Future WISE Student,
This class began as a way to get away from normal English and try and explore something new, something I had wanted to learn about. Throughout the year I learned an awful lot about myself. I learned that I am far more shy than I thought I was. I thought I could go in to this and be self sufficient while completing this project. But I found through just working on the project and through my mentor that this process is not only about yourself, but being able to open up and accept help from others. My project was to plant a garden. It wasn't doing well, and not being a gardener myself I didn't know why. I realized that this needed outside help to be solved. I couldn't just hope that my garden would do well. For me this project has been about more than learning about gardening. But more so about learning to take the skills I have and apply them to a project. And if those do not suffice, having the ability to reach out and ask another to help. So when you embark on this journey, and it truly is that, you will find that it is not easy. And the only way to solve a problem you have come to a halt on is to seek out someone who may have the answer.
Monday, May 23, 2011
2 weeks
I have been really busy this week with work now that I am back in the schedule and the next few weeks are going to be the same. But I want to lay out the last few weeks.
2 weeks plan:
-Turn compost. It has been getting a lot of rain and is quite wet. So I think if i add some new brown to the top then turn it, it will help to suck up some of that extra moisture.
-Talk to Mr. Creagan
-Go to Dryden
-Lay out work days for final papers. I want to get a sense of how long I need for each piece needed for the presentation and plan them out so that I am not rushed.
-Work out presentation delivery. I think I want to do a composting demonstration.
-See a few presentations. I want to attend a few more than the required two presentations to get a sense of how people are going about presenting and what works and what doesn't.
2 weeks plan:
-Turn compost. It has been getting a lot of rain and is quite wet. So I think if i add some new brown to the top then turn it, it will help to suck up some of that extra moisture.
-Talk to Mr. Creagan
-Go to Dryden
-Lay out work days for final papers. I want to get a sense of how long I need for each piece needed for the presentation and plan them out so that I am not rushed.
-Work out presentation delivery. I think I want to do a composting demonstration.
-See a few presentations. I want to attend a few more than the required two presentations to get a sense of how people are going about presenting and what works and what doesn't.
Interview and CSA
I talked with Mr. Creagan today and asked if we could get together and talk about gardening and composting. He sounded excited to share his knowledge and I am excited to see what he has to offer that I can use. He has been gardening for over 30 years so I assume that he will have some good advice and tips.
I wanted to go to the CSA owned by a teacher at IHS, Mrs. Sherman, and another couple in Dryden but didn't find time until the weekend and when I got online to see if they were open I found that they are only open on thursdays. So I am going to take a trip out there on thursday to see if they have any information or maybe to set up a personal visit with them to see the farm or just talk to them.
I wanted to go to the CSA owned by a teacher at IHS, Mrs. Sherman, and another couple in Dryden but didn't find time until the weekend and when I got online to see if they were open I found that they are only open on thursdays. So I am going to take a trip out there on thursday to see if they have any information or maybe to set up a personal visit with them to see the farm or just talk to them.
Plant Check Up
My plants are doing variably well. One of my zucchini plants is doing fantastic. It has grown so much since I put it in the ground and it is growing extremely fast it has quadrupled in size over the past week. My spinach is also doing very well. It has begun to show some little flowers. My tomatoes and lettuce on the other hand are not doing as well. They are smaller and seem to not be thriving. I am not sure why though. I am hoping to ask Mr. Creagan or the Shermans what they think the problem may be. I took some pictures but my phone is having some problems sending them so I will upload them later hopefully.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Problems and this week
So it seems to me that my little plants seem to be less well off now that I have put compost down. It is kind of discouraging. I am not sure however, if my plants are unhappy or i am just impatient. One of the possibilities was that I am not watering them enough. i am hoping to see if they will be happier after the large amount of rain we are supposed to get. If they do turn up I may need to water them more than I have been.
I also found a weed that sprang up really quickly. I followed it's root down and I seems to be pretty old as the main root went at least 6 inches down. I am now wondering if weeds that had laid dormant under all of the bricks are going to pop up again, with a vengeance.
I am going to go out to the CSA in dryden sometime this week, hopefully when it is not pouring rain. I am nervous to see what they have as I am afraid that I may be doing things wrong. However I guess seeing what I am doing is wrong could be good in the long run.
I also found a weed that sprang up really quickly. I followed it's root down and I seems to be pretty old as the main root went at least 6 inches down. I am now wondering if weeds that had laid dormant under all of the bricks are going to pop up again, with a vengeance.
I am going to go out to the CSA in dryden sometime this week, hopefully when it is not pouring rain. I am nervous to see what they have as I am afraid that I may be doing things wrong. However I guess seeing what I am doing is wrong could be good in the long run.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Checking some things off the to do list
My plants seem to be doing okay and are enjoying the sun. I placed a bunch of compost round each little mound where there are seedlings. I am a little worried about the amount of soil there is for the plants as they grow. I might buy some more soil and when the seedlings are strong enough i may pull the, up and lay for topsoil to ensure they have enough room to grow. Also the compost seems to be coming along well and I plan to add some of the old compost to the new compost to help it along.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
2 Week Plan
Here is my plan for the next two weeks:
-Continue Building Compost (In progress, some old compost has been transfered to new compost to help with the beginning processes of composting.)
-Talk to Mr. Creagan or another teacher about gardening or local gardening
-Grow plants and separate them once there are healthy plants, they are clumped in groups now (This may take longer than two weeks.)
-Spread existing compost on garden (Done)
-Interview someone
-Go to Organic CSA in Dryden
-Continue Building Compost (In progress, some old compost has been transfered to new compost to help with the beginning processes of composting.)
-Talk to Mr. Creagan or another teacher about gardening or local gardening
-Grow plants and separate them once there are healthy plants, they are clumped in groups now (This may take longer than two weeks.)
-Spread existing compost on garden (Done)
-Interview someone
-Go to Organic CSA in Dryden
Plants
It's such a beautiful day I knew I had to get out and do some work. I planted my tomato seedlings and my pepper seedlings. My lettuce and spinach seem to be doing really well and are very happy with the weather. I want to plant some seeds straight in the soil to see how the two differ and see if having seedlings in the house changes how the two plants grow.
My compost is going well. I have three different houses contributing food scraps and some brush. I am excited to get it going, it looks like it is going to turn out really well.
My compost is going well. I have three different houses contributing food scraps and some brush. I am excited to get it going, it looks like it is going to turn out really well.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Regional Planting
This is a regional guide to planting vegetables in the northeast area, in the month of May. All of my plants, except for spinach which I know is a hardy vegetable, are on this list to either transplant in or directly sow in. I was unsure about whether they would survive but hopefully they will.
For some reason my citation isn't showing up. This info came from motherearthnews.com. I'll post a citation later.
Strawberries
-Allstar and Honeoye are some of the largest varieties
-They can be planted as soon as the soil is workable, but not if the soil is wet. I'll have to wait till later in the week.
-When first flowers appear, pick them off as it promotes long runners, and a large crop, the next season
-Should not be planted where peppers or tomatoes have been planted
-Most widely grown fruit in home gardens
-Strawberries have tons of pests and diseases
I may not plant strawberries, even though they are delicious and seem sort of resistant. I may wait a year to see how this crop goes and rearrange my plants to see if I can get better results, if need be.
