Dalhousie Edible Garden Plan: Design Concepts for the Henry Street Plot

Abstract

This report summarizes the findings of a research project undertaken by students at Dalhousie University to determine the key design elements necessary for the establishment of a food-producing garden on Dalhousie campus, with particular focus on the construction of raised garden beds, garden maintenance and equipment, aesthetics, soil and water concerns, weeds and pests, climate, sunlight availability, slope issues, and potential crops to be grown. Research methods included informal narrative interviews with Dalhousie staff and local gardening experts, a review of relevant literature, including previous research on the feasibility of gardens at Dalhousie, and a GIS analysis of the proposed garden plot. The results of this research allowed the authors to develop a preliminary site plan for the garden as well as a number of recommendations that may increase the garden’s productivity as well as its appeal to the university’s administration.