The Orchard Garden

Community Field Experience-Day 2

Tuesday April 25^th started with an interesting talk about school gardens in central regions of Ghana by Kwesi. Ghana is located in West Africa and its climate is tropical and tropical crops such as: cassava, corn, cocoa, and plantain dominate the cultivated lands.

High school students learn how to cultivate these main tropical crops. Moreover, crops such as lettuce, cabbage, and carrots are grown for learning purpose. Because of the tropical climate these crops need to be covered by shades to reduce the impact of direct sun rays.

Students also learn about palm plantation. It was interesting to know that all parts of palm trees are useful. Students learn how to use garden tools such as cutlass and hoe for weeding and pruning and how to prepare silage for animals. 

Schools gardens not only help students to appreciate the value of vegetables, but help them to improve their skills of collaboration so they will be able to accomplish group tasks. Moreover, students can replicate the school garden in their home and use their skills and knowledge in their everyday life. 

Another informative and interesting talk about “food safety from garden to school” was presented by Vancouver Costal Health. We’ve learned about food-born illness (FBI), and that produce can be contaminated (chemically, physically, microbially). We also learn that the risk of FBI can be reduced through site selection, good compost practices, good hand and personal hygiene, using pesticide free products, washing fruits and vegetables, cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces. 

We spent the afternoon in Orchard garden and did some work, which included weeding and planting seeds such as beats and carrots. Different herbs in the garden were introduced 

and there were lots of interesting conversations about how to incorporate what we have learned into our class activities.