Best Practices

Some ideas i had for the best practices is constant communication between classes, because we are both working in two different ways on the same project. We both need to be moving in the same direction in order to appease everyones idea of an ideal irrigation situation. for example after period one had laid the lengths of pvc across the length of the beds, the period three class came in and put in a number of spigots that they decided on their own, now this isn't going to necessarily effect the rest of the process however if these kinds of decisions are being made without us how is anyone suppose to know what the final product will be.

Another being the situation with laying the t-tape. in order for the t-tape to be laid out and undisturbed we first need the beds to be prepped and possible planted so that no one will have to work around any of the lengths of tape. It would appear that the irrigation is coming along much quicker than the bed prep, so my suggestion is that we organize a mass digging effort to knock the beds out ASAP.

Stop motion plant

Im growin chocolate mint, in my window....

Seinor project

First off i am not to sure about what kind of media component i want to use, however i am really into issues on the subject of environment and food. I want to look at it from a more urban standpoint. How our urban environment functions, whether or not it is similar to that of a more natural one. I think i could really get into it, if i am examining a space that i am most familiar with. I know this could get muttled with population, pollution, and energy however i want to stay more primal looking at the city like its own biosphere. Any ideas as to how i should do it?

Stoked on Zuchini (artichokes too)

Plant research

Zucchini:
- Though zucchini is treated as a vegetable it is actually an immature fruit, it being a swollen ovary of the zucchini flower.
- It is easiest to cultivate zucchini in a temperate climate, they are noted for being a high yielding crop in American gardens, where both the flower and fruit are a delicacy.
- Zucchini bears fruit as quickly as 45 to 55 days, germination takes place relatively quickly as well, seeds germinate within 10 to 14 days.
- The recommended spacing for zucchini is about 24 to 30 inches between each plant and they grow infinitely. since the plants are very high yielding only a few would be required to have a surplus of zucchini by the end of the semester.
- Zucchini requires fertile soil that is amended with a lot of compost, it helps if the soil is well drained. Though zucchini is not to picky, it prefers basic calcium enriched soil. Acidic soil will often times slow germination. Ph requirement is 5.5 -6.5
- Zucchini is largly composed of water so it is a heavy drinker, for best results water heavily in the morning around the base. You must avoid watering the foliage.

Though I could not find any information about companion plants for a zucchini, it actually seems like a very realistic goal for the semester. The plant is high yielding and grows quickly. The only problem to address is its large appetite for water. Perhaps there is a way to add something to the soil to reduce the amount of water required.

Artichokes:
- Artichokes are a thistle which has been cultivated for its delicious fleshy leaves.
- Artichokes peak harvest season is in the spring however they can yield all year long.
- Artichokes do not require any special preparation to grow from seed, the seed will germinate within 7- 24 days.
- the time until harvest is usually a matter of a couple months on average, the peak harvest season is in the spring though results will show in that allotted time.
- Artichokes should be spaced 1 to 3 feet apart, and 4 to 6 feet between rows. A few plants would be able to be grown for exhibition.
- Artichokes require basic calcium enriched soil, well drained.
- Artichokes need to be watered 1-2 times a week depending on the heat, soil should remain slightly moist.

I could not find any information about compatible plants to the artichoke, though considering its grown heavily in California I anticipate it would do very well in our climate.

curiosity

I am curious as to whether or not an entire city could be self sustained if every home or community grew their own food. and what it would take for that to happen. Is the only reason this isn't happening now because people are lazy? a little more realistically i would really like to know what kinds of local farms there are in San Diego because i am not familiar with any, furthermore how are their businesses doing and does it at all relate the the reading "fatal Harvest" Could local farmers really a test to these claims?