"Growing Strawberries - Strawberries and More - University of Illinois Extension." University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois. Web. 03 May 2011..
-They can be planted as soon as the soil is workable, but not if the soil is wet. I'll have to wait till later in the week.
-When first flowers appear, pick them off as it promotes long runners, and a large crop, the next season
-Should not be planted where peppers or tomatoes have been planted
-Most widely grown fruit in home gardens
-Strawberries have tons of pests and diseases
I may not plant strawberries, even though they are delicious and seem sort of resistant. I may wait a year to see how this crop goes and rearrange my plants to see if I can get better results, if need be.
"Growing Strawberries - Strawberries and More - University of Illinois Extension." University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois. Web. 03 May 2011.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Compost Fair
I drove down the street behind cooperative extension and saw a huge mass of people walking down the street, and I thought to myself, "Are all of these people going to the compost fair?" While most of them were only walking down the road to follow the rubber ducks they had set free further upstream, a few of them stuck around.
There were a good 100 people there while I was there. Some were petting a huge rabbit, others were listening to the strange folk music being played across the parking lot. I quickly got the sense that this event was not only geared toward compost but children as well. There were games a plenty and a small petting zoo complete with ducks, chicks, and rabbits.
I began to walk around to the booths and found that a lot of things they had to offer were things I had already learned from the lecture, a couple weeks ago. The largest tent was being run by the people who gave the lecture. I found this was to be less of learning experience in the sense of compost and more of a learning about my community through this common thing.
When I was driving there I had assumed 30 or 40 people would be there but came to find that even with people coming and going, there were about 100 people there constantly. This gave me the opportunity to realize how much work our community is doing/ wants to do to contribute to helping to save our environment. I had always known that we were, "That Hippie Town", but this gave me a physical representation of what a bunch of hippies really want to get done. It gave me a sense of uplifting to see that some many people realized that even doing just a little can add to the cause so much.
So while I answered their four question quiz on compost building without a hitch, I learned that the compost has grown into something much larger than me in my backyard but has taken our whole community by storm.
There were a good 100 people there while I was there. Some were petting a huge rabbit, others were listening to the strange folk music being played across the parking lot. I quickly got the sense that this event was not only geared toward compost but children as well. There were games a plenty and a small petting zoo complete with ducks, chicks, and rabbits.
I began to walk around to the booths and found that a lot of things they had to offer were things I had already learned from the lecture, a couple weeks ago. The largest tent was being run by the people who gave the lecture. I found this was to be less of learning experience in the sense of compost and more of a learning about my community through this common thing.
When I was driving there I had assumed 30 or 40 people would be there but came to find that even with people coming and going, there were about 100 people there constantly. This gave me the opportunity to realize how much work our community is doing/ wants to do to contribute to helping to save our environment. I had always known that we were, "That Hippie Town", but this gave me a physical representation of what a bunch of hippies really want to get done. It gave me a sense of uplifting to see that some many people realized that even doing just a little can add to the cause so much.
So while I answered their four question quiz on compost building without a hitch, I learned that the compost has grown into something much larger than me in my backyard but has taken our whole community by storm.
Laying Compost
Our gardener made sure that I was going to put compost in the garden so I want to get that laid in as soon as possible, maybe tomorrow. I have to work around a fence. I might just take a piece of the fence off rather than going around to the door, and up stairs. The screws are pretty stripped so it may be a challenge.
My new compost pile has begun to take shape! I have a whole bunch of dead brown stuff from my neighbor, who did a bunch of yard work over the weekend, which made me very happy. So It is new but hopefully I will get some action started within the next 4-5 weeks. I am a little worried about the walls of the compost but they seem to be holding up for now. I may have to move some dirt in around the sides once it begins to grow to ensure the integrity of the walls.
My new compost pile has begun to take shape! I have a whole bunch of dead brown stuff from my neighbor, who did a bunch of yard work over the weekend, which made me very happy. So It is new but hopefully I will get some action started within the next 4-5 weeks. I am a little worried about the walls of the compost but they seem to be holding up for now. I may have to move some dirt in around the sides once it begins to grow to ensure the integrity of the walls.
Planting!
Although they are hard to see I have planted my spinach and my lettuce plants. I will post another picture when there is better lighting and when I have more plants in! I plan on getting them all in tomorrow. I think it will be warm enough for the rest of the plants to go in. Everything around seems to be springing up and the average temperature of each day and night seem to be relatively warm with out any unsafe drops in the temperature at night.
Friday, April 29, 2011
10 Day Forecast
Today: Showers, High of 50
Saturday: Sunny, High of 61
Sunday: Sunny, High of 69
Monday: Showers, High of 52
Tuesday: Showers, High of 53
Wednesday: Showers, High of 59
Thursday: Partly Cloudy, High of 60
Friday: Partly Cloudy, High of 56
Saturday: Showers, High of 52
Sunday: Sunny, High of 58
I think based on this forecast I might wait till next week to plant my seedlings. I don't want them to get water logged or get too cold. So I am going to hold off until the showers next week pass.
Saturday: Sunny, High of 61
Sunday: Sunny, High of 69
Monday: Showers, High of 52
Tuesday: Showers, High of 53
Wednesday: Showers, High of 59
Thursday: Partly Cloudy, High of 60
Friday: Partly Cloudy, High of 56
Saturday: Showers, High of 52
Sunday: Sunny, High of 58
I think based on this forecast I might wait till next week to plant my seedlings. I don't want them to get water logged or get too cold. So I am going to hold off until the showers next week pass.
Spacing and Planning
Tomatoes: Tomatoes need approximately 2 feet in between each plant. This is for staked tomato plants which is the way I think I am going to grow my tomatoes. Tomatoes like warmer temperatures, so I will plant them on the sunny half of the garden.
Zucchini: One healthy plant about two feet apart. Zucchini like moderate temperatures, so for spacing purposes they will go on the shady half.
Cucumber: One plant every 12 inches. Cucumbers like to be warm and will be on the sunny half.
Peppers: One plant 18 to 24 inches apart. Peppers will not fruit if it is too hot, so I will plant the on the shady half.
Spinach: Spinach plants can be within a couple inches of each other. It also makes harvesting easier when they are closer.
Lettuce: Seedlings can be planted about 4 inches apart.
After looking at these spacing needs I think I am going to plant my seeds long ways, rather than the original idea of planting them perpendicular to the fence. I will post a picture of my new plan soon. I am going to plant the spinach and lettuce at the very end, perpendicular to the rest of the garden. The fence makes a corner and more shade at the end. Spinach and Lettuce like cooler temperatures and will do better mostly out of the sun.
"Tomato - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension." University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois. Web. 29 Apr. 2011..
All of the info is from this University of Illinois Vegetable Dictionary, but i have here only the tomatoes cited.
Zucchini: One healthy plant about two feet apart. Zucchini like moderate temperatures, so for spacing purposes they will go on the shady half.
