CUL 174 - From Garden to Table

3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
1 lecture period 4 lab periods

Introduction to preparing edible plants grown in the Sonoran Desert. Includes the best vegetable and herb selection for year-round harvest, as well as an investigation of optimal soil composition, composting, planting and harvesting techniques, seed saving, and preserving and storage methods. Also includes the nutritional advantage of locally grown plants and how to prepare them for optimal nutritional value. In accordance with UNESCO certification, also includes a survey of best practices for sustainability and recycling in the food service industry.

Prerequisite(s): CUL 105  and CUL 140 .
    

2. Determine appropriate selection criteria for the Sonoran Desert planting zone and list appropriate vegetables for desert seasons.

3. Identify the proper location for a garden and compost site depending on plants and herbs chosen for planting.

4. Describe how to test soil quality and add nutrients to soil that will produce flavorsome and healthy plants.

5. Determine the most appropriate system for providing water to a garden.

6. Identify plants that will attract specific pollinators and why these are important.

7. Describe the pest control methods that are environmentally friendly and maintain plant nutrition.

8. Prepare various types of desert vegetables and herbs in a nutritious and healthy manner.

9. Research and describe campus and kitchen practices to determine if they are observing best practices for creating a sustainable environment and doing all they can to enhance recycling.

1. Plants in Desert Conditions
   1. Plants that grow and thrive in a desert environment
      1. Edible plants that grow in the Sonoran Desert
      2. Edible plants that grow in various seasons in the Sonoran Desert
   2. Choosing what and when to plant
2. Plant Basics
   1. Proper locations for planting edible herbs and plants
   2. Soil requirements
      1. Identification of soil content
      2. Preparing the proper planting medium
      3. Contribution of composting to healthy, nutritious plants
3. Water
   1. Hand watering v. irrigation
   2. Water harvesting from rain
4. Pest Control
   1. Identification of garden pests
   2. Controlling garden pests in an environmentally friendly way that maintains a healthy garden and nutritious plants
5. Natural Pollinators
   1. Plants that attract specific pollinators
   2. Importance of attracting pollinators to vegetable gardens
6. Nutrition
   1. Nutritional benefits of desert gardening practices
   2. Nutritional benefits of specific plants and herbs grown
   3. Preparation of harvested vegetables and herbs in a nutritious and healthy manner