im growing soup!

        Throughout Food class, we have explored gardening; specifically, the science behind it and the relationship between food and people. As you will hear about later, my classmates and I have adopted what we learned in the form of an experiment: growing our own plants! Of course, most experiments surround some sort of question, mine being: Which will impact plant growth the most, type of soil or amount of nutrients? On a more microscale, we also looked at the nitrogen cycle and macro/micronutrients. Microbes, or bacteria in the soil, combine nitrogen with oxygen or hydrogen into useful compounds for plants. Although we can not always see this process happening, it is a vital part of a plant’s health. 

         Another crucial element in a healthy plant’s ecosystem, or system of abiotic/biotic interactions, is the presence and quantity of macro/micronutrients. Both are essential to plants, but macronutrients are required in larger quantities. (Some being nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.) As I have mentioned some key parts of a plant’s health, also consider the presence of companion plants. While not necessarily included in this experiment, some plants can be grown together for mutual benefit. For example, I love potatoes, beans, and kale. Together, these plants provide shelter, support, beneficial insects, soil improvement, and decoy plants (Garden Gadget). Additionally, plant and soil health can be described as pretty self-sufficient. According to Mr.Fukuoka, author of “One-Straw Revolution,” there are four principles surrounding natural farming and plant growth. A recurring theme, throughout these principles, is the minimization of human interference. This means no manual tillage, cultivation, reliance on chemicals, etc. In the fourth principle (no dependence on chemicals), Mr.Fukuoka says, “Nature, left alone, is in perfect balance.” This philosophy, I think, is something that modern farmers and consumers may not value enough. As he also mentions, “People interfere with nature, and, try as they may, they cannot heal the resulting wounds.” 

         In the way that plants depend on human interaction (or lack thereof), we humans also depend heavily on plants. Not only are many products derived from plants like corn, but people need to eat! In fact, guerilla gardening demonstrates just that. This can be defined as gardening on land that may be considered private property or land that we don’t have legal rights to cultivate. Guerilla gardening makes use out of land that is not being cared for. This process has been producing food for communities in food deserts and bringing opportunities to young people. A well-known promoter of guerrilla gardening is Ron Finley: his experience demonstrates widespread community impact, and an important aspect of consumption. “If they’re not shown how food affects the mind and body, they blindly eat whatever you put in front of them.” Exposure to healthy food, and the experience of growing it, can promote healthier lifestyles. Especially in poor communities, when addressing opportunity and health, food is “the problem and the solution.” 

        So, how do these different principles and methods of gardening relate to this experiment? Using three empty soup cans, I planted a cilantro garden. The key difference is in the soil. One can will have “good” soil, this being soil that is premade with additives and nutrients to promote plant growth. The other two cans will have soil from my backyard (and one will be watered with added nutrients). These added nutrients may not align with the gardening morals that Mr.Fukuoka described, but, should weeds, insects, or disease make an appearance, I will not use any sort of weed killer, herbicides, etc. Like I said, as the cilantro grows, I will be observing any differences and similarities between the plants of soil/nutrient variants to determine which has the most impact on the plant. 

Like I mentioned, I am using soup cans to create my garden! Here are the measurements: 

area 

 - 3.14*1.25^2 3.14*1.5625 = about 4.9 inches^2 

volume 

 - 4.9*4 = 19.6 inches^3 (Height: about 4 inches) (Radius: 1.25 inches)