AYO PEEPS!
This week has been quite eventful.
Everything revolves around FARMS!!
Farms and gardens play a very important role in my life- I absolutely
love them. My two grandfathers always had
a garden. I can distinctly remember running after them in the hot Alabama sun,
wanting to help in any way. I remember how prickly the okra was on my fingers,
and how I would sprint away from the billy coats as they tried to eat my shirt.
The biggest thing I remember about the gardens is how much work went into them,
but how selflessly my grandfathers would give the actual “fruits of their labor”
away to friends and family. Sometimes the humidity in Alabama is so thick that
it feels as though you are breathing in water. My grandfathers worked in that,
not because they needed the food for survival, just so they could share it. I
think this is a big attraction about farms for me. Farmers might be growing
their crops for income, but it is a lifestyle, and there is love behind it. Sadly,
both of my grandfathers passed away within weeks of each other my junior year
in high school. I think they would be very pleased with how garden savvy I have
become.
SO! The first agricultural plot of land I would like to highlight
upon is the Furman Farm, located behind the beautiful Shi Center for
Sustainability. My task for the week was to volunteer at least an hour towards
working on the farm. Before coming to Furman, I thought Miracle Grow,
fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and all other cides were needed for proper
food production. Well, I was wrong. Actually, these are not required at all,
and they do more harm than good in the long run. I could go into great detail
about the evils of the farm practices listed above, but I’ll save that
knowledge for my next Earth and Environmental Science exam. I have attached a
website called "Sustainable Baby Steps"- its is super great in describing the effects of chemical fertilizer. http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/effects-of-chemical-fertilizers.html
Walking
up to the Furman Farm, I met Bruce, the farm manager. He is a very kind man,
and was more than happy to show me around. The place is amazing! It was teeming
with life that was developing to its fullest extent without the harsh use of
chemicals. Instead of artificial chemicals to support growth, the farm uses its
own compost. This is basically a huge pile of dark soil-like material that consists
of food and paper waste (especially form the Furman Dining Hall!!) and organic
matter. I shoveled the compost into a wheel barrel and placed it on some newly
planted vegetables. While doing this, I stepped in a huge ant bed. Before I
knew it, ants were covering my shoe, and if there is one thing you need to know
about me, it’s that Elly and bugs do not get along. So yes, I lost my
environmental cool for a second, it happens. My friend Gabby went to go get
some coffee grounds to cover the bed. The coffee grounds are a natural and
safer substitute for pesticide. The acidity does not bother us, but it will
effectively kill the ants. I said, “SCREW THE COFFEE GROUNDS, BRING OUT THE BUG
ZAPPER SRAY!!” I had a lapse ok?! However, I got my cool back, remembered I
love the environment and all its creatures, and I think because of this, did
not receive one ant bite.
After
the compost, I helped Gabby plant about 32 baby brussel sprouts. Once we were done,
I was told to go get some tea to water the newly planted sprouts with. I was
super confused, like Milos Tea?? That stuff is good; I want to drink it not pour
it out. Well it isn’t actually tea… I what looked like a giant trashcan and
peeked in. Inside, there was brown liquid sloshing around. Do not be grossed
out because it smelled so good, like mint! Apparently this is what the farm
uses instead of a miracle grow type substance. It is basically like liquid compost that they
make themselves.
I
only worked on the farm for about an hour, but in that time I gained massive
respect for those who are out there every day. It is a hard business, and one
that I think society tends to overlook. The Furman Farm is doing an amazing job
growing all their food in a sustainable fashion. I think the farm is able to
coexist with its surroundings in ways that others cannot. Without the use of agrochemicals,
not only will the soil prosper, but also the well-being of the entire place. I
hope to volunteer again soon, and see how my brussel sprouts are doing! Now I just
have to start liking them….
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| Before the compost |
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| After the compost |
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