How did my Project Connect With the Natural World, Sense of Place, and the Teachings of Colloquium?

My project connected with the natural world and the Colloquium curriculum in two levels. First growing your own food is the first step to sustainable future, second it relates to the article The Earth Charter, section number two, Ecological Integrity, I highly think that growing your own food is an approach to restore the integrity of the earth and prevent any farther harm to the environment. My connection with nature was something I never had experience before. As I work on the farm I planted many different vegetable plants. Throughout the week I would see them grow and expose their green rich color with the radiant sun over them. I would have never thought that I could mix my knowledge with earth and naturally create something that can feed me and others. This made me reflect why society has no decir for protecting nature and the environment and I think the main problem is ignorance. It also reflects back to the article title Four Problems of Sustainability, by David Orr. Just like the article states that, “The third challenge, then, is to inform the public discretion though greatly improve education. The kind of education needed for the transition to sustainability.” He makes things very accurate and clear, if we learn these simple processes from early age and with the correct education the solution is near. The solution to over consumption and production, due to the fact that agricultural corporation can sustain them self if we don’t consume what they grow and market to us.

My project also connected with Colloquium with many of the movies, discussion, and reading of the advantages of growing and eating organic food. When I visited Echo they emphasized the many benefits that producing our own food can bring for our self and the environment. The article The Problem of Sustainability, by David W. Orr exposes that society does not look for ways to achieve this life style. This is due to the lack of miss information and desire to take action to be part of the problem and not the solution. It also relates to the movie the future of food, it brings a lot of its arguments together. The most shocking one is how the use of pesticides has taking over the agricultural industry and society tries to avoid the reality behind the use of this chemicals. One of the most interesting facts that I learn over my experience at the farm was that to be able to eat a non organic apple safely, you would need to wash it with water for two to four hours. This is due to the over use of chemical and pesticides to keep them free of warms and insect in the feel. That way when they get to the market they are red, round, and appealing to the shopper, but dangerous for your health. At the same time the movie confirms this fact. We need to move to a cleaner, safer, and natural way to grow food just like in the old days. Doing this well open the door to a healthier and sustainable life style.

Why did I Choose This Project?

Let me start by saying farm work and growing food is not the simples’ process or activity as we all think. It takes a plethora knowledge and skill to have successful crop. I choose this project for the fact that I had always wanted to learn how to grow and produce organic vegetables. It thinks is a great alternative to supermarkets and huge step to a healthier and sustainable life style.

What did I do for my service learning?

For my services learning I decided to go to a fully organic farm. The name of the farm is “The Garden of Eden”. The purpose of the two acres field is to teach kids and adults with autism develop farming skills in the planning, cultivating, and marketing of their crops. My main project at the farm was to learn the necessary skills to grow my own organic food. Also in the curse of my project I was introduce to different chores and activities required to maintain a farm. During my multiple visits at the farm I was given the opportunity to grow my own vegetables, the process was as follow:

Week one: Rotating the Soil

The process start by rotating the soil for at least 6 to 8 weeks (Recommended time) before you plan to plant. Continue to rotate the soil, 12″ to 18″ deep, until you are 3 weeks away from planting. This will kill weeds without chemicals. I didn’t had to do this step for the fact that the farm had being working the soil for the almost a year. But I did have to remove the weeds form the bed (elevation of the land to place the plants) manually; there are the number one tread to the plant and destruction the soil minerals and nutrients.

Week Two: Fertilizing the Soil and Planting the Organic Seed

At this organic farm they do not use animal manure to enrich the soil. They use something he calls “Worm Tea” which comes from the recycling soil left over from the plants that not make it. Worms (their job is to discompose the plant and recycle the nutrient and seeds for soil) are place in tanks and mix with the soil that has being recycle and at with the mixture of rain and worms all the nutrients of the soil are collected in the bottom of the tank. With this liquid he makes the “Worm Tea” to enrich the soil and can be use in continues throughout the cycle.

We also use the nursery to start growing the plant, doing this help to optimize the use of the field and production. You do not want to occupied space with small plants without knowing if they are going to make it. The seed are purchased online and there are many different sources that can be use. Use only certified organic vegetable seeds or, if you can find them, organic seedlings grown in an organic nursery. You can get a head start on your organic vegetable garden by starting organic seeds inside in little peat pots or an Earth-Box. You can then transplant young plants early in the season. Check the seed packet to determine the best time to plant. The packet will also tell you how far apart to place your seeds or seedlings. Water the seeds or seedlings right after planting. Also make sure to read the instruction that’s one of the keys to a successful crop.

Week three: Planting, Mulching, and watering Vegetable Garden

After moving the plant from the nursery to be planted and watered, we spread light mulch on your organic vegetable garden to discourage weeds. We also apply baking soda solution (It makes the roots environment of the plant dry for insets to live or be produced) to the plants to discourage insets and other animals from growing or eating the plant.

Week Four: Harvesting and Monitoring

Organic plants take a little longer to grow due to the process of using all natural resources (No pesticides). When I came in to the farm he already had a cycle going so I was able to learn and experience the entire process. You have to keep an eye on the weeds and insect to make sure your production is not harm. Also some vegetables growing cycle is shorter than others; therefore some vegetables need to be pulled out of the ground sooner. Seeing vegetables growing is a wonderful experience gave me the opportunity to experience the live and wonder of nature.

The Process of Growing Fully Organic Vegetables