Dr. Brandon Noel's Class Visits Crabtree Farms

Dr. Brandon Noel’s environmental science class made the trek to Crabtree Farms the first week of labs to learn about sustainable farming techniques they can use in the GPS garden.

 

“One of the components of the environmental science class involves taking care of the GPS garden, which includes weeding, growing, and sowing,” says Dr. Noel. “Ideally, we’d like to purchase seeds this fall that the girls could grow into seedlings at Crabtree Farms and then eventually transplant into the GPS garden.”

 

This past summer, the GPS garden produced 276 pounds of produce that was donated to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Some of the food was also used in the school kitchen. Additionally, Ms. Trish King, Faculty Sponsor of Partnerships in the Community, is now working with Crabtree Farms to organize volunteer opportunities for students at the farm.

On this visit, Crabtree Farms Greenhouse Manager Mike Barron talked to the students about the farm and explained the growing season runs from May to Thanksgiving. “Sixty to 70 percent of our crops goes to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture),” he says. “The rest is purchased and used by local restaurants and markets.”

 

After learning more farming terms such as hardening off and root development, the girls helped Crabtree farmer Charlie Sharrar as she placed fennel and lettuce plants in the garden. “What we hope to do is learn what is successful in the fall that can inspire our spring plantings to take full advantage of the GPS garden,” says Dr. Noel.