EdibleIdeas.us - A Curated Web Resource For Growing Food Anywhere by Tyler Ellison

EdibleIdeas.us The Curated Web Resource for Growing Food Anywhere

Issue: Only 1 in 10 American adults eats enough fruits or vegetables.

Research also shows that sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of many leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and obesity.â&#x20AC;? Source: cdc 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;high cost, limited availability and access, and perceived lack of cooking or preparation timeâ&#x20AC;? can be barriers to sufficient fruit and vegetable consumption.

Studies have also found that

in addition:

American food travels more than 1,500 miles before hitting the plate.1 Not only does this dictate freshness, it reflects on an incredible amount of transport energy, a vulnerable dependence on sprawling national food supply chains, and general disconnection with fresh & natural produce. 3

Solution: HOME GARDENS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OVERCOME ALL THREE BARRIERS T O F R U I T A N D V E G E TA B L E C O N S U M P T I O N , A S W E L L A S C O M B A C T O T H E R N E G AT I V E E F F E C TS O F O U R C U R R E N T F O O D S Y S T E M .

In fact, the ancient concept of food gardening is on the rise;2 one 2012 study concluded that “a community gardening program can reduce food insecurity, improve dietary intake and strengthen family relationships”3 on a measureable scale. That’s even more significant when 41 million Americans are food insecure according to the USDA for 2016. 13M

As of 2013, some 42 million Americans grow food, and many of these first-time (milennial) gardeners look to the

INTERNET for garden help.

11M

2011

2012

10M 9M 8M 2008

2009

2010

2013

Household Food Garden Parcipation by Milennials in millions, National Gardening Association, 2014

But the internet can be a perplexing guide.

Google “How to start a garden” and you will have 2,240,000,000 results in 0.51 seconds. That’s 2.24 BILLION ideas.

A casual search turns up billions of hits with thousands of pages of redundant information. Between vast garden websites, forums, blogs, video archives, DIY tutorials, product reviews, undiscribed inspirational imagery, marketing ploys, and dead-end links,

there is so much information,

great garden ideas get lost in the noise.

Resources for home and urban food production abound online. But,

There currently lacks a single, intuitive, user-oriented online resource that provides a robust array of inspiration and practical options for making any environment an edible landscape.

The great ideas are already out there. They just need to be clearer and more accessible. Sources: 1. Food, Fuel, and Freeways. Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Iowa. 2. Garden to Table, Special Report. A 5-Year Look at Food Gardening in America. National Gardening Association, 2014. Garden.org 3. Carney, Patricia & L Hamada, Janet & Rdesinski, Rebecca & Sprager, Lorena & R Nichols, et al. (2011). Impact of a Community Gardening Project on Vegetable Intake, Food Security and Family Relationships: A Community-based Participatory Research Study. Journal of community health. 37. 874-81.

FOR EXAMPLE, Most garden websites look something like this: Ambitious article topic Professional publication with appealing photos Oversimplified inspiration with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stagedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aesthetic Detracting advertisements

Helpful overarching principles Compelling arguments for home grown food Insufficient specific advice for startup Generic photos and listed points.

FOR EXAMPLE, Most garden websites look something like this: Navigable website interface and titles with photos Robust archive of gardening tips and ideas Garden-based emphasis Focus on plant types rather than novel ideas

Extensive list of links to existing resources Clean visual format Overwhelming text links without visual context Scattered topics without intuitive navigation

Aside from the current lacking state of entry-level resources... The popular rise of aquaponics and hydroponics as condensed methods of food production have inspired many urbanites to produce their own food using such innovative methods. Yet at the same time, many other practical and affordable growing options are available for those with limited space, time, funds, or experience. A windowsill can become an edible landscape. So can the metal deck on the 4th story of an apartment block. As a part of the global effort toward a sustainable food supply,

EdibleIdeas aims to empower individuals by providing the clearest and most accessible information toward visualizing any individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superlocal food supply. ^ mostly At-Home 9

The SOLUTION

EdibleIdeas.us combines the wealth of urban food production

options already available online into a single, simple, guided web interface.

As a guided resource, EdibleIdeas sorts an extensive catalog of edible interventions with a compounding tag system. As site users select any number of tags, the full catalog dynamically narrows to the most appropriate edible ideas for that user. Each specific idea connects to a page which contains an illustration of process or function, a single paragraph description, a breakdown of components and cost, precedent images, multiple links to online written resources, and a curated selection of embedded video content. An image and comment section engages site visitors with expanding personal content. Many practical and affordable garden ideas are available to those with limited space, time, resources, or experience. EdibleIdeas sorts through the clamor online so that growing fresh food at home is more accessible to any individual, anywhere, anytime.

