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==Abstract==
==Abstract==


Humboldt State University engineering students working with community groups design, build and plant a system for growing potatoes above ground at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden in Eureka, CA using materials sourced and/or donated from local businesses/partners. In attempt to encourage communities to become more self-sufficient by growing their own food, the team put on a follow-up workshop for community members, showing that food can be produced independently and at home even with a limited amount of space.  
Humboldt State University engineering students working with community groups design, build and plant a system for growing potatoes above ground at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden in Eureka, CA using materials sourced and/or donated from local businesses and partners. In attempt to encourage communities to become more self-sufficient by growing their own food, the team put on a follow-up workshop for community members. The workshop consisted of a miniature replica of the permanent structure showing that food can be produced independently and at home even with a limited amount of space.


==Background==  
==Background==  


During the spring semester of 2018, students from the Engineering 305 Appropriate Technology class at Humboldt State University will implement a vertical food growing operation in Eureka, California. The project is in conjunction with Cooperation Humboldt as a directive to increase community access to local food. “Cooperation Humboldt exists to help develop a solidarity economy across the North Coast. We identify, support and nurture cooperative economic efforts that help people meet their needs without exploiting or oppressing anyone, without being exploited or oppressed by anyone, and without destroying Mother Earth.”
During the spring semester of 2018, students from the Engineering 305 Appropriate Technology class at Humboldt State University implemented a vertical food growing operation in Eureka, California. The project is in conjunction with Cooperation Humboldt and Redwood Community Action Agency as a directive to increase community access to local and healthful food. The mission statements of these local organizations align with the values that we hold as active community members.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">Cooperation Humboldt exists to help develop a solidarity economy across the North Coast.  
We identify, support and nurture cooperative economic efforts that help people meet their needs without exploiting or oppressing anyone, without being exploited or oppressed by anyone, and without destroying Mother Earth.”
 
 
 
[RCCA’s] long-term goal is to develop programs through which people can become self-sufficient and empowered to improve their own lives. The primary mission of this nationwide movement is to "eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty."</div>
 
 
Together with these organizations, our team decided to address the food access barriers that many face in our community. Our project provides an opportunity for those who do not have access to affordable food and do not have the yard space to grow produce in the earth to remedy the disconnectedness of our urban food complex.


==Problem statement==
==Problem statement==


The objective of this project is to increase community access to local, organically grown food. The implementation of our vertical garden is aimed to be constructed with 100% recycled and refurbished materials, aligning our design with the goals of Cooperation Humboldt and the community of Eureka. The vertical garden has the opportunity to reduce the pressing need for fresh produce in the area.  
The objective of this project is to increase community access to local, organically grown food. The vertical garden has the opportunity to reduce the pressing need for fresh produce in the area as well as encourage self-provisioning and limiting dependence on industrialized agriculture. The project consists of two components. The first is a 4’x2’x2.5’ potato tower built at Abuelita’s Garden in Eureka, to contribute to the food production that is donated amongst recovery centers and shelters in the community. The second portion of the project is to imitate the same design but make them 2’x2’x2.5’ and portable. The construction of these will be during a community workshop to provide direct access to fresh foods and show that food can be grown in small spaces and temporary living situations or even on a budget.
 
   
   
[[Category:Engr305 Appropriate Technology]]  
[[Category:Engr305 Appropriate Technology]]  
Line 21: Line 34:


==Project Evaluation Criteria==
==Project Evaluation Criteria==
The following Criteria will be used to assess the success of the vertical garden located at Abuelita's Garden in Eureka, California. These criteria were selected based on the goals identified by the students and approved by the partnering organizations, Cooperation Humboldt and North Coast Community Garden Collaborative. The scale (1-10) represents the importance level of meeting the constraint of each listed criteria.
The following Criteria will be used to assess the success of the vertical garden located at Abuelita's Garden in Eureka, California. These criteria were selected based on the goals identified by the students and approved by the partnering organizations, Cooperation Humboldt and North Coast Community Garden Collaborative. The scale (1-10) represents the importance level of meeting the constraint of each listed criteria. Although many efforts were made to source reclaimed, recycled, or salvaged components, we found the quality relevant to lifespan expectation, cost effectiveness and availability of such materials to be extremely limiting.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 79: Line 93:
'''METAL'''
'''METAL'''


