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.