| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
As a whole, our society is becoming ever more dependent on industrial sources of produce in lieu of simple and sustainable practices that allow for healthier lifestyles. The GnomeTainer creates a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to this trend by providing a way to grow a portion of one's own produce without the need for a plot of land, thereby reducing one's dependence on industrial sources. | As a whole, our society is becoming ever more dependent on industrial sources of produce in lieu of simple and sustainable practices that allow for healthier lifestyles. The GnomeTainer, produced for Locally Delicious, creates a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to this trend by providing a way to grow a portion of one's own produce without the need for a plot of land, thereby reducing one's dependence on industrial sources. | ||
==Problem statement and criteria== | ==Problem statement and criteria== | ||
Revision as of 01:49, 6 April 2011
Abstract
The GnomeTainer provides an inexpensive and self sustaining way for families to grow their own food without a plot of land. The garden system encloses soil with connected plastic storage containers and provides a greenhouse environment supported by a PVC frame. A water catchment system is supported by the frame to store rainwater which can be used to water the plants at a later time. The GnomeTainer provides a low maintenance and educational method of growing your own produce.
Background
As a whole, our society is becoming ever more dependent on industrial sources of produce in lieu of simple and sustainable practices that allow for healthier lifestyles. The GnomeTainer, produced for Locally Delicious, creates a convenient and low-maintenance alternative to this trend by providing a way to grow a portion of one's own produce without the need for a plot of land, thereby reducing one's dependence on industrial sources.
Problem statement and criteria
With the following constraints, GGC must design an effective greenhouse while educating children about greenhouse gardening and its benifits.
| Criteria | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waste Reduction | 8 | The solution should minimize waste, it should preferably be made out of recyclable or reusable materials. |
| Practical | 8 | The solution should be easily replicable and effective for growing produce. |
| Cost | 7 | The solution should not exceed $200 to construct. |
| Durability | 7 | The solution should last at least two planting seasons. |
Description of final project
- Photos and descriptions
Costs
| Material | Quantity | Individual cost | Retail cost | Our cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterlite Container | 4 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 10' 1.5" PVC Pipe | 3 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 45 degree PVC Elbow | 12 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Quad-Joint PVC | 1 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tri-Joint PVC | 2 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Metal Hinges | 6 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
| Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Donated |
| Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Donated |
| Item | 2 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
| Item | 1 | $0 | $0 | Salvaged |
| Tax | $11.61 | $6.84 | ||
| Total | $100... | $110... | ||
Testing Results
Rigidity: We tested the rigidity of our constructed greenhouse framework. The storage containers are connected together with zip ties and the PVC frame is connected to the containers at 6 points using one stable hinge. We tested the rigity by moving the garden frame around and picking it up. The PVC framework firmly connects the containers and the entire system stays firmly intact.
Water drainage: After a night of rain the storage containers adequately drain water. The holes drilled all over the bottom and bottom sides of the container allow enough space for the water to drain.
How to build
Discussion and next steps
GGC'S next step would be to implement our design in various regions in order to test the greenhouse design in different climates. Also testing the design with different vegetables will allow GGC to fully test and perfect our water catchment system.
References
Barrett, E. G. (2003) "The Interaction between Waterlogging and Salinity in Higher Plants: Causes, Consequences and Implications." Plant and Soil. 1st ed. Vol. 253. 34-53. SpringerLink. Web. <http://www.springerlink.com/content/k52014l07522491w/>.
Branson, B. A. (1984). “Gardening in the City.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/1984-03-01/Urban- Gardening.aspx?page=2> (Feb. 17, 2011)
Brzozowski, R. J. (2009) "The Effects of Soil Temperature in Gardening, University of Maine Cooperative Extension." University of Maine Cooperative Extension. 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.umext.maine.edu/yourgarden/soiltemp.htm>.
Codarin, S. (2006)"Effect of Air Humidity on the Growth and Morphology of Hydrangea Macrophylla L." ScienceDirect - Home. 8 May 2006. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TC3>.
Harter, R. D. (1983) "Effect of Soil PH on Adsorption of Lead, Copper, Zinc, and Nickel." Soil Science 47.1 (1983): 47-51. Energy Citations Database. Web. <http://www.osti.gov/energycitations/product.biblio.jsp?osti_id=5745661>.
The Hindu Newspaper (2007) “Bring Nature Home with Indoor Plants” <http://www.hindu.com/pp/2007/02/03/stories/2007020300050200.htm> (Feb. 20, 2011)
Jones, B. (2008)"Tomato Plant Culture." Google Books. CRC. Google Books. 2008. Web. <http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=eEy9ftsCqtoC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=garden tomatoes >.
Likens, G. E. (1996) "Long Term Effects of Acid Rain: Response and Recovery of a Forest Ecosystem." Science 272.5259 (1996): 244-46. Print.
Louisiana State University (2009) “Lightweight Steel vs. Wood Frame Construction for Homes”<http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/en/family_home/home/design_construction/> (2/20/2011)
Mississippi State University. (2010)“Vegetable gardening in Mississippi.” <http://msucares.com/lawn/garden/vegetables/mulching/index.html> (Feb. 21, 2011)
Mitchell, J. F. (1989)"The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change." Review of Geophysics 27.1 (1989): 115-39. Reviews of Geophysics. AGU. Web. <http://www.agu.org/pubs/crossref/1989/RG027i001p00115.shtml>.(Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009). “All About Growing Peas.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Growing-Peas.aspx > (Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009). “All About Growing Potatoes.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com /Organic-Gardening/Growing-Potatoes.aspx> (Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009). “Growing Blueberries.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com /Organic-Gardening/Growing-Blueberries.aspx> (Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009).”Growing Beans.” http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/How-To-Grow-Beans.aspx (Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009). “Growing Garlic.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Growing-Garlic.aspx> (Feb. 22, 2011)
Pleasant, B. (2009). “Growing Strawberries.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com /Organic-Gardening/Growing-Strawberries.aspx> (Feb. 22, 2011)
Scharf, R. (2003)"Soil Composition and Formaiton." National Estuarine Research Reserve System. NERRS.gov, Nov. 2003. Web. <http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/doc/siteprofile/acebasin/html/envicond/soil/slform.htm>. (Feb. 22, 2011)
Ross, D.S “Planning and Building a Greenhouse” <http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/greenhou/building.htm#Structural Materials> (Feb. 20, 2011)
Ussery H. (2007) “Expert Advice for Greenhouse Growing.” <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2007-10-01/Expert-Greenhouse-Growing-Advice.aspx> (Feb. 17, 2011)
West Virginia University Extension Service.”Growing Herbs in the Home Garden.” <http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/herbs/ne208hrb.htm#Herbs for Beginning Gardeners>
Weickmann, K. "Spotlight: Use of Ensemble Forecasts..." NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory. Web. 20 Feb. 2011. <http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/spotlight/12012001/>.
Whitaker, T. (1969)"Salads for Everyone, a Look at the Lettuce Plat." Economic Botany (1969): 261-63. Web. <http://www.springerlink.com/content/b45q7176rx635p55/>.
Young, D. R., and Smith, W. K. "Influence of Sunlight on Photosynthesis, Water Relations, and Leaf Structure in the Species Arnica Cordifolia." Ecology (2004): 1380-390. Print.