Students in Dana Professor of Biology Dr. John Inman’s “How Does Your Garden Grow?” freshman class recently planted the first crops in PC’s new organic garden. Inman and organic gardening specialist Daniel Parson guided the students.

After preparing the soil for planting, students spaced and planted seeds and seedling plants for carrots, beets, cabