Week 6

Gardening is the art of maximizing photosynthesis in our plants. I am not sure who the original author of this quote was, but I had to read this quote a second time to begin to understand it. I believe that the quote has much truth to it. Many plants grow naturally, however when humans insert themselves to produce certain plants at certain rates, it becomes gardening. To me, this is not a bad thing as it is increasing vegetation for our population and allowing us to feed as many people as we do. In general, gardening is great, but I do begin to question things such as cross-breeding with plants simple because it is not natural. For example, broccoli and cauliflower are two vegetables that are not natural, rather they are man made. This makes me question the health of these plants and eat them less confidently. I do not know much about cross-breeding and hybrid plants, but I would learn to love more. Additionally, this class has been going well. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about vegetable gardening in the class and in the field. I have even enjoyed pulling the weeds to make sure my plants flourish and my garden is beautiful.

Week 5

I have told EVERYONE about my gardening class. I think it is so cool that UF offers this class so I tell everyone about it. Last week, I showed some of friends a video of my garden so they could see what I was growing. They thought it was nice, and they liked my sign. Today, when I was at my brother's house I pointed to the plant on his table and said “That’s a bonsai tree! I learned that in my vegetable gardening class.” He thought it was cool that I was taking that. When I told one of my friends about it, she thought it was awesome and wanted to join, however it conflicted with her schedule. I wish more students could take this class as it teaches important skills. When I tell others about it they usually say “vegetable gardening?” and chuckle, asking if it is a real class. I explain that it is one credit and it is a practical course focused on applied knowledge. A common question I get from my friends is if I get to keep the food that I harvest. I cannot wait to harvest my vegetables and share it with my friends just like I share my excitement for this class with them.

Week 4

This week was the start of something new and exciting for me. For the first time ever, I have begun growing my own food. I believe that growing food yourself, is one of the most important ways to move to self sufficiency and sustainability. Being able to tend to my own section of land, and choose which vegetables to plant felt so surreal. This week I planted peppers, squash, eggplant, squash and radishes. I have actually never eaten a radish so it is cool to think that the first radish I have will come straight from my garden. I am excited to learn from experience throughout this semester as I figure out how to maintain a garden and harvest crops. My hope is that I can use this knowledge and experience to regularly grow my own vegetables that I can use in my kitchen. 

This week, I learned that any plant can be replanted using cuttings. I thought this could only be done with certain plants, but now I understand that it is simple and can be done with any plant. Knowing this, I will use more cuttings in my own garden because I think it is an inexpensive way to expand your own garden. I also learned from Professor Nunez that there are plant exchanges which sound interesting to go attend.