Cucumber: One plant every 12 inches. Cucumbers like to be warm and will be on the sunny half.
Peppers: One plant 18 to 24 inches apart. Peppers will not fruit if it is too hot, so I will plant the on the shady half.
Spinach: Spinach plants can be within a couple inches of each other. It also makes harvesting easier when they are closer.
Lettuce: Seedlings can be planted about 4 inches apart.
After looking at these spacing needs I think I am going to plant my seeds long ways, rather than the original idea of planting them perpendicular to the fence. I will post a picture of my new plan soon. I am going to plant the spinach and lettuce at the very end, perpendicular to the rest of the garden. The fence makes a corner and more shade at the end. Spinach and Lettuce like cooler temperatures and will do better mostly out of the sun.
"Tomato - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension." University of Illinois Extension-Urban Programs Resource Network - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. University of Illinois. Web. 29 Apr. 2011.
All of the info is from this University of Illinois Vegetable Dictionary, but i have here only the tomatoes cited.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Garden and Compost
I bought some organic soil from Home depot and put it in my plot. I underestimated how much soil I was going to need. I bought 6 bags and have come to find that i need around 8 more. I am going to go buy some more tomorrow and fill it in this weekend. The weather seems to be holding sort of constant so I may plant some of my seedlings or some new seeds directly in the ground. I want to see if this has any effect on the plants.
I have gotten my compost walls to a height I am happy with for now. I threw some sticks and some dead leaves in the bottom (the base for a good compost) and will begin to throw food waste into the pile. That will take a while to be usable so I am going to use my previous compost as soon as I have all the soil laid.
On Sunday there is a compost fair at Cooperative Extension from 12-4. I am going to see if I can learn anything new by attending.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Researching some local food
These are a variety of things that I thought I should check out. They all have to do with local food, which is something I thought would be interesting to look into.
regionalaccess.net
eatingithaca.com
Lex Chutintaranond
Bandwagon
Xeo (Say-Oh) GO HERE!
Baking: From My Home to Yours
regionalaccess.net
eatingithaca.com
Lex Chutintaranond
Bandwagon
Xeo (Say-Oh) GO HERE!
Baking: From My Home to Yours
Red flag 4/14
How much time did you spend on your project?
5 hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I did some serious work on my new compost pile and got a lot of the base dug out and some of the walls built. I wantto build it taller so it has a larger capacity. This may need some mortar but I am going to build it free standing for now.
What research did you do?
I did some plant companion research, about which plants go well together, an help each other grow.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about setting some 2 week goals for the rest of the project. Now that it is warming we talked about thinking about lighting and spacing of the plants, as I get ready to put them in the soil. We also talked about finding someone to interview, a local gardener.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. Yeah it has hands on and some reflection.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had my journal but did more work spent reading kyle's blog and doing some research for him.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I did some good hands on work and finished up all my research but found some new things to research so tree is a new list.
What are your plans for week?
-Research plants, light, spacing
-interview someone
-make 2 week plan
5 hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I did some serious work on my new compost pile and got a lot of the base dug out and some of the walls built. I wantto build it taller so it has a larger capacity. This may need some mortar but I am going to build it free standing for now.
What research did you do?
I did some plant companion research, about which plants go well together, an help each other grow.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about setting some 2 week goals for the rest of the project. Now that it is warming we talked about thinking about lighting and spacing of the plants, as I get ready to put them in the soil. We also talked about finding someone to interview, a local gardener.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. Yeah it has hands on and some reflection.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had my journal but did more work spent reading kyle's blog and doing some research for him.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I did some good hands on work and finished up all my research but found some new things to research so tree is a new list.
What are your plans for week?
-Research plants, light, spacing
-interview someone
-make 2 week plan
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Goals for this week
This week's goals:
- Build new compost pile higher/ possibly finish
- Lay base soil in the plot
- If the current compost is thawed enough in the middle, I will place it on top of the layer of new soil
- Research strawberries
- Build new compost pile higher/ possibly finish
- Lay base soil in the plot
- If the current compost is thawed enough in the middle, I will place it on top of the layer of new soil
- Research strawberries
Seedlings
It is kind of hard to see how big they really are due to the closeness of my camera but my seedlings are coming along very nicely and have really been enjoying the warmer weather we have had this week. So far only my lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes have sprouted. Hopefully the others will pop up soon or I can plant them in the soil in their egg cartons.
Layout for Garden
Here is the layout I have designed for my garden. I have found in my research that strawberries are helpful to some of the plants so I am going to add those in to the garden. I was happy to find that as strawberries are one of my favorites.
Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Charlotte, VT: Garden Way Pub., 1981. Print.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Compost Pile
I dug out an area for the new compost pile and then with the bricks that I tore up I have begun to build a wall to house the new pile. I want to make it at least 2 or 3 times the height it is now. the only problem with that is that I have to make sure that the walls are sturdy enough to hold the compost once the pile starts to grow. I am going to experiment with some different ideas in terms of construction to see what is the best.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Red Flag 4/8
How much time did you spend on your project?
3 hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I haven't done any hands on but this sunny weekend will allow me to do some work outside.
What research did you do?
I finished all of my seed research. I need to do some more in-depth research on how the plants I have chosen work together.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
No. My mentor was out this week but we had an email conversation about what I should do this week and talked about my blogging. I have to keep doing more but the research that I completed will help me to keep moving forward.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. My journaling was heavily research this week, but I will do some more hands on this weekend.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had my journal but I didn't write anything. I know that I need to find something for a class mate to research so I may write about that once I find something.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I got a lot of research done and it is supposed to be nice this weekend so I will be able to get outside.
What are your plans for week?
-Sketch Plan for garden
-research compatibility of plants to arrange them appropriately
-work on ne w compost pile
3 hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I haven't done any hands on but this sunny weekend will allow me to do some work outside.
What research did you do?
I finished all of my seed research. I need to do some more in-depth research on how the plants I have chosen work together.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
No. My mentor was out this week but we had an email conversation about what I should do this week and talked about my blogging. I have to keep doing more but the research that I completed will help me to keep moving forward.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. My journaling was heavily research this week, but I will do some more hands on this weekend.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had my journal but I didn't write anything. I know that I need to find something for a class mate to research so I may write about that once I find something.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I got a lot of research done and it is supposed to be nice this weekend so I will be able to get outside.
What are your plans for week?
-Sketch Plan for garden
-research compatibility of plants to arrange them appropriately
-work on ne w compost pile
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
A New Trick
I heard this from a friend.
If you take a yogurt cup and fill it with beer and then push it in to the ground then it will attract slugs and snails away from you plant and in to the beer. The sugars that are present are far more delicious than the plants. You can use a few around the whole garden.
If you take a yogurt cup and fill it with beer and then push it in to the ground then it will attract slugs and snails away from you plant and in to the beer. The sugars that are present are far more delicious than the plants. You can use a few around the whole garden.
