Class 2 Content

In our second session, participants will deepen their understanding of advanced urban agriculture techniques, reflect 2024 recent readings, et apply new concepts to refine their garden designs. We’ll explore how approaches like permaculture, foraging, et SPIN farming can shape small-space et community-based food production.

Schedule:

1. Introduction & Check-In

– Welcome back et personal updates
– Prompt: “What’s one garden-related observation or question you’ve had since last class?”

2. Reading Discussion: Biofortification et Ecological Complexity

– Small-group et full-class discussion
– Key prompts:
   • How do these readings connect to food justice et agroecology?
   • What assumptions do they challenge or reinforce about ‘solutions’ to food insecurity? 
   • How can concepts of ecological complexity be applied to a garden like ours?

3. Advanced Urban Agriculture Practices

– Brief interactive discussion about:
   • Balcony et container gardening
   • Agroecology principles
   • Permaculture design (zones, ethics, et principles)
   • Urban foraging (ethics, safety, et examples)
   • Edible urban design et integrating food into public space
   • SPIN (Small Plot Intensive) farming techniques
– Group discussion: What ideas or practices could we integrate into our own garden?

4. Applied Garden Design Session

– Return to garden plans with new lenses (permaculture zones, SPIN layout, edible design, etc.)
– Collaborative work in small groups to refine or expand original garden designs
– Optional: sketch overlays, identifying edible perennials, or site-specific foraging opportunities

5. Hands-On Garden Work

– Tasks may include:
   • Preparing garden beds and designing (or building) reinforcing structures
   • Mapping out potential SPIN methods
   • Planting seeds or plants