SEA$ONAL EXTENDERz food group Dan Frankhuizen, Jenn Randall, Liz Gardner Sam Stokes, Mike Moran, Allie Kwasnik

Benefits of Growing Locally Economic, Health, Sustainability Food must travel, on average, 1,518 miles before it reaches our dinner tables. “Every time money changes hands within a community, it boosts the community’s overall income and level of economic activity, and fuels the creation of jobs” – DeWeerdt, researcher for worldwatch.org

Benefits [cont’d…] Traces of DDT found in the soil 16 years after it had been banned by EPA “Chemicals are up to ten times more toxic in the developing bodies of infants and children than in adults” – Samuel Fromartz, author of Organic, Inc.

Benefits [cont’d…] The less miles it has to travel, the better for the planet (less CO2 emissions) Less pesticides Organic farmers use less energy, water, and rarely harshly modify their fields (through burning) so the soil stays rich with nutrients Fresher!

“give me spots on my apples, give me the birds and the bees” -- Joni Mitchell

So, what can we do? Promote educational awareness! Spread the word around campus! Intrigue students! Create a block course! We even asked the Dean of H&S for some help…

IC Organic Garden

Let’s have this food year-round! The answer: seasonal-extension technologies By extending the growing season into the winter we can have yummy vegetables all year-round. So…what are season extending technologies?

The COLD FRAME! A cold frame is the simplest, most successful tool for modifying the garden climate. It is basically a bottomless box that has the power to alter the internal temperature drastically A single layer of glass on top of a cold frame can create a micro-climate which protects plants and vegetables from harsh climates.

How does THE BOX work? It protects the plants and vegetables from 1.Wind 2.Low Temp. 3.Excess Moisture

Cold Frame Design It’s Modular! The bottom is made from wood The top is covered by storm windows

The Cold Frame Design Dimensions Height- 8 inches Length- 12 feet Width- 5 feet Window Supports are placed every 3 feet in order to maximize stability

Two forms of hoop houses = Low Tunnel and High Tunnel. High Tunnels vs. tall enough to fit tractors and people standing upright Low Tunnels only 2-3 ft off the ground Hoop Houses are a form of cold frame which act as a blanket or cover for a garden (row) or plant bed. Hoop Houses vs. Greenhouses? Hoop houses need no ventilation or heat supply while greenhouse do. Now how about some HOOP HOUSES!

Low Tunnel Hoop Houses

High Tunnel Hoop House

Inexpensive and easy construction

Eating organic is the way to go and there are so many possibilities. Try it out! Grow some veggies and help your planet and yourself. Hope Ya’ll Enjoyed!!