Nickel Silver
*Nickel Silver
A fairly easy to work with metal but in order to hamer and chase it it first needs to be annealed and then slowly cooled.
A fairly easy to work with metal but in order to hamer and chase it it first needs to be annealed and then slowly cooled.
Aluminum-copper
*Aluminum-copper
Tough and resistant to chemical action but overall not very strong.
Tough and resistant to chemical action but overall not very strong.
Aluminum-silicon
*Aluminum-silicon
It is majorly aluminum and about 13% silicon. It is strong and tough with a good resistance to chemical attack.
It is majorly aluminum and about 13% silicon. It is strong and tough with a good resistance to chemical attack.
Iron
*Iron
It is the cheapest of all metals and most commonly used. If warmed to high temperatures it can be bent, stretched and shaped.  
It is the cheapest of all metals and most commonly used. If warmed to high temperatures it can be bent, stretched and shaped.  
Tin
*Tin
It is a silver-white metal, a little harder than lead. It is not very strong but it is ductile and pliable. It has a low melting point so it is often used as a soldering agent. <ref>Granström, Karl Erik. Creating with Metal. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1968</ref>
It is a silver-white metal, a little harder than lead. It is not very strong but it is ductile and pliable. It has a low melting point so it is often used as a soldering agent. <ref>Granström, Karl Erik. Creating with Metal. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1968</ref>


Line 101: Line 115:


Soil<ref>Doran, John W., and Michael R. Zeiss. "Soil Health and Sustainability: Managing the Biotic Component of Soil Quality." Applied Soil Ecology 15, no. 1 (08 2000): 3-11. doi:10.1016/s0929-1393(00)00067-6</ref>
Soil<ref>Doran, John W., and Michael R. Zeiss. "Soil Health and Sustainability: Managing the Biotic Component of Soil Quality." Applied Soil Ecology 15, no. 1 (08 2000): 3-11. doi:10.1016/s0929-1393(00)00067-6</ref>
“Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and promote plant and animal health. Anthropogenic reductions in soil health, and of individual components of soil quality, are a pressing ecological concern.”
*“Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and promote plant and animal health. Anthropogenic reductions in soil health, and of individual components of soil quality, are a pressing ecological concern.”
“Soil health is worth quantifying because soils and their biota provide ecosystems functions that benefit humans. These ecosystem services can be of considerable value<ref>R. Costanza, R. d’Arge, R. de Groot, S.Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S.Naeem, R.V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R.G. Raskin,P. Sutton, M. van den Belt. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387 (1997), pp. 253-259</ref> and include soil functions of storing and releasing water, decomposing plant and animal residues, transforming and recycling nutrients, sequestering and detoxifying organic toxicants, and promoting plant health by suppressing plant-pathogenic microbes and phytophagous fauna.”
*“Soil health is worth quantifying because soils and their biota provide ecosystems functions that benefit humans. These ecosystem services can be of considerable value<ref>R. Costanza, R. d’Arge, R. de Groot, S.Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S.Naeem, R.V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R.G. Raskin,P. Sutton, M. van den Belt. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387 (1997), pp. 253-259</ref> and include soil functions of storing and releasing water, decomposing plant and animal residues, transforming and recycling nutrients, sequestering and detoxifying organic toxicants, and promoting plant health by suppressing plant-pathogenic microbes and phytophagous fauna.”




'''DRIP IRRIGATION'''<ref>Design and Operation of Farm Irrigation Systems. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1983</ref>
'''DRIP IRRIGATION'''


Advantages
Advantages
Reduces runoff  
*Reduces runoff  
Water savings since less is evaporated
*Water savings since less is evaporated
Fertilizers can be injected into the irrigation  
*Fertilizers can be injected into the irrigation  
Limits weed growth because of limited soil surface is wetted
*Limits weed growth because of limited soil surface is wetted
Low water application rates improve water penetration on problem soils
*Low water application rates improve water penetration on problem soils


Disadvantages
Disadvantages
Wildlife can easily damage pipelines
*Wildlife can easily damage pipelines
Emitter clogging- can be hard to detect before crop damage occurs.
*Emitter clogging- can be hard to detect before crop damage occurs.
“In some areas, excess salts accumulate at the soil surface and toward fringes of the wetted soil. Rain may leach harmful amounts of surface salts into the root zone; drip irrigation should continue during the rain to prevent this problem.”
*“In some areas, excess salts accumulate at the soil surface and toward fringes of the wetted soil. Rain may leach harmful amounts of surface salts into the root zone; drip irrigation should continue during the rain to prevent this problem.”<ref>Design and Operation of Farm Irrigation Systems. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1983</ref>