Zucchini
-largest variety of shapes and sizes in the cucumber family, of which zucchini is a member
-generally eaten when at an immature state
-night temps of at least 59
-wait till soil is warm
-individual planting containers (egg carton cells) will help reduce shock of temperature fluctuation when planted
-well worked soil with good drainage
-evenly moist, make sure they always have water
-squash bugs, squash borers, and cucumber beetles
-good choice for organic gardener
-maintain general health and cleanliness of garden to avoid disease
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
-generally eaten when at an immature state
-night temps of at least 59
-wait till soil is warm
-individual planting containers (egg carton cells) will help reduce shock of temperature fluctuation when planted
-well worked soil with good drainage
-evenly moist, make sure they always have water
-squash bugs, squash borers, and cucumber beetles
-good choice for organic gardener
-maintain general health and cleanliness of garden to avoid disease
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Compost Lecture 3/28
Adam Michaelides
Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener
multiple types of composting styles (stealth composting, worm bins, traditional)
Why?
Keep food out of the land fill
land space is being wasted
leachate from landfills can cause water problems
save money (fewer trash tags), money for city
gardening (full of nutrients, water retention)
How? WATER, OXYGEN, NITROGEN, CARBON
Lasagna Layering
-avoid compaction
-keep "greens" towards middle
-not too wet, avoid mushy
stirring compost can resolve anerobic decay
Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener
multiple types of composting styles (stealth composting, worm bins, traditional)
Why?
Keep food out of the land fill
land space is being wasted
leachate from landfills can cause water problems
save money (fewer trash tags), money for city
gardening (full of nutrients, water retention)
How? WATER, OXYGEN, NITROGEN, CARBON
Lasagna Layering
-avoid compaction
-keep "greens" towards middle
-not too wet, avoid mushy
stirring compost can resolve anerobic decay
Peppers
tasteful garden: epsom salts help enrich soil with magnesium which helps peppers thrive. mulching is very helpful due to shallow roots. about 2 feet diameter around each plant.
Brenda Little:
-named by Columbus while he was in search of black pepper.
-same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and tobacco
-prefer soil temp above 64 degrees, daytime temp around 77
-do best in soil with high organic matter content!
-evenly moist soil but not wet
-shallow rooted plant, so weed carefully
-aphids, cut worms, and borers
-pinch out aphid infested foliage
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
Ada Shimar. "Growing Sweet and Hot Peppers." Tasteful Garden - Tomato Plants, Herb Plants, Pepper Plants and Vegetable Plants for Organic Gardening - The Tasteful Garden. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. http://www.tastefulgarden.com/.
Brenda Little:
-named by Columbus while he was in search of black pepper.
-same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and tobacco
-prefer soil temp above 64 degrees, daytime temp around 77
-do best in soil with high organic matter content!
-evenly moist soil but not wet
-shallow rooted plant, so weed carefully
-aphids, cut worms, and borers
-pinch out aphid infested foliage
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
Ada Shimar. "Growing Sweet and Hot Peppers." Tasteful Garden - Tomato Plants, Herb Plants, Pepper Plants and Vegetable Plants for Organic Gardening - The Tasteful Garden. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. http://www.tastefulgarden.com/.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Red flag 3/30
How much time did you spend on your project?
4-5 Hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I did some work on clearing out the new space for my new compost pile.
What research did you do?
I did some research on my seeds and will do more this weekend. I am going to try to finish all the research for all of my seeds. I attended a presentation given by Cornell cooperative extension on compost.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about getting all my research and planning done so I have some thing to show since the garden will be put together very late.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. They have one hands on but will be more research based this week.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had it and I wrote a really good response to the conversation we had. I need to put it in my blog.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I need more hours but I think the research I do this weekend will help to boost my time spent.
What are your plans for week?
-Research
-Work on new compost pile
4-5 Hours
What did you do that was hands on?
I did some work on clearing out the new space for my new compost pile.
What research did you do?
I did some research on my seeds and will do more this weekend. I am going to try to finish all the research for all of my seeds. I attended a presentation given by Cornell cooperative extension on compost.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about getting all my research and planning done so I have some thing to show since the garden will be put together very late.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes. They have one hands on but will be more research based this week.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. I had it and I wrote a really good response to the conversation we had. I need to put it in my blog.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Good. I need more hours but I think the research I do this weekend will help to boost my time spent.
What are your plans for week?
-Research
-Work on new compost pile
Monday, March 28, 2011
Composting Presentation
The Green Team has been hosting some presentation on being a teenager and energy and environmentally conscious. Today the presentation was on composting and I was excited to see what they had to offer.
The presentation was interesting and they did a demonstration on lasagna layering compost (the process of alternating dry, brown matter and "green" nitrogen rich material like food scraps) and why compost is important for us to do.
Although it was interesting it was quite basic and I knew a lot of the stuff from AP Environmental Science and from already having a compost. However, they described some methods of composting that I had never heard of, such as stealth composting.
I took notes of which I am going to try and upload a scan. If that can't be done I'll type up the important parts.
Overall I think what this presentation did was kind of plant the seed of what this project will lead me too. I have recently got extremely excited about composting. Because of the nature of this project it has led me to spending a lot of time working with compost and the science of it. I think I will become a "hard-core" composter because of this whole experience.
The presentation was interesting and they did a demonstration on lasagna layering compost (the process of alternating dry, brown matter and "green" nitrogen rich material like food scraps) and why compost is important for us to do.
Although it was interesting it was quite basic and I knew a lot of the stuff from AP Environmental Science and from already having a compost. However, they described some methods of composting that I had never heard of, such as stealth composting.
I took notes of which I am going to try and upload a scan. If that can't be done I'll type up the important parts.
Overall I think what this presentation did was kind of plant the seed of what this project will lead me too. I have recently got extremely excited about composting. Because of the nature of this project it has led me to spending a lot of time working with compost and the science of it. I think I will become a "hard-core" composter because of this whole experience.
Tomatoes
-Tomatoes grow in a very large manner and will sprawl if they are not contained.
-Tomatoes have a very weak stem and must be supported by a stake or cage in order to let them grow effectively and keep the tomatoes clean.
-Determinate and Indeterminate varieties. Indeterminate will grow indefinitely until frost causes them to die. Determinate will stop after first fruit and generally don't need staking.
-Staked tomatoes take less maintenence and have fewer losses due to rot and temperature fluxuations.
-Must be planted when night temperature won't fall below 54 degrees.
-They need a lot of sun but do not like to be too hot.
-Plants need a lot of room to grow, they like their space.
-They need lots of water but not so much that there is remaining water.
-Many pests. Aphids, Tomato Caterpillars, cutworms, fruit fly, flea beetle, colorado potato beetle and white flies are the largest threat.
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
-Tomatoes have a very weak stem and must be supported by a stake or cage in order to let them grow effectively and keep the tomatoes clean.
-Determinate and Indeterminate varieties. Indeterminate will grow indefinitely until frost causes them to die. Determinate will stop after first fruit and generally don't need staking.
-Staked tomatoes take less maintenence and have fewer losses due to rot and temperature fluxuations.
-Must be planted when night temperature won't fall below 54 degrees.
-They need a lot of sun but do not like to be too hot.
-Plants need a lot of room to grow, they like their space.
-They need lots of water but not so much that there is remaining water.
