Thomas More biology students are helping a local farmer produce a better crop year-round.
Biology seniors Haley Jackson, Miranda Wilson, and junior Eliza Kohl are part of a big project that started in June of this year. The project is called, “The Impact of Shade Cloth Percentage on Lettuce Growth”.
“This study was important because it allowed us to help a local farmer answer a question about how to get the most lettuce growth and which shade cloth allows for that.”
Said Jackson, “The garden has also provided fresh lettuce to students and faculty on campus and we intend to donate the next batch to a local school that may not otherwise have access to fresh vegetables.”
The students set the stage for their project in the campus garden located beside the greenhouse between the Villa and the Science building. When I met with Haley she described the process to me. “First step was to build the beds for the lettuce. We also grew the seedlings in the greenhouse for about two months before transferring them to the beds outside in early August.”
This was an extensive process for the students. It required them to water the lettuce every day and collect data and measurements once a week. They focused on growing three varieties of Salanova lettuce (Red Crisp, Green Crisp, and Green Incised) that were recommended by local farmer and adjunct professor, Anna Reins, because of its ability to grow in the heat of the summer sun.
As Fall rolls in, the students may halt their study but plan to present the research and data they have collected at the Student Research Forum in the Spring semester. They’re confident that their data collected so far should be shared. “Students should know that we are working hard to provide fresh food for the community and to help a local farmer learn more information about crop growth.” The students in the biology department will continue to celebrate their victory of successfully growing lettuce with as many “salad parties” as the garden provides.
“Growing your own food is super rewarding!”, Jackson said, “I am so proud every time I see the garden to know that I and the other group members did that.”
By: Teresa Urban, Senior Editor
Comments