Western Kentucky University
ER-T2-2: Organic Garden

The student garden focuses on installation of the perennial components of the garden for future generations of students. These installations included 24 high-bush blueberry plants of several different cultivars (to ensure cross-pollination), a collection of strawberry cultivars (selected so that the plants will produce all summer), pecan trees that will someday provide both shade and food, and preparation for an asparagus patch. All installations began with soil testing and proper soil preparation and amendment and ended with protective mulching. In an effort to be frugal and sustainable in the use of resources, creative solutions were sought, including incorporation of many “waste” products from main campus, such as: • Cardboard, newspaper, and shredded paper for mulch (providing superior weed control and moisture retention to limit irrigation needs); • Compost made from preconsumer food scraps provided by Fresh Food Company, grass clippings from campus lawns, and more shredded paper (it provides a nutrient-rich soil amendment); • Leaf compost from the Farm (it provides an excellent, nutritive groundcover). There is also a one credit hour course offered, ICSR 301 – Growing Sustainably in the Student Garden. Instructed by Adjunct Faculty Christian Ryan-Downing . The fruit trees, brambles and asparagus provided through funding support from Organic Valley will be planted, as well as a variety of other vegetables. Students will sell their produce on campus at a student farmer’s market in late spring.