-Many pests. Aphids, Tomato Caterpillars, cutworms, fruit fly, flea beetle, colorado potato beetle and white flies are the largest threat.
Little, Brenda. The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening. Sandy, UT: Silverleaf, 2006. Print.
Seeds
My new design for my seedlings is working really well! The water is being held in the space more readily and the seeds seem to be growing faster despite the recent drop in temperatures.
My tomatoes had their first sprout and have grown to have 3 seedlings sprout up. I can't wait for more to sprout up. Hopefully the sun and weather will begin to cooperate and they will be able to grow outside soon.
My tomatoes had their first sprout and have grown to have 3 seedlings sprout up. I can't wait for more to sprout up. Hopefully the sun and weather will begin to cooperate and they will be able to grow outside soon.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
New Compost Pile
The ground is still frozen so I couldn't do any digging yet but I got a lot of the ivy cleared to expose the area I am going to build in.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Dilmun Hill Organic Student Garden
"Projects." CUAES. Cornell University, 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. http://www.cuaes.cornell.edu/cals/cuaes/ag-operations/dilmun-hill/projects.cfm.
I was driving around today and noticed for the first time the Dilmun Hill Student Farm. So I did some research.
I found out that it is a student run farm that gives an opportunity to students, staff, and community members to work with an organic farm and learn many new sustainable agricultural practices. They have yearly events which everyone is allowed to participate in. Their largest project has been their Market Garden which has been the primary focus of the group since it was started in 1996. The market garden is approximately 1.5 acres in size. The garden is run under sustainable practices and uses cornell compost. All of the food produced goes to various selling venues but some is given to food banks as well as compensation for volunteer workers.
A nice thing about this site is the provide garden reports which include their pest control, soil reports, irrigation tactics and lots of information that could be very useful to me while i work through my garden.
I was really excited to find this great place. It is still pretty early and it didn't look too active when I pulled over for a second but hopefully I can go back in a week or two and talk to the people there. They seemed very welcoming of visitors so I can't wait to see what they have available.
I was driving around today and noticed for the first time the Dilmun Hill Student Farm. So I did some research.
I found out that it is a student run farm that gives an opportunity to students, staff, and community members to work with an organic farm and learn many new sustainable agricultural practices. They have yearly events which everyone is allowed to participate in. Their largest project has been their Market Garden which has been the primary focus of the group since it was started in 1996. The market garden is approximately 1.5 acres in size. The garden is run under sustainable practices and uses cornell compost. All of the food produced goes to various selling venues but some is given to food banks as well as compensation for volunteer workers.
A nice thing about this site is the provide garden reports which include their pest control, soil reports, irrigation tactics and lots of information that could be very useful to me while i work through my garden.
I was really excited to find this great place. It is still pretty early and it didn't look too active when I pulled over for a second but hopefully I can go back in a week or two and talk to the people there. They seemed very welcoming of visitors so I can't wait to see what they have available.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Lettuce
-Romans used lettuce as a sedative
-sow early in spring, lettuce is hardy and frost resistant
-well worked soil with good drainage and water retention
-thinning is important because crowding will cause the plant to bolt
-evenly moist but not soggy
-cut worms, slugs, and snails
-sow early in spring, lettuce is hardy and frost resistant
-well worked soil with good drainage and water retention
-thinning is important because crowding will cause the plant to bolt
-evenly moist but not soggy
-cut worms, slugs, and snails
Red Flag 3/23
How much time did you spend on your project?
4-5 Hours
What did you do that was hands-on?
Tore out all the bricks that were in the plot for my garden. I built a new "green house" for my seedlings.
What research did you do?
I have to finish seedling research this weekend.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about doing more research and journaling as well as going out and spending more time doing activities to further the project.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes, but I have to do some research entries later this weekend.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. It was nice to have since we talked about so much.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Adequate. I need to spend more time on my project and learning from my project, but I am coming along.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost fully
-Build a new compost pile
-Finish research for seeds
4-5 Hours
What did you do that was hands-on?
Tore out all the bricks that were in the plot for my garden. I built a new "green house" for my seedlings.
What research did you do?
I have to finish seedling research this weekend.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about doing more research and journaling as well as going out and spending more time doing activities to further the project.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes, but I have to do some research entries later this weekend.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. It was nice to have since we talked about so much.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Adequate. I need to spend more time on my project and learning from my project, but I am coming along.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost fully
-Build a new compost pile
-Finish research for seeds
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Class notes 3/22
We were handed a sheet on writing proposals for getting money from the school in order to help pay for some of the expenses that our projects may entail. I think personally I will not need money because mostly everything I need (i.e. seeds) has already been payed for and most everything is based on the earth now.
We also talked about how other people are blogging and what tactics are helpful to learning from yours and your peers blogs. We found that everyone finds pictures, audio, research, and being well organized are very helpful to keeping an interesting and useful journal.
We did some more show and tell. Chesna is doing an Italian cooking project and shared some pictures of the pasta she has made, one of which looks extremely difficult. Chelsea talked about her jewelry project and showed us a ring that she made which took her 5 hours to make.
We also talked about how other people are blogging and what tactics are helpful to learning from yours and your peers blogs. We found that everyone finds pictures, audio, research, and being well organized are very helpful to keeping an interesting and useful journal.
We did some more show and tell. Chesna is doing an Italian cooking project and shared some pictures of the pasta she has made, one of which looks extremely difficult. Chelsea talked about her jewelry project and showed us a ring that she made which took her 5 hours to make.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Goals for this week
My goals for this week are:
- Fully turn my compost
- Do more research
- Begin to build or finish a new compost pile ( This will be the new compost pile I mentioned earlier. The current pile will turn into just yard waste.)
- Fully turn my compost
- Do more research
- Begin to build or finish a new compost pile ( This will be the new compost pile I mentioned earlier. The current pile will turn into just yard waste.)
Hopefuls and New design
I found these flowers spread across the entire yard of one of my friends house and I fell in love with the way they look. I don't know what they are yet and neither does my mom but I am going to do some research and ask some of my gardening resources to see if any of them know what they are. They look like bulb flowers so I may have to plant them this year but I won't get to see them till next year.
Here they are:
I also added a new cover to my seedling pan. The plastic will act as a green house and will help to keep more moisture in as well as intensify the sunlight to help the plants grow! It looks kind of makeshift, but hey, that's exactly what it is!
