Class 2 Content

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

Schedule:

1. Introduction & Check-In

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

2. Reading Discussion: Biofortification and Ecological Complexity

– Small-group and full-class discussion
– Key prompts:
   • How do these readings connect to food justice and 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 and container gardening
   • Agroecology principles
   • Permaculture design (zones, ethics, and principles)
   • Urban foraging (ethics, safety, and examples)
   • Edible urban design and 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