The enclosure has now yielded many plantings of crops. One of the regular events is the planting of different varieties of wheat and broad beans. Students study the dwarf and normal varieties of wheat and the differences between these and broad beans to learn about plant types and structures, and their strategies for survival. While the wheat and broad beans are growing students are able to measure their growth rates relative to temperature and rainfall, and chart their progress. These have found ready use in the School Canteen and at special events at the school.
Sunflowers are a particularly popular crop to grow, including some of the giant varieties.
Back to the Index 'Clever clover' One particularly interesting project has been the use of the 'clever clover' system for growing vegetables while improving soil condition, minimising input and maximising output. The mulch suppresses weeds, reduces evaporation from the soil and keeps it cool. As it breaks down it returns organic matter to the soil to feed worms and improve soil structure. In addition, clover and lucerne are both legumes which fix nitrogen in their roots and make it available to the soil when they break down. The soil never needs ploughing or tilling which break down soil structure, lose organic matter and discourage worms.