Indoor Plant Update

I have been using the Salad Bars as incubators for the young plants. These photos show the plants that we planted last week. Dates are on the popcylce sticks.

Back To Work on OUR Garden

We have a break in the weather for the good, a bit warmer today. (Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018)  Today we dug two post holes 2' x 2' x 2' deep. Another group of students completed the grapevine trellis!

Off to Chino for Project WET Certification Workshop

Off to Inland Empire Utility Agency meeting this AM to attend a meeting on project WET and a GARDEN in every school program. The day was full of classroom activities and some garden and composting information. Andrea Carruthers kicked off the day providing information about the workshop and Project WET Program.
Other Presenters

Michelle O' Brien, IEUA
Madisen Marble, IEUA
Gabby De La Cruz, Monte Vista Water District
Lindsey McConnell, Chino Basin Water Conseration District
Joanna Gonzalez, Cucamonga Valley Water District
Katie Heer, Cucamonga Valley Water District
Eric Lesser, IEUA
Arin Boughan, IERA Composting
Chino Creek Wetlands







The Water Shed Area



A Water Feature in front of IEUA

Cold Temperatures throughout the week, so plan B went into effect.  The students planted 7 trays of vegetables and many many cups.  Tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, peas, lettuce, zucchini, & watermelon to name a few.

Also, a couple of students planted a strawberry jar indoors.

Ouch!

Last night we had our first frost of the year. Temperatures got down into the low low 30's.  May have lost some tomato plants and a young zucchini. So as a precaution, making a plan B. Planted corn, peppers, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, and some other plants indoors. Brought the flat of cucumbers back inside.

A little ice on the front window. Actually had to use a credit card to remove it before driving.

Discussion Topics for HHS Family Farm

Sustainable Agriculture Topics for Hillside High Family Farm

Local Food Systems

Soil Amendment

Seed Saving

Companion Planting

Beneficial Insects

Farm-to-Table Connections

Composting

Irrigation

Seasonal Planting

Sustainable Animal Care

Worm Farming

A Little Reconnaissance - Amy's Farm

Took a Saturday morning drive to Ontario to check out Amy's Farm.  Take away from trip was the use of drip tape. I have to admit I had never heard of drip tape. It is inexpensive, playable, can moved around and reused.  It even can be laid underground.  Here are some photos of the trip.

Amy's Farm

Amy's Farm

Amy's Farm

Amy's Farm

Planting has begun

Today we planted. We planted 100 white onion bulbs, 20 Ozark Beauty Strawberry plants (bare root), 11 Tomato plants "Beef Steaks". The tomatoes we started indoors about 6 weeks ago, 66 sweet corn seeds, and 33 maize corn seeds. Over the weekend I added an artichoke plant and a few zucchini plants. More to come!

Note: Last Thursday, Feb 8 indoors we planted cucumbers, today they began to sprout. We also planted a second round of cucumbers outdoors in a 72 seed flat on Tuesday, Feb 13th.

Posts Arrive

Donated 6" x 6" x 22' posts were donated by Cornerstone Construction and delivered to our site on Monday Feb 12. We are looking forward to using the posts in the garden project.

Installation of Grape Vine Posts

Grape Vine Post Installation

Today the classes dug two holes, and let me tell you, in the city of Upland, the soil is rocky!
It took two periods to dig two holes 18"deep. Once the holes were dug two 4"x4" posts were set and secured in place. Then concrete was added to the holes to support the poles.

Note: We were visited by Cal Poly Pomona representatives after school today Tuesday 2-13. The gentlemen took photos and videos of our garden.

What a difference four weeks makes

What a difference four weeks make when students put their minds to an endeavor. The HHS students of Mr. Connor's classes put together a tranquil garden setting ready to be planted. The student's installed underground irrigation lines, a brick walkway, three crushed granite walkways and 10 separate planting areas and drip irrigation emitters. They hope to grow 21 different types of vegetables.

From This

 To This.

Phase 3 Installation of Irrigation Emitters

Phase 3 Installation of the irrigation emitters. Area 4

Getting the work organized.

First, the student marked the line as to where an emitter is needed.

Then the student hole punches the mark.

The irrigation emitter is then placed into the hole.

Area 3 with emitters on.

 End of a hard day!

Updated Google Draw of Garden