Class Content

In this session, participants will explore how the garden changes throughout the growing season and prepare for the transition into fall. Led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Duais, the class will examine crop growth, plant health, diseases, insect damage, and other challenges observed in the garden. Participants will learn how to build a simple vermicompost bin that can be used at home and will discuss which crops can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. Hands-on activities will include building vermicompost bins, preparing a garden bed, seeding fall crops, and, if time permits, supporting pepper plants using stakes and twine.

Schedule:

Welcome & Check-in

– Introduction to the session and a brief group check-in
– Discussion of how the garden and participants’ own growing projects have progressed since the previous session

Garden Walk & Plant Health Observation

– Walk through the garden to observe how crops have developed throughout the season
– Identify signs of disease, insect damage, nutrient issues, and other common garden challenges
– Revisit the cilantro and dill planted during the previous session and discuss their growth and development
– Harvest cilantro and dill, with participants invited to take some home

Building a Home Vermicompost Bin

– Introduction to vermicomposting and the role of worms in transforming food scraps into nutrient-rich compost
– Discussion of how vermicompost can contribute to soil fertility and plant health
– Dr. Mohammed Al-Duais will lead a hands-on workshop on building and maintaining a simple vermicompost bin suitable for home use
– Discussion of what materials can be added to a vermicompost bin and how to maintain healthy conditions for the worms

Planting for a Fall Harvest

– Discussion of crops that can be planted in late summer for harvesting in the fall
– Considerations for choosing crops based on available growing time, temperature, and changing seasonal conditions
– Hands-on activity preparing a garden bed for fall planting
– Seeding selected fall crops in the garden

Supporting Existing Plants

– If time permits, introduction to techniques for supporting mature pepper plants
– Hands-on practice using stakes and twine to support the row of pepper plants at the Loyola Farm
– Discussion of how plant support can improve plant structure, airflow, and crop management

Questions, Concerns, Comments?

– Open space for reflections, clarifications, and group discussion