Y S EA SO QU N IC K P RO JE IN CT VE ST ME NT LO W TE CH SU PE R S MA LL IN -G RO UN D HA NG IN G HY DR OP ON IC PE RM AC UL TU IN RE CO ME PO TE AU NT TO IAL MA TIC WA TE RI NG

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1 AEROPONICS 2 A Q U A P O N I C D E E P W AT E R C U LT U R E 3 AQUA. NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE 4 AQUAPONICS MEDIA FILLED BEDS 5 BEE HIVES 6 BOTTLE GARDEN VERTICAL 7 CO L D F R A M E 8 CO M PA N I O N P L A N T I N G 9 CO M P O S T I N G B I N 1 0 C U T T I N G S I N W AT E R 11 CUTTINGS IN SOIL 1 2 E D I B L E F LO W E R S 13 FRAMED HANGING PLANTER 1 4 F R U I T T R E E O R C H A R D C U LT U R E 1 5 F R U I T T R E E E S PA L I E R 16 GREENHOUSE BASIC 17 GREENHOUSE DOME 18 GREENHOUSE HOOP HOUSE 19 GREENHOUSE RECYCLED BOTTLES 2 0 G R E E N H O U S E R E C Y C L E D M AT E R I A L 21 GUTTER A-FRAME GARDEN 22 GUTTER WALL GARDEN 23 HANGING 24 HANGING POCKET GARDEN 25 HANGING UPSIDE DOWN 26 HEDGE 2 7 H Y D R O P O N I C D E E P W AT E R C U LT U R E 2 8 H Y D R O P O N I C E B B A N D F LO W 2 9 H Y D R O P O N I C K R AT K Y D O W N S P O U T S 3 0 H Y D R O . K R AT K Y F I V E G A L B U C K E T S 3 1 H Y D R O P O N I C K R AT K Y M E T H O D 3 2 H Y D R O P O N I C K R AT K Y W I N D O W S I L L S 33 HYDRO. NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE 34 HYDROPONIC WICK SYSTEM 35 LANDSCAPED ANNUALS 36 LANDSCAPED PERENNIALS 37 MICROGREENS 38 MUSHROOM BAGS 3 9 M U S H R O O M LO G S

full List of potential Edibleideas

Y S EA SO QU N IC K P RO JE IN CT VE ST ME NT LO W TE CH SU PE R S MA LL IN -G RO UN D HA NG IN G HY DR OP ON IC PE RM AC UL TU IN RE CO ME PO TE AU NT TO IAL MA TIC WA TE RI NG

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40 MUSHROOMS IN GROUND 41 NO-DIG GARDEN 4 2 PA L L E T G A R D E N 4 3 P E R M A C U LT U R E G A R D E N I N G 4 4 P E R M A C U LT U R E H E R B S P I R A L 4 5 P E R M A C U LT U R E H U G E L K U LT U R 4 6 P E R M A C U LT U R E K E Y H O L E G A R D E N 4 7 P L A N T E D S E AT I N G 4 8 P O R TA B L E G A R D E N 49 RAIN BARREL 50 RAISED BED 51 RAISED BED TROUGH 5 2 R A I S E D B E D M U LT I -T I E R 53 RAISED BED RECYCLED 54 ROOF GARDEN 5 5 S E L F W AT E R I N G B U C K E T 5 6 S E L F W AT E R I N G T O T E 57 SHOOTS 58 SPROUTS 59 SQUARE FOOT GARDENING 60 STRAW BALE 61 STORAGE AREA 6 2 TA B L E G A R D E N 6 3 T R E L L I S I N G F L AT 64 TRELLISING TEEPEE 65 TRELLISING OVERHEAD 66 TRELLISING VERTICAL 67 TOWER GARDEN 68 WALL HANGING POTS 69 WINDOW BOX 70 WINDOW JARS 7 1 W I N D O W FA R M 72 WINE BARREL 73 WORM BIN 74 BAG GARDEN 7 5 CO N TA I N E R G A R D E N 7 6 CO M PA N I O N P L A N T I N G 7 7 D R I P I R R I G AT I O N

full List of potential Edibleideas

Function Diagrams Active Hydroponic Systems

Fabric Grow Bag

Aeroponics

Foraging

Plastic Bottle Garden

Pocket Garden

Greenhouse Portable Garden

Aquaponics

Hanging Upside Down

Rain Barrel

Herb spiral

Rain Gutter Garden

Hoop House

Raised Bed

Backyard Chickens

Backyard Orchard Culture

Bag of Soil Cuttings in Garden soil

Microgreens Hugelkultur Multi-Level Raised Bed

Cuttings in water

Regrow Food Scraps Tower Planter

Function Diagrams Beekeeping Beekeeping

Indoor Mushrooms Indoor Mushrooms

Beneficial Insects Beneficial Insects Irrigation System Irrigation System Cold Frame Cold Frame Community Garden Community Garden

