Edible+Garden

**S-Edible Garden**
In this elective students will create a kitchen garden using sustainable horticultural techniques. This will include building a garden area and preparing it to plant seasonal vegetables and flowers.

Students will investigate the life cycle of plants from germination through to flowering and fruiting. Different methods of propagation will be used such as from seeds and cuttings (cloning) to grow their plants. Plants grown by students will be taken home, planted at school or sold.

The cycling and recycling of nutrients through the living world will be addressed through the processes of decomposition in the compost heap and worm farm.

Biodiversity and its relationship with sustainable farming practices are compared to the traditional methods used in Australia. The effect of environmental issues such as enhanced global warming (greenhouse effect), habitat loss, salinity, weed invasion and water shortages are investigated.

Students will be involved in the Landcare program as a practical way to overcome the environmental issues facing the future. Projects will include habitat replacement along the Merri Creek and MerriPark and the school grounds. This will entail students designing and developing landscapes to meet the needs of indigenous flora and fauna.

Excursions including CERES, local plant nurseries, Darebin Parklands, Merri Creek and Yarra Bend Park will form an important part of the unit (all excursions will be at a minimum cost – usually travel only)