The mission:
Our goal is to bring more green to Gallatin in an effort to improve the university’s sustainability, build community, and provide students and staff with access to fresh, allergen-sensitive herbs and produce. Interest in the garden has proven to be extensive among the student body from across disciplines. Our research team has been in communication with numerous students and faculty with multifaceted experience, ranging from environmental science, computer science, design, urbanism, and all across the STEM spectrum.
We are running an adopt-a-plant program, providing seedlings and young plants that we have germinated to be placed in faculty members’ offices. We aim to bring more plant life to the Gallatin space during the semesters and send the plants to “foster homes” over the summer to be cared for when the building is closed.
The project is run by student members of STAC, with oversight from Cyd Cipolla. There are currently four members working on the Gallatin Garden and reported interest from over a dozen additional students. Initial prototypes have shown the feasibility of automating growth cycles, and the research team has found success with automating grow lights, water dispersal, and monitoring systems.
Our Past Work:
Our initial focus was on using a supply closet with a south-facing window at Gallatin to grow edible plants, such as leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. We specifically highlighted these varieties as they take well to indoor growing conditions and produce high yields. Additionally, we wanted to focus on entirely hypoallergenic produce to maximize accessibility for any student wishing to participate. While growing plants is the nucleus of the project, engaging with students and fostering a community around urban agriculture is our end-goal.
Team leaders will began the process in early September. Our team will managed the space by creating routines, schedules, and goals for completion. Through our community events, we planned to expand our teams so we can ensure availability for troubleshooting and observations. Students routinely led check-ins and maintenance, but the goal for the Gallatin Garden is to construct a self-sustaining system.
The research team began operations in a windowless office on a small corner of a desk. We started the gardening process with about one square foot of space, where we germinated, propagated, and nurtured dozens of seeds and snippings into beautiful, healthy plants. Even within the limitations of the current space, we were able to nourish six different varieties of lettuce and tomatoes and engage a community of students passionate about growing more.