== Prototyping ==
== Prototyping ==
Line 134: Line 148:
The potato tower at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden is constructed on 2x2s buried in the ground. The workshop will include a plywood “floor” on each tower so that it may be moved, or grown on a non-soil surface such as a patio. We chose cedar for the project as it is the standard wood for garden beds due to rot-resistance and lifespan. Redwood would have been an equally good choice, but is far more expensive.
The potato tower at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden is constructed on 2x2s buried in the ground. The workshop will include a plywood “floor” on each tower so that it may be moved, or grown on a non-soil surface such as a patio. We chose cedar for the project as it is the standard wood for garden beds due to rot-resistance and lifespan. Redwood would have been an equally good choice, but is far more expensive.


After clearing a space large enough for the design, we measured and planned our corners, digging holes for the four 2x2s.  
[[File:Clearing.jpg|thumb|left]]  After clearing a space large enough for the design, we measured and planned our corners, digging holes for the four 2x2s.  
We checked to see if the spot was level, to prevent our above-ground garden from sliding or shifting down the existing slope. Once we had buried the corner posts and filled the holes, we began mocking up our box with the cut boards to test height and accessibility for harvesting.  
We checked to see if the spot was level, to prevent our above-ground garden from sliding or shifting down the existing slope. Once we had buried the corner posts and filled the holes, we began mocking up our box with the cut boards to test height and accessibility for harvesting.  


Seeing the box at its true height was a determining factor for lowering the overall height of the design. At three or four feet tall, we thought too much sunlight would be blocked for young plants to thrive. Additionally, the volume of soil inside a 4’x4’x4’ potato tower would have caused immense pressure making it difficult to manage.  
Seeing the box at its true height was a determining factor for lowering the overall height of the design. At three or four feet tall, we thought too much sunlight would be blocked for young plants to thrive. Additionally, the volume of soil inside a 4’x4’x4’ potato tower would have caused immense pressure making it difficult to manage.  


With the lowest level of boards in place, we could level them and begin attaching them to the posts.  
[[ File:Frame.jpg|thumb|left]] With the lowest level of boards in place, we could level them and begin attaching them to the posts.  


For our fold-down slats, we measured the sides to match the posts for structure, and cut so that only the middle portion of the board would move when the turning latches are opened. After the hinges were attached, and each wooden latch was pre-drilled, we attached them and tested our design.  
For our fold-down slats, we measured the sides to match the posts for structure, and cut so that only the middle portion of the board would move when the turning latches are opened. After the hinges were attached, and each wooden latch was pre-drilled, we attached them and tested our design.  
To finish off the box, sharp points from any screws sticking through the boards were ground off for user safety :)
To finish off the box, sharp points from any screws sticking through the boards were ground off for user safety :)  
[[File:Openlatches.jpg|thumb|right]]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
----


===Timeline===
===Timeline===
Line 185: Line 222:
|}
|}


===Budget===
 
----
 
===Budget (Under Construction)===
The following shows the actual costs of the project materials. We were fortunate to be  working within the generous budget of $300 from Cooperation Humboldt. Although many efforts were made to source reclaimed/recycled/salvaged components, we found the quality, cost effectiveness and availability of such materials to be extremely limiting.
The following shows the actual costs of the project materials. We were fortunate to be  working within the generous budget of $300 from Cooperation Humboldt. Although many efforts were made to source reclaimed/recycled/salvaged components, we found the quality, cost effectiveness and availability of such materials to be extremely limiting.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 203: Line 243:
|align="right"| 30.00  
|align="right"| 30.00  
|-  
|-  
| Wood/Lumber|| Arcata Salvage & Scrap
| Wood/Lumber|| Resale Lumber Products
|align="right"| 50.00
|align="right"| 109.77
|align="right"| 50.00
|align="right"| 109.77
|- |-class="sortbottom"
|- |-class="sortbottom"
|colspan="4" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''  
|colspan="4" align="right" | '''Total Cost'''  
|align="right"| '''$246.60'''  
|align="right"| '''$246.60'''  
|}
|}


== Operation ==
== Operation ==


*Step 1: Fill the lowest 6” with soil, plant potato starts
*Step 2: Turn wooden latches to open drop-down slats. Check for appropriate sun exposure
*Step 3: If exposure is limited, the top two boards may be removed to increase available sunlight
*Step 4: Water plants daily
*Step 5: As vines grow, continue to cover (“hill”) them, leaving the leaves and stems above ground
*Step 6: Potatoes will sprout from the buried portions of the plant, be sure to keep them covered
*Step 7: To harvest, open the lowest slat possible, reach inside and dig out potatoes
*Step 8: After harvesting, the soil can be replaced to the top of the hill
*Step 9: Next harvest, open the next highest slat and harvest from that level, and so on


==Conclusion==
==Conclusion==


===Discussion===
===Discussion===
(IP)


===Lessons Learned===
===Lessons Learned===


'''Discuss lessons were learned during this project and what you would do different next time.'''
'''Discuss lessons were learned during this project and what you would do different next time.'''
 
*Use on-campus/friend/teacher resources sooner
-Use on-campus/friend/teacher resources sooner
*Consult, literally a hundred times if you have to
 
(IP)
-Consult, literally a hundred times if you have to


===Next steps===
===Next steps===
Line 254: Line 302:


==The Team ==
==The Team ==
The incredibly adaptable vertical food team formed in the spring semester of 2018 consists of 3 engineering students passionate about environmental and human welfare and food justice.
*[[user:anapuga|Ana Puga]]
*[[User:Crb598|Cheyenna Burrows]]
*[[user:LittlRae|Rae Medina]]


==Works Cited==
==Works Cited==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

Revision as of 04:05, 24 April 2018

Template:305inprogress

Abstract

Humboldt State University engineering students working with community groups design, build and plant a system for growing potatoes above ground at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden in Eureka, CA using materials sourced and/or donated from local businesses and partners. In attempt to encourage communities to become more self-sufficient by growing their own food, the team put on a follow-up workshop for community members. The workshop consisted of a miniature replica of the permanent structure showing that food can be produced independently and at home even with a limited amount of space.

Background

During the spring semester of 2018, students from the Engineering 305 Appropriate Technology class at Humboldt State University implemented a vertical food growing operation in Eureka, California. The project is in conjunction with Cooperation Humboldt and Redwood Community Action Agency as a directive to increase community access to local and healthful food. The mission statements of these local organizations align with the values that we hold as active community members.


Cooperation Humboldt exists to help develop a solidarity economy across the North Coast.

We identify, support and nurture cooperative economic efforts that help people meet their needs without exploiting or oppressing anyone, without being exploited or oppressed by anyone, and without destroying Mother Earth.”


[RCCA’s] long-term goal is to develop programs through which people can become self-sufficient and empowered to improve their own lives. The primary mission of this nationwide movement is to "eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty."


Together with these organizations, our team decided to address the food access barriers that many face in our community. Our project provides an opportunity for those who do not have access to affordable food and do not have the yard space to grow produce in the earth to remedy the disconnectedness of our urban food complex.

Problem statement

The objective of this project is to increase community access to local, organically grown food. The vertical garden has the opportunity to reduce the pressing need for fresh produce in the area as well as encourage self-provisioning and limiting dependence on industrialized agriculture. The project consists of two components. The first is a 4’x2’x2.5’ potato tower built at Abuelita’s Garden in Eureka, to contribute to the food production that is donated amongst recovery centers and shelters in the community. The second portion of the project is to imitate the same design but make them 2’x2’x2.5’ and portable. The construction of these will be during a community workshop to provide direct access to fresh foods and show that food can be grown in small spaces and temporary living situations or even on a budget.

Project Evaluation Criteria

The following Criteria will be used to assess the success of the vertical garden located at Abuelita's Garden in Eureka, California. These criteria were selected based on the goals identified by the students and approved by the partnering organizations, Cooperation Humboldt and North Coast Community Garden Collaborative. The scale (1-10) represents the importance level of meeting the constraint of each listed criteria. Although many efforts were made to source reclaimed, recycled, or salvaged components, we found the quality relevant to lifespan expectation, cost effectiveness and availability of such materials to be extremely limiting.

Criteria Constraints Weight
(1-10)
Building Materials More than 75% of the materials are upcycled or salvaged sourced
10
Seasonal Production More than xx pounds of produce
5
Maintenance Less than 2 hours per month
8
Environmental Justice Seeds and/or plant starters are locally sourced
7
Public Accessibility Accessible 24 hours a day
10
Distribution More than 80% of produce goes to service organizations
9

Literature Review

WOOD

Redwood Redwood is moderately lightweight, strong, stiff and hard. “The wood is easy to work, generally straight grained, and shrinks and swells comparatively little. Heartwood from second growth trees generally has low to moderate decay resistance.” [1] Redwood has a natural resistance to insects, rot and moisture. Because it is a softwood, it is easy to work with and has a smooth appearance. [2] Cedar Lumber of Cedar is accessible and affordable. Cedar is resistant to termites and other insects as well as holding a resistance to rot and water damage. Juniper Juniper lumber is resistant to decay, and fungal and termite attacks. Due to these features, Juniper is long lasting and environmentally friendly. [3]

The Vegetable Gardener’s Book of Building Projects is a valuable resource containing designs and instructions for a variety of wooden structures to be used in a garden. Designs are provided for planters, raised beds, storage for tools and harvesting apparatus. Several of the projects would be good candidates for upcycled materials. [4]

Moisture control of wood “Moisture control is necessary to avoid moisture-related problems with building energy performance, building maintenance and durability, and human comfort and health. Moisture degradation is the largest factor limiting the useful life of buildings and can be visible or invisible. Invisible degradation includes the degradation of thermal resistance of building materials and the decrease in strength and stiffness of some materials. Visible degradation may be in the form of (a) mold and mildew, (b) decay of wood-based materials, (c) spalling caused by freeze-thaw cycles, (d) hydration of plastic materials, (e) corrosion of metals, (f) damage caused by expansion of materials from moisture, and (g) decline of visual appearance. High moisture levels can lead to mold spores in the air.” [5]

Moisture Control Strategies “Strategies to control moisture accumulation fall into two general categories: (1) minimize moisture entry into the building envelope and (2) remove moisture from the building envelope. It is not possible to prevent moisture migration completely; therefore, construction should include drainage, ventilation, and removal by capillary suction, or other provisions to carry away unwanted water.”[6]

Structure Failures “Structural failures caused by decay of wood are rare but have occured. Decay generally requires a wood moisture content equal to or greater than fiber saturation.” [7]

METAL

  • Nickel Silver

A fairly easy to work with metal but in order to hamer and chase it it first needs to be annealed and then slowly cooled.

  • Aluminum-copper

Tough and resistant to chemical action but overall not very strong.

  • Aluminum-silicon

It is majorly aluminum and about 13% silicon. It is strong and tough with a good resistance to chemical attack.

  • Iron

It is the cheapest of all metals and most commonly used. If warmed to high temperatures it can be bent, stretched and shaped.

  • Tin

It is a silver-white metal, a little harder than lead. It is not very strong but it is ductile and pliable. It has a low melting point so it is often used as a soldering agent. [8]

CLIMATE

“According to the Holdridge life zones system of bioclimatic classification Eureka, California is situated in or near the cool temperate moist forest biome.” With it’s “warm mediterranean/ dry-summer subtropical climate” [9]Eureka gets an average of 3.35 inches of rain a month with most of it coming from the winter months. [10]The temperature ranges an average 51 degrees fahrenheit. Although the area gets what seems to be little to no sun it is actually sunny 48.3% of daylight hours the rest of daylight hours are either cloudy, with shade or low sun intensity. On average the midday sun over the horizon is 49.6 degrees fahrenheit. [11]

PLANTS and SOIL

Humgardens.com is a locally driven online resource for gardeners along the north coast. Providing access to weather information, webcams, and gardening information ranging from lawn care and rose maintenance to vegetable gardening. The site includes information on soil health and plant food, as well as a detailed calendar depicting how to care for different types of plants, what to expect for rainfall, and the varying sun angles for the area.[12]

Fruits of the Humboldt Bay is a locally developed guide to growing successful fruit plants in Humboldt’s unique climate. The guide is a compilation of “collective wisdom” from several contributors including local farmers, professional orchardists, and indigenous wildcrafters. The intention of this guide is to provide a collection of local ecological knowledge so that we can produce nutritious foods in abundance and experience for sharing amongst the community. [13]

Soil[14]

  • “Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain plant and animal productivity, maintain or enhance water and air quality, and promote plant and animal health. Anthropogenic reductions in soil health, and of individual components of soil quality, are a pressing ecological concern.”
  • “Soil health is worth quantifying because soils and their biota provide ecosystems functions that benefit humans. These ecosystem services can be of considerable value[15] and include soil functions of storing and releasing water, decomposing plant and animal residues, transforming and recycling nutrients, sequestering and detoxifying organic toxicants, and promoting plant health by suppressing plant-pathogenic microbes and phytophagous fauna.”


DRIP IRRIGATION

Advantages

  • Reduces runoff
  • Water savings since less is evaporated
  • Fertilizers can be injected into the irrigation
  • Limits weed growth because of limited soil surface is wetted
  • Low water application rates improve water penetration on problem soils

Disadvantages

  • Wildlife can easily damage pipelines
  • Emitter clogging- can be hard to detect before crop damage occurs.
  • “In some areas, excess salts accumulate at the soil surface and toward fringes of the wetted soil. Rain may leach harmful amounts of surface salts into the root zone; drip irrigation should continue during the rain to prevent this problem.”[16]

Prototyping

The following are the first ideas and design prototypes we came up with.
File:Prototype1.JPG
Overall design that provides a tentative placement structure of Option A.

[OPTION A]: This potential design represents the general layout if we were to make an additional L shape pallet structure opposite to the existing structure. The new L shape will be about the same height and size of the other pallets. The tall “Solo” boxes adjacent to the pallet represent a vertical greenhouse using reclaimed windows (4-8 depending on width), supported by reclaimed wood.


[OPTION B]: This design incorporates similar structures but adding a diamond-shaped, vertical garden in the center. The taller “Solo” boxes, that match the direction of the existing pallets, would be a vertical greenhouse. The attached boxes are another set of pallets that would mirror the existing L shape. The middle box would be the centerpiece planter.

Overall design that provides a tentative placement structure of Option B.

Construction

The potato tower at Abuelita’s Demonstration Garden is constructed on 2x2s buried in the ground. The workshop will include a plywood “floor” on each tower so that it may be moved, or grown on a non-soil surface such as a patio. We chose cedar for the project as it is the standard wood for garden beds due to rot-resistance and lifespan. Redwood would have been an equally good choice, but is far more expensive.

Clearing.jpg

After clearing a space large enough for the design, we measured and planned our corners, digging holes for the four 2x2s.

We checked to see if the spot was level, to prevent our above-ground garden from sliding or shifting down the existing slope. Once we had buried the corner posts and filled the holes, we began mocking up our box with the cut boards to test height and accessibility for harvesting.

Seeing the box at its true height was a determining factor for lowering the overall height of the design. At three or four feet tall, we thought too much sunlight would be blocked for young plants to thrive. Additionally, the volume of soil inside a 4’x4’x4’ potato tower would have caused immense pressure making it difficult to manage.

Frame.jpg

With the lowest level of boards in place, we could level them and begin attaching them to the posts.

For our fold-down slats, we measured the sides to match the posts for structure, and cut so that only the middle portion of the board would move when the turning latches are opened. After the hinges were attached, and each wooden latch was pre-drilled, we attached them and tested our design. To finish off the box, sharp points from any screws sticking through the boards were ground off for user safety :)

Openlatches.jpg












Timeline

The following is a timeline (projected) for the completion of the vertical garden project. (Section will be updated to include actual dates prior to final submission)

TASK FINISH DATE (Projected) FINISH DATE (Actual)
Protoytype Demo March 4/March 11
Compare costs/design of potential (available) materials Mid March
Purchase materials Early April April 10-13
Build Structure Mid April April 14-15
Plant Gardens/Workshop April mid April 29
Final Update to Appropedia Page May 1
Final Project Report Due May 1 May 1
Final Presentation May 8 May 8



Budget (Under Construction)

The following shows the actual costs of the project materials. We were fortunate to be working within the generous budget of $300 from Cooperation Humboldt. Although many efforts were made to source reclaimed/recycled/salvaged components, we found the quality, cost effectiveness and availability of such materials to be extremely limiting.

Material Source Cost ($) Total ($)
Soil Beneficial Living Center & Garden Supplies 50.00 50.00
Seeds/Starts RCAA 0.00 0.00
Hardware Ace Hardware 30.00 30.00
Wood/Lumber Resale Lumber Products 109.77 109.77
Total Cost $246.60

Operation

  • Step 1: Fill the lowest 6” with soil, plant potato starts
  • Step 2: Turn wooden latches to open drop-down slats. Check for appropriate sun exposure
  • Step 3: If exposure is limited, the top two boards may be removed to increase available sunlight
  • Step 4: Water plants daily
  • Step 5: As vines grow, continue to cover (“hill”) them, leaving the leaves and stems above ground
  • Step 6: Potatoes will sprout from the buried portions of the plant, be sure to keep them covered
  • Step 7: To harvest, open the lowest slat possible, reach inside and dig out potatoes
  • Step 8: After harvesting, the soil can be replaced to the top of the hill
  • Step 9: Next harvest, open the next highest slat and harvest from that level, and so on

Conclusion

Discussion

(IP)

Lessons Learned

Discuss lessons were learned during this project and what you would do different next time.

  • Use on-campus/friend/teacher resources sooner
  • Consult, literally a hundred times if you have to

(IP)

Next steps

Following construction, the potato tower will need to be filled up to the first board with soil, the potato starts planted and watered in. At this point, all fold-down slats should be left open to increase sun exposure. As the potato vines begin to grow, soil/straw will need to be mounded or “hilled” to support them, close slats as needed to hold in the growing medium. Potatoes will begin to grow just under the surface, be sure to keep them covered so that they can reach maturity. Exposed potatoes may stay green. Do not eat green potatoes!

To harvest

Open the lowest slat, reach inside and dig out potatoes! Next harvest, take from the next highest slat, and so on.

Troubleshooting

Below is a table for troubleshooting minor issues we anticipate may present themselves.

Problem Suggestion
Slat does not open/close Check all turning closure latches
Not enough sunlight reaching potato starts Disassemble top two or three slats of the planter until needed
Potatoes not getting enough water Install “slow release soda bottle watering system”

The Team

The incredibly adaptable vertical food team formed in the spring semester of 2018 consists of 3 engineering students passionate about environmental and human welfare and food justice.

Works Cited

Template:Reflist

  1. Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Service, 1974
  2. Choan, Sam. “Best Wood and Lumber for Building Raised Garden Beds.” Organic Lesson, 1 Feb. 2018, www.organiclesson.com/the-3-best-woods-for-building-raised-garden-beds/
  3. Id.
  4. Ayer, Kevin, and Cindy A. Littlefield. The Vegetable Gardener's Book of Building Projects: Raised Beds, Cold Frames, Compost Bins, Planters, Plant Supports, Trellises, Harvesting and Storage Aids. Storey Pub., 2010
  5. Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Service, 1974
  6. Id.
  7. Id.
  8. Granström, Karl Erik. Creating with Metal. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1968
  9. "Eureka, California Climate & Temperature." Eureka, California Climate Eureka, California Temperatures Eureka, California Weather Averages. http://www.eureka.climatemps.com/
  10. "Climate & Weather Averages in Eureka, California, USA." Timeanddate.com. https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/usa/eureka/climate
  11. "Sunshine & Daylight Hours in Eureka, California, Usa." Sunshine & Daylight Hours in Eureka, California, Usa Sunlight, Cloud & Day Length. http://www.eureka.climatemps.com/sunlight.php
  12. "Gardening in Coastal Northern California." Gardening in Coastal Northern California. http://humgardens.com/
  13. Armstrong, Sean , ed. Fruits of the Humboldt Bay. 13th ed. Arcata, CA
  14. Doran, John W., and Michael R. Zeiss. "Soil Health and Sustainability: Managing the Biotic Component of Soil Quality." Applied Soil Ecology 15, no. 1 (08 2000): 3-11. doi:10.1016/s0929-1393(00)00067-6
  15. R. Costanza, R. d’Arge, R. de Groot, S.Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S.Naeem, R.V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R.G. Raskin,P. Sutton, M. van den Belt. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387 (1997), pp. 253-259
  16. Design and Operation of Farm Irrigation Systems. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, 1983
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