Here they are:
I also added a new cover to my seedling pan. The plastic will act as a green house and will help to keep more moisture in as well as intensify the sunlight to help the plants grow! It looks kind of makeshift, but hey, that's exactly what it is!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The real work
Today, my mom and I tore out the bricks that were in the space where I plan to plant my garden. It only took an hour and a half or so and it was a really nice time to get spend time with my mom and getting work done. We also figured out that we are going to start a new compost pile and we are going to use the bricks we removed to build the walls for a container for the compost. The cool thing about this compost is we are going to keep it strictly food scraps and we are going to have our two neighbors contribute to the pile. I hope that we can get that built by next week so it can get a move on.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Red Flag 3/17
Things to think about when journaling:
- try to keep things multi-media, add pictures or video
- don't be afraid to add anything
- make sure that class entries involve how it related to your project or how the assignment/ class has made you think about your project
- write everything down no matter how small, get the thoughts down
- try to keep things multi-media, add pictures or video
- don't be afraid to add anything
- make sure that class entries involve how it related to your project or how the assignment/ class has made you think about your project
- write everything down no matter how small, get the thoughts down
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Seedlings
Two days ago I saw the first sign of sprouting in my lettuce seeds. And now I have at least ten sprouts in the lettuce seeds. Lettuce reproduces rather quickly so I am not surprised that it is the first one up. I hope that some of the others show up soon. It was very exciting to see them popping up. I think this is kind of a turning point in my project. The snow is all melted and my seeds have sprouted so it seems that we are moving forward very quickly!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Red Flag 3/11
How much time did you spend on your project?
About two hours.
What did you do that was hands-on?
I havent done it yet but now that the snow has melted I am going to go out and finish turning my compost pile.
What research did you do?
I started looking into other Cornell Cooperative Extension classes since my previous one fell through. I haven't found one that I like yet.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about continuing to set goals for myself and making sure that I stick to those goals.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
No, but I plan to do some more journaling as well as finishing any unfished journals that I have in my journal.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. Yes.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Inadequate. I didn't do much work but I have a lot of loose ends to tie up that I plan on doing this weekend.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost fully
-Continue Taking care of my seedlings
-do more concise research on my seeds
About two hours.
What did you do that was hands-on?
I havent done it yet but now that the snow has melted I am going to go out and finish turning my compost pile.
What research did you do?
I started looking into other Cornell Cooperative Extension classes since my previous one fell through. I haven't found one that I like yet.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes. We talked about continuing to set goals for myself and making sure that I stick to those goals.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
No, but I plan to do some more journaling as well as finishing any unfished journals that I have in my journal.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. Yes.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Inadequate. I didn't do much work but I have a lot of loose ends to tie up that I plan on doing this weekend.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost fully
-Continue Taking care of my seedlings
-do more concise research on my seeds
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Bummer
I just went on the Cornell Cooperative Extension website to check the location of the Home Food production panel and found out that registration, a fee, and some previous gardening experience are prerequisites of taking this, although I did not know it was, class. It was more hands on than I had originally known. It is my fault that I over looked that detail and I am kind of upset about it. I am not worried though. They have events nearly every day so I will be able to find another one to attend.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mentor meeting 3/8
I met with Ms. Amodeo today. We talked about how last week went and how effective it was for me to make specific goals for myself to accomplish during the week. I got all three of my planned goals finished and was ready to move on to the next thing. Now that my seeds are planted there is little left to do in my hands for a couple days except water them. Ms. Amodeo and I talked about making sure that i do some more research which I find to be really helpful for learning about each individual plant and what it needs.
Turning Compost
Yesterday I went out and started to turn my compost. I had to clear a bunch of snow off but got to it pretty quickly. I had never really looked at our compost pile but to my surprise it is doing extremely well. The sign of good compost is that it looks and smells like regular dirt, and that is what my compost pile is! I ran in to a little problem. The bottom half of the pile was frozen and I couldn't break through it. So I am going to have to wait until it warms up a bit in order to fully turn the entire pile.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Compost Worries
Due to the snow I am a little worried about turning my compost. Although turning is necessary, adding too much water can harm the microorganisms. I guess that I will turn it anyways because it is such a small amount of water for such a large pile. I feel as though, it shouldn't harm it in the long run, seeing as water will seep through or evaporate. However, only time will tell.
Planting and CCE Gardening
The seeds are in their little starting egg cartons, in the window sill, and watered. So hopefully they will begin to grow. I did only one or two seeds per cell so this is kind of an experiment to see how they will do. The only worry I have right now is that the cold from the window causing a problem for the plants. I have other plants in the house near a window and they seem to do fine, but I will have to wait and see. Once those get started I might move them to a larger pot until it starts to warm up and the garden gets ready.
I was pretty busy this week so I did not attend a Cornell Cooperative Extension Gardening meeting like I thought. However, it turns out there is a discussion panel that is focusing on Home food production. This fits what I am doing so perfectly and I am very excited to listen to what some specialists in the area have to offer about home gardening.
I was pretty busy this week so I did not attend a Cornell Cooperative Extension Gardening meeting like I thought. However, it turns out there is a discussion panel that is focusing on Home food production. This fits what I am doing so perfectly and I am very excited to listen to what some specialists in the area have to offer about home gardening.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Red Flag Post 3/4
How much time did you spend on your project?
2 Hours
What did you do that was hands-on?
I didn't really do anything that was hands-on, this past week was more research related.
What research did you do?
I did a lot of research on spinach and cucumbers. This helped my to gain insight into each plant I am growing.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes, We talked about setting some goals for myself to accomplish before I met with her next week. We also talked about me doing more research which did happen later in the week.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes, They are mostly reflecting and research. I didn't have any activities because I didn't do anything really hands on.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. Yes.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Adequate. I didn't do a lot of hands-on but in my mentor meeting I got really motivated and set myself some goals which I think will be helpful.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost
-Plant all my seeds
-Look into Cornell Cooperative Extension Gardening classes
2 Hours
What did you do that was hands-on?
I didn't really do anything that was hands-on, this past week was more research related.
What research did you do?
I did a lot of research on spinach and cucumbers. This helped my to gain insight into each plant I am growing.
Did you meet with your mentor? What did you talk about?
Yes, We talked about setting some goals for myself to accomplish before I met with her next week. We also talked about me doing more research which did happen later in the week.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries? Do they include planning, recording activities, and reflecting?
Yes, They are mostly reflecting and research. I didn't have any activities because I didn't do anything really hands on.
Were you in class on this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes. Yes.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was Inadequate? Adequate? Good? Excellent? Explain.
Adequate. I didn't do a lot of hands-on but in my mentor meeting I got really motivated and set myself some goals which I think will be helpful.
What are your plans for next week?
-Turn my compost
-Plant all my seeds
-Look into Cornell Cooperative Extension Gardening classes
Mentor Meeting 3/1
I met with Ms. Amodeo this week and she helped me to kind of lay down some goals for myself to complete.
- Turn my compost
- Plant all of my seeds
- Look into events at Cornell Co-operative Extension
I have a pretty busy weekend but I am going to try and fit all of these things in.
- Turn my compost
- Plant all of my seeds
- Look into events at Cornell Co-operative Extension
I have a pretty busy weekend but I am going to try and fit all of these things in.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are believed to have originated in Asia. They have very large leaves and either grow along the ground or can be trained to grow up a fence or trellis. Cucumbers are warm weather plants and prefer to be planted in mid spring long after the threat of frost has disappeared. This fact might mean that I may have to grow the plants inside for a while until the soil has a chance to warm up and ensure that the plants survive. It has a very short growing season and prefers to be in constant sunlight. Night temperatures around 60 are ideal for the survival of the plants. Cucumbers have both male and female flowers on the same vine, however, only the female flower will grow a fruit. They can have a very high yield if they have sufficient sunlight.
When being planted cucumbers like warm soil that is well drained. They also thrive with a lot of dead organic matter. This will be helpful to me as spinach thrives in compost as well. They also grow well next to beans which I plan to plant. The seedlings are very delicate and require that they be planted in inverted hills, like a downward cone, to avoid the roots being exposed if a heavy rain occurs. Multiple seeds should be planted in each hill in order to ensure that a few hearty seedlings start. Once there are a few seedlings they can be spread out in order to let each plant grow independently.
The cucumber is 95% water and therefore needs sufficient amounts of water to stay healthy. Large amounts of water can increase the impacts of soil compaction, so many people recommend mulching in order to ward off this problem.
Weeding is necessary in order to make sure that the cucumber plants are not out-competed. And when the cucumber is fully grown it is imperative that they be harvested because the plant does not begin growing new fruits if there is still a mature fruit attached to the plant.
Aphids and cucumber beetles present the largest pest problems. Aphids can be picked off where they have begun feeding. Cucumber beetles do not present a problem in feeding but they often carry a disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and eventually the whole plant to die. Pesticides are often the most effective remedy. Luckily, due to there fast growing nature, it is okay lose a few of the cucumbers in order to remain organic.
Harvesting occurs about 2 and a half months after planting. Most of the fruit should be harvested in order to ensure the continued production of the whole plant.
When being planted cucumbers like warm soil that is well drained. They also thrive with a lot of dead organic matter. This will be helpful to me as spinach thrives in compost as well. They also grow well next to beans which I plan to plant. The seedlings are very delicate and require that they be planted in inverted hills, like a downward cone, to avoid the roots being exposed if a heavy rain occurs. Multiple seeds should be planted in each hill in order to ensure that a few hearty seedlings start. Once there are a few seedlings they can be spread out in order to let each plant grow independently.
The cucumber is 95% water and therefore needs sufficient amounts of water to stay healthy. Large amounts of water can increase the impacts of soil compaction, so many people recommend mulching in order to ward off this problem.
Weeding is necessary in order to make sure that the cucumber plants are not out-competed. And when the cucumber is fully grown it is imperative that they be harvested because the plant does not begin growing new fruits if there is still a mature fruit attached to the plant.
Aphids and cucumber beetles present the largest pest problems. Aphids can be picked off where they have begun feeding. Cucumber beetles do not present a problem in feeding but they often carry a disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and eventually the whole plant to die. Pesticides are often the most effective remedy. Luckily, due to there fast growing nature, it is okay lose a few of the cucumbers in order to remain organic.
Harvesting occurs about 2 and a half months after planting. Most of the fruit should be harvested in order to ensure the continued production of the whole plant.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Spinach
I decided I would do some research on each of my plants that I am going to plant in my garden.
It was first cultivated by Persians and brought over to Europe around 1100 A.D. It became very popular in many monastery garden all across Europe. Although spinach was popularized in America, due to it's use by Popeye, it has been found that spinach has far less, although still a large amount, of iron than was originally calculated.
Spinach is a plant that grows close to the ground in a tight rosette of dark green leaves. It comes in two varieties, however, New Zealand spinach is less well known, compared to its more commonly used counterpart which originated in Asia. Spinach is a relative of beets and swiss chard.
Ideally, spinach is planted in colder weather so it will be a good plant to begin early in the season. If it is two hot spinach tends to go to seed or begin to bolt. Good spinach weather is early in the spring or autumn and around 50-59 degrees. Many people will germinate their seeds in a wet paper towel placed in the refrigerator due to the fact that spinach, being a cold season plant, will not germinate above 86 degrees F. Spinach grows in seed clusters which means that I will have to split them once they sprout in order to make sure that they don't compete for nutrients. Uniformly watered plants are the best for spinach as well as well draining soil.
Aphids and Leafminers are the most common pests for spinach and require removal of eggs and aphids that already exist in order to ensure that hatches of aphids are kept under control. Many of the diseases that affect spinach are caused by aphids so controlling and reducing the aphid population will ensure healthy growth. Slugs are also a problem, especially for seedlings.
Harvesting of spinach can usually occur within 2-2 1/2 months after the time of planting if conditions are ideal.
Spinach has a very high Iron content and is therefore very helpful for those ailing of anemia, heart, and kidney problems. it is also very high in beta carotene and folic acid. As well as, rich in vitamins A and C.
It was first cultivated by Persians and brought over to Europe around 1100 A.D. It became very popular in many monastery garden all across Europe. Although spinach was popularized in America, due to it's use by Popeye, it has been found that spinach has far less, although still a large amount, of iron than was originally calculated.
Spinach is a plant that grows close to the ground in a tight rosette of dark green leaves. It comes in two varieties, however, New Zealand spinach is less well known, compared to its more commonly used counterpart which originated in Asia. Spinach is a relative of beets and swiss chard.
Ideally, spinach is planted in colder weather so it will be a good plant to begin early in the season. If it is two hot spinach tends to go to seed or begin to bolt. Good spinach weather is early in the spring or autumn and around 50-59 degrees. Many people will germinate their seeds in a wet paper towel placed in the refrigerator due to the fact that spinach, being a cold season plant, will not germinate above 86 degrees F. Spinach grows in seed clusters which means that I will have to split them once they sprout in order to make sure that they don't compete for nutrients. Uniformly watered plants are the best for spinach as well as well draining soil.
Aphids and Leafminers are the most common pests for spinach and require removal of eggs and aphids that already exist in order to ensure that hatches of aphids are kept under control. Many of the diseases that affect spinach are caused by aphids so controlling and reducing the aphid population will ensure healthy growth. Slugs are also a problem, especially for seedlings.
Harvesting of spinach can usually occur within 2-2 1/2 months after the time of planting if conditions are ideal.
Spinach has a very high Iron content and is therefore very helpful for those ailing of anemia, heart, and kidney problems. it is also very high in beta carotene and folic acid. As well as, rich in vitamins A and C.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Class 3/1
Class today was based on looking back on old wise students work and reflecting on how they went through the wise process. We also viewed a documentary that another student did. This documentary shows a very interesting relationship between two wise students as well as the relationship between a father and son. It really helped to give a view on the wise project and not that it is all about finishing your project but how this project causes you to grow as a person and find out what you are capable and not as capable in doing.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Compost, and Grow Lights and Planning, Oh my!
Today I went out to my families compost pile to take a look at what kind of shape it is in. Due to the snow it is kind of hard to assess the state in which it currently is but I know that it need to be turned. Turning compost allows for new food to reach the microorganisms that are break the yard and food waste down. By turning you increase the rate at which your waste turns into fully developed compost. It is supposed to be a little warmer this week so hopefully I might lose enough snow to successfully turn the compost sometime this week.
I got a magazine in the mail yesterday from a gardening supply store. This was by pure chance that I received it but it might turn out to be helpful. It focuses mostly on raised box garden (which I am not doing) but has a bunch of product that I might be able to copy that assist in growing, such as structures that allow something on which plants can grow.
