Environmental Curriculum for New City Neighbors Urban Farm
Theme: DIY Farming Lifestyle
By: Eryn Hyma, Annabelle Robinson, Emma Melnik, Hannah Dursema, Kristen Kiley, Noah Cleghorn, Samantha Everett, and Sophie Undlin
New City Neighbors History - newcityneighbors. (2021, February 24). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://newcityneighbors.org/about-us/
newcityneighbors. (2021, February 24). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://newcityneighbors.org/about-us/
New City Neighbors
New city neighbors is a faith based nonprofit organization that assists youth members from the local community maximize their full potential. This is accomplished by creating job opportunities to give the youth leadership experience which can be applied in the real world. New city neighbors first started off as after school programs but later evolved into a larger organization centered around community and inclusion. A good portion of their work centers around farming and growing food, and creates a strong relationship between youth and the environment.
Our Project
Another large aspect of New City Neighbors is environmental sustainability, which relies on the efficient and effective use of resources and materials. This particular curriculum is beneficial for adults attempting to become more self sufficient and resourceful of the materials already available to them. Adults will learn to get the most out of the resources around them, enabling them to become their own farmer through practical DIY projects. Each activity will display resourceful and efficient use of materials that promote environmental sustainability. The goal is to encourage and expand the knowledge of adults on ways they can reach their full potential in becoming self-sufficient. Ultimately, adults will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to care for the planet and preserve the resources available.
The Self-Sufficient Backyard. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://selfsufficient-backyard.com/my-book/
Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardens. (2018, December 8). Retrieved March 18th,2021, from https://paradiserestored.com/landscaping/verticagarden/
Vertical gardening is the technique of growing plants vertically. This type of gardening increases growing space and is beneficial for those living in small spaces or those without yards. An easy way to garden vertically is to use hanging grow bags such as a hanging shoe organizer.
Materials
One Shoe Organizer
At least 6 gallons of potting soil
Plants/Seeds
2 - 3 screws to attach pole to 2x2 piece of wood
2 - 3 hooks to attach shoe organizer to pole
One 2x2 piece of wood that is the same length as the shoe organizer
Pole (similar to a shower curtain rod)
Vertical Surface
Step by Step Instructions
Choose the location for the vertical garden.
The side of a shed or fence acts as an ideal surface for vertical growing. The chosen area must receive 6 - 8 hours of sunlight per day
Attach the pole to the vertical surface using screws or hooks
Attach the shoe organizer to the pole using hooks or wire
Check for drainage in the shoe organizer by pouring water in each of the pockets. If water does not drain freely, then poke holes in the bottom of the pocket to allow water to escape. If the water already drains freely from the pockets it is ready for the next step
Next, fill the pockets of the shoe organizer with potting soil. There should be a 1 inch space between the top of the pocket and the top of the soil
Finally, add the seeds to the soil in the pockets and water them regularly
Materials to use for a vertical garden. (2020, August 27). Retrieved March 23, 2021, from https://www.amazinginteriordesign.com/materials-to-use-for-a-vertical-garden/
Additional Activities
Freezing Fruits and Vegetables for Smoothie Meal Prep
Gomez, K. (2020, April 24). How to Freeze Fruits and Vegetables. Eat This Not That. https://www.eatthis.com/freeze-fruits-vegetables/.
Plant a Pollinator Pathway
Stewart, E. (2021, February 24). Growing A Community With The Pollinator Pathways Project. LondonFuse. https://londonfuse.ca/growing-a-community-with-the-pollinator-pathways-project/
Seed Saving
Lanzarini, J. (2018, July 5). Person Holding Leafed Plant [Photograph].
Pickling Cucumbers Using Vinegar
Cookie and Kate, Macsai, G., Kate, Caroline, Hayley, Jessie, … Jacqui. (2021, March 5). Easy Homemade Pickles Recipe. Cookie and Kate. https://cookieandkate.com/best-pickles-recipe/.
Using Kitchen Scraps to Regrow Plants
How to Regrow Vegetable Scraps (2020, April 22). Simple Bites. Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://simplebites.net/how-to-regrow-vegetable-scraps/
Foraging for Dandelion Root to Make Tea
Seward, M. (2019, October 9). The Many Benefits of Dandelion Root Tea. Healthy Focus. https://healthyfocus.org/the-many-benefits-of-dandelion-root-tea/.
Making Homemade Butter with a Mason Jar
Paul, S. (2016, November 19). Homemade Butter in a Mason Jar! Sweet Paul. http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/food/homemade-butter-in-a-mason-jar
Creating an Organic Liquid Fertilizer Utilizing the JADAM Method
Youngsang, C. (2016). JADAM Organic Farming: The Way to Ultra-Low-Cost Agriculture. Youngsang Cho JADAM.
Making Vegetable Stock (or Meat Stock) from Kitchen Scraps
Mei. (n.d.) Kitchen Scrap Vegetable Stock (or Meat Stock). Food Waste Feast. https://foodwastefeast.com/recipes/2018/4/17/kitchen-scrap-vegetable-stock-or-meat-stock
Citations
Grant, A. (n.d.). Planting Shoe Organizer Gardens: Tips On Vertical Gardening In A Shoe Organizer. Retrieved March 22, 2021, from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/vertical-planting-shoe-organizers.htm
Living a self-sufficient lifestyle. (2015, January 5). Retrieved March 26, 2021, from https://backtothebasicslifestyle.wordpress.com/
New City Neighbors History - newcityneighbors. (2021, February 24). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://newcityneighbors.org/about-us/