Cuttings in soil Companion Planting Companion Planting

Cuttings in water Composting Composting

Container Garden Container Garden Edible Arbor

Row Planting Row Planting Self Watering Container Self Watering Container

Keyhole Garden Keyhole Garden

EdibleIdeas.us EdibleIdeas.us

Microgreens

Kratky Hydroponics Kratky Hydroponics Multi-Level Raised Bed

Mushroom Logs Ladder Frame Ladder Frame

No-Dig Garden Edible Flowers

Roof or Balcony Garden Roof or Balcony Garden

Sprouts Sprouts Tower Planter Square Foot Garden Square Foot Garden Straw Bale Trellis Straw Bale

Table Garden Vermicomposting Table Garden

Function Diagrams Cuttings in soil

Hoop House Microgreens

Raised Bed Tower Planter

Bag of Soil Garden Hugelkultur Multi-Level Raised Bed

Regrow Food Scraps

Mushroom Logs

Trellis

Cuttings in water

Edible Arbor

Vermicomposting No-Dig Garden

Edible Flowers Outdoor Mushroom Beds

Window Box

Edible Hedge Pallet Garden

WindowFarm Edible Landscape Permaculture Garden

Espalier Trees

Planted Furnishing

Windowsill garden

Search page edibleideas Tags

Search Page layout

As selections are made from the tags at top

EdibleIdeas of best-fit are narrowed down to meet the specifications of the user Users may select as many or as few tags as desired, but each additional selection removes ideas from the graphic list below, customizing it to the user.

Sample idea Page

Each image on the home page links to an idea page as shown. Each page contains simply a descriptive title, function or process diagram, full description, materials and general cost, a set of images, a series of internet links, and a series of embedded videos.

Should the idea appeal to the user, EdibleIdeas should act as a springboard for further investigation.

STRAW BALE GARDEN

Fertilize Bale / Plant Seeds or Seedlings / Water & Fertilize until Harvest DESCRIPTION Straw Bale Gardens are a great choice in outdoor locations that do not have quality soil, or for gardeners who do not want to disturb the existing soil. Straw bales raise the growing level, and are a self-contained growing medium. Additional containment is not required, and the entire bale can be composted at the end of the growing season. Weeding and digging are not required in this grow method. The bale (ideally wheat-straw, not hay, which can be cheaper but contain seeds) is conditioned with fertilizers for approximately two weeks. This process jump-starts decomposition for the plant roots to thrive. This method requires significant water input and the frequent application of fertilizers. A range of fruit and vegetables may be grown in straw bales, including root crops, which can be easily harvested by splitting the bale at the end of the season. M AT E R I A L S Straw Bale + Fertilizer + Seeds/Seedlings = Less than $25 PRECEDENT IMAGES

Sample idea Page (Continued)

S T R A W B A L E G A R D E N ( CO N T I N U E D ) WEB RESOURCES • Joel Karsten’s Straw Bale Gardens • Craig LeHoullier on Gardener’s Supply • Nicole Cotroneo Jolly’s Conversation with Joel Karsten on Modern Farmer R E CO M M E N D E D V I D E O S

Click or scan to start at

EdibleIdeas.us

Achievement of the design goals has been assessed through the input of

three unique user profiles. These users, each at different scale and with personal and spatial requirements, create their individual idea selections and then take them through a conceptual implementation on their unique site. Diagrammatic plan view drawings and sketches with photomontage are used to illustrate the potential of the ideas in the givenn userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space.

EdibleSchoolyard a LARGE scale edible space

Cory wants some EdibleIdeas for the school. Why EdibleIdeas? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a multifaceted vision of elementary education, team building, community connections, and supplementary produce for student & family wellness. Where can it happen? Throughout an underused lawn space, along buildings, & in classroom windows; there are a number of unique growing conditions and microclimates. What is the investment? A federal garden grant and a matched PTA investment will cover expenses. Key teachers, parents, and student leaders have committed to provide labor. Special considerations? There should be something for everyone, regardless of size or skill. Topsoil and various other materials can be brought in during the installation phase but after that, Cory and the staff wants the garden to be as self-sustaining as possible.

The existing landscape. These tags are selected. A series of tag groups uncovers a variety of ideas.

These EdibleIdeas are placed on a sketch of the schoolyard. Each of the zones to the right corresponds to an idea.