I also began talking with my parents about where I will be able to set up my seedlings. We talked about using egg cartons as little grow pots so that I don't have to go out and buy special for my plants. We have also decided on a west facing window in which I can place my plants to try and grow them on natural light. If I find that isn't working due to the lack of sunlight I might set up some grow lights in our laundry room so that they can live there until it is spring!
I got a magazine in the mail yesterday from a gardening supply store. This was by pure chance that I received it but it might turn out to be helpful. It focuses mostly on raised box garden (which I am not doing) but has a bunch of product that I might be able to copy that assist in growing, such as structures that allow something on which plants can grow.
I also began talking with my parents about where I will be able to set up my seedlings. We talked about using egg cartons as little grow pots so that I don't have to go out and buy special for my plants. We have also decided on a west facing window in which I can place my plants to try and grow them on natural light. If I find that isn't working due to the lack of sunlight I might set up some grow lights in our laundry room so that they can live there until it is spring!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Class notes 2/15
Tabea did her mini research presentation on tobias wolff. Her creative piece was based on a young Tobias, who has been beaten up. She asked us to compare the picture she drew and the picture of him as an older man. As he became older he seems more solemn. I think that the things that he has gone through have helped him to grow more mature and grew out of that immature childish angst. I think Tabea made a great choice using the class as a way to enrich her presentation. The presentation as a whole was well put together.
We also spoke today about some of the aspects of our projects that we have encountered so far. Everyone seems to be really excited and involved in their projects. I am very excited to see how things start to grow exponentially in the next few weeks once people get even more settled in their projects.
We also spoke today about some of the aspects of our projects that we have encountered so far. Everyone seems to be really excited and involved in their projects. I am very excited to see how things start to grow exponentially in the next few weeks once people get even more settled in their projects.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Seeds
Today I went to Agway and I picked out some seeds that I wanted to put in the garden. I am going to start looking at the average date when the last frost is in Ithaca so that I can plant the seeds indoors in a proper amount of them to germinate and be ready to go into the ground after the last frost. I bought French Rosemary, Bloomsdale Spinach, Zucchini, Brandywine Pink Tomatoes, Muncher Cucumbers, Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce, and Rainbow Bell peppers. All of the seeds are organic. I also want to try drying and saving some of my own seeds from some sweet peppers that my family enjoys. Depending on each individual seeds duration of growing it needs indoors I will have to start looking into grow lights and some boxes in which to plant soon.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Planning
Today, I went through The Encyclopedia of Vegetable Gardening and marked down many varieties and types of vegetables and herbs that I want to put in my garden. I know that I want to put lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, and beans in the garden. I also want to plant rosemary, thyme, oregano, and garlic. However I might add plants later as I find more. I also want to plant some flowers around the garden.
I found a new community member/ teacher that I want to look into talking to. Her name is Mrs. Sherman and her husband is in charge of a local organic CSA. He will be very helpful in tips for helping to keep my garden healthy and sticking to organics.
I found a new community member/ teacher that I want to look into talking to. Her name is Mrs. Sherman and her husband is in charge of a local organic CSA. He will be very helpful in tips for helping to keep my garden healthy and sticking to organics.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Two Week Plan
In this first week I want to start finding more books and researching different varieties of plants that I want to grow. I have many choices to choose from that i will be able to integrate into my garden. This will help make a large variety for my family to benefit from as well as helping to increase the fertility of the soil. The area where I am planning my garden has the possibility of being hard to grow in so integrating many different plants while adding compost to the garden will help to make sure that the plants grow efficiently.
In the second week I want to look into how long some of the seedlings I am planning to grow will need before they are ready for planting. This will allow me to start planting certain plants to ensure that they will be healthy enough to go right into the ground as soon as the snow melts. I have to look into getting some grow lights, either borrowing or buying, and setting them up in my basement.
In the second week I want to look into how long some of the seedlings I am planning to grow will need before they are ready for planting. This will allow me to start planting certain plants to ensure that they will be healthy enough to go right into the ground as soon as the snow melts. I have to look into getting some grow lights, either borrowing or buying, and setting them up in my basement.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dear Reader,
After a last minute change in project ideas I settled on designing and growing my own organic garden in my backyard. I have recently become very interested in organic eating and vegetarianism. So for me, it seemed totally natural to start something that would benefit my family, and consequently, the Earth.
Over the course of the next 16 weeks I plan to design a garden, plant seedlings and when the snow has melted, I will grow and maintain the garden. Hopefully gaining a harvest that will help to reduce the amount of food that my buys from a super market. My hopes are that during this project I will increase the amount of organically grown, local food my family consumes. Because not only is it healthy for the environment but for everyone that benefits from the harvest of the garden. This has always been a goal of mine, and now that I have become a vegetarian, it seems very obvious to me to grow my own garden. I also hope to have a successful harvest. I have never done too much gardening so I don't know how hard this will all be but I am excited to learn.
My fears are that it will be extremely hard to grow these plants organically and that I will in turn end up with either no harvest or being forced to add some inorganic aspects to my garden in order to ensure that something is produced. I want to do everything I can to make sure that I don't use inorganic substances that will harm the environment around my house. I also fear that the invasive species that live near my planned gardening site may take over. This might have to be taken care of through extensive weeding.
After having sat down and had an interview with our family's gardener, I have a bunch of new projects to start that she has recommended will be very helpful in beginning and continuing my garden. I am truly excited to embark on this journey and can't wait to see what challenges and rewards lie ahead!
Over the course of the next 16 weeks I plan to design a garden, plant seedlings and when the snow has melted, I will grow and maintain the garden. Hopefully gaining a harvest that will help to reduce the amount of food that my buys from a super market. My hopes are that during this project I will increase the amount of organically grown, local food my family consumes. Because not only is it healthy for the environment but for everyone that benefits from the harvest of the garden. This has always been a goal of mine, and now that I have become a vegetarian, it seems very obvious to me to grow my own garden. I also hope to have a successful harvest. I have never done too much gardening so I don't know how hard this will all be but I am excited to learn.
My fears are that it will be extremely hard to grow these plants organically and that I will in turn end up with either no harvest or being forced to add some inorganic aspects to my garden in order to ensure that something is produced. I want to do everything I can to make sure that I don't use inorganic substances that will harm the environment around my house. I also fear that the invasive species that live near my planned gardening site may take over. This might have to be taken care of through extensive weeding.
After having sat down and had an interview with our family's gardener, I have a bunch of new projects to start that she has recommended will be very helpful in beginning and continuing my garden. I am truly excited to embark on this journey and can't wait to see what challenges and rewards lie ahead!
First Post
This is my blog that will chronicle the next 16 weeks of my life as I work through my WISE project. WISE is an english class that allows students to spend the second semester of their year doing an independent project. It focuses on giving students the ability to thrive through self learning, but also challenging their ability to time manage and work on a project.
My project consists of building a garden in my backyard and taking care of it in hopes that by the end of the school year I will have some yield for me and my family to enjoy.
I hope all of you follow my along this journey which I am extremely excited to begin!
My project consists of building a garden in my backyard and taking care of it in hopes that by the end of the school year I will have some yield for me and my family to enjoy.
I hope all of you follow my along this journey which I am extremely excited to begin!
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