W. G. Bartlett Engineering Services, LLC
Consulting Engineering
Greenville, South Carolina
In recent years movements such as “grow your own food”, “organic farming/gardening”, “sustainable nutrition”, and “buy local” have taken root and are gaining in popularity. Certainly, the foundational principles of the ideas are not new— they are as old as civilization. However, what is new is the growing realization that “modern” farming and distribution practices developed throughout the past 100+ years are not sustainable. What this means, in essence, is that we consume more of the earth’s resources in producing nutrition than we generate (a net negative, if you will). Chemical fertilizers require that various minerals are stripped away from the land (consumption/destruction of existing soil) and require vast amounts of petroleum in production. In like manner, chemical pesticides, harvesting and distribution require even more vast amounts of mainly petroleum. Also, chemical fertilizers and pesticides placed on the land create run-off which has a significant fouling effect in our waterways and downstream lands. Taken together these elements accumulate into a massive impact. However, the truths of this impact are seemingly not well understood. The term “organic” has taken on political connotations and is viewed negatively in some circles. And, while farming is a virtuous and (obviously) entirely necessary endeavor, like many aspects of modern life, we must find ways to do it which will benefit future generations.
Sustainable Gardening
Projects such as the Ecology Action “Grow Biointensive” and the other many thousands of efforts by governments, universities, public and private organizations, and individuals have demonstrated that it is possible to produce massive volumes and diversity of food in small areas and with practices that can greatly minimize the consumption of resources and also build the soil in place with a recycling of (mainly) organic matter. If more families became committed to this endeavor in some way, the benefits to our planet and our collective health would be enormous. As it is, our family has been working to educate and undertake efforts of our own in this regard. We have constructed and maintain a “kitchen garden” that we attempt to tend by organic means-- it is shown in the pictures on this page. In this process we are experimenting with different plants, practices and preservation methods. We are always glad to share what we know and are especially eager to learn from others that are doing the same. So, please make contact with us if you are interested in collaborating!!
The system we have constructed and tend is based on a modified version of the popular book "Square Foot Gardening". This is a system
of raised beds, tightly controlled soil which is constantly amended with garden and home waste compost, and plants which are trained
to grow vertically on light but strong trellis structures. We highly recommend obtaining a copy of "SFG". However, you will note a
few variances we have made: deeper beds, paper and straw layers for weed control, and drip irrigation. The end results have proven
to be exceptional as well as easy!
Here are some links you may find helpful:
Vines trained vertically
December lettuce bed:
Vegetable gardens aren't just for the summer!
Conserving space!
Topping a bed off at the end of a season with homemade organic compost. You learn quickly that plants consume soil and bed levels fall.