A. Permaculture Keyhole

B. Edible Flowers C. Espalier Fruit Trees

D. No Dig Rows

Library

E. Microgreens

E F

F. Upside Down G. Raised Beds

H. Compost I. Rainwater Capture

J. Kratky Hydroponics

Cafeteria

K. Windowfarm

Classroom

L. Planted Seating

M. Trellis Plantings

North

16 Feet

Hallway

Classroom

J Classroom

Maybe it looks like this. Upside Down Rainwater

Kratky Hydroponics

Windowfarm

Trellis Plantings

23 Espalier Fruit Trees

North

16 Feet

Hallway

Classroom

Maybe it looks like this. Upside Down

Kratky Hydroponics

Windowfarm

Trellis Plantings

Rainwater Capture

Edible Shrubs Microgreens

Espalier Fruit Trees

No Dig Rows Compost

Edible Flowers Raised Beds

Permaculture Keyhole

EdibleBackyard a MEDIUM scale edible space

Brooke wants some EdibleIdeas for the yard. Why EdibleIdeas? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done taking care of the grass that only ever gets used by the dog; he can play in the front yard. Having heard of urban agriculture but having no background in food production, she wants to see what herself and the yard can produce. Where can it happen? Anywhere is fair game: all the lawn is on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way out. What is the investment? Brooke has just received a substantial bonus at work and intends to put the entire amount into startup. Ideally, investment is longer-term and perenially productive. Special considerations? The existing soil is very poor. Brooke indended on layering compost over the entire yard, but is open to other methods of soil improvement. She has a background in marine biology and is interested in organic aquaponic systems.

The existing landscape.

These tags are selected. Brookeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tag selections tend toward sustainable permaculture ideas.

These EdibleIdeas are placed on a sketch of the backyard. Each of the zones to the right corresponds to an idea.

These EdibleIdeas are placed on a sketch of the backyard. Each of the zones to the right corresponds to an idea. A. Self Watering Containers

B. Aquaponic Ladder Frame

Tool Shed

C. Aquaponic System

D. Hugelkultur / Trellis / Companion Planting E. Hoop House F. Rain Barrel

G. Backyard Chickens

H. Backyard Orchard / In-Ground Mushrooms I. Vermiculture Rainwater Capture J. Straw Bale Garden

K. Beekeeping

10 Feet

North

Maybe it looks like this. Aquaponic Ladder Frame

Trellis Self Watering

Hoop House

Backyard Orchard

10 Feet

North

Maybe it looks like this. Aquaponic Ladder Frame

Trellis

Hoop House

Backyard Orchard

Self Watering Containers

Companion Planting Aquaponic System

Hugelkultur

Mushrooms Backyard Chickens

Beekeeping

EdibleApartment a SMALL scale edible space

Tyler wants some EdibleIdeas for the apartment. Why EdibleIdeas? Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interested in experimentation. How many ways can someone grow food on a concrete patio? What are the most inexpensive ways to do it? Can it be worthwhile? Where can it happen? Available space is primarily on the 16â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; x 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; patio. The only direct sunlight occurs out the sliding door and to the left. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll consider an inexpensive grow light.

The existing landscape.

What is the investment? Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a college student interested in plants and fresh food, but unwilling to invest lots of money for now. He does have time and experience to put together recycled projects, and frequently present to pay attention to watering and maintenance. Special considerations? A table is going in the middle of the patio, so plants need to be growing vertical or have a small footprint toward the sides so as not to consume the entire space.

These tags are selected. Defined constraints are based largely on location & investment.

These EdibleIdeas are placed on a sketch of the apartment. Each of the zones to the right corresponds to an idea.

Front Door

A. Straw Bale Garden B. Herb Container

Table

Living Room

C. Fruit Tree

Couch

D. Microgreens / Sprouts E. Hanging Upside Down

Bookshelf

F. Kratky Hydroponics

Desk

G. Self Watering Bucket / Vermiculture

H. Fabric Grow Bag

Two Story Wall

I. Tabletop Container J. Cuttings in Water K. Pallet Garden / Edible Flowers / Trellis

J North

Kratky Downspout

Fabric Grow Bag

Bistro Table

K 3 Feet

BBQ

It looks like this. Cuttings

Trellis

3 Feet

North

Kratky Downspout

Fabric Grow Bag

It looks like this. Cuttings

Trellis

Self-watering Container

Kratky Bucket Upside Down Tomato

Fruit Tree Vermicompost

Edible Flowers Herb Container

Straw Bale Garden Pallet Garden

Site awareness is coupled with @EdibleIdeas.us on Instagram “where we try EdibleIdeas ourselves!”

Thanks for reading. I hope you find EdibleIdeas helpful. It’s been an exciting journey myself, and I’ve learned far more than I thought I would in a senior project. The process of pushing landscape architecture, which I see at core as a problem solving profession, into new places was a challenge. Some may offer the critique that a project such as this is putting too much power in the hands of the individual, when we as designers know “what’s best.” I do think that in many cases, we may know “what’s better.” But if we’re looking at it through the lens of a national problem regarding food, nutrition, and equality, we want to do as much as we can to give tools to the people that need them. That’s my hope with this project. Best, Tyler Ellison Landscape Architecture California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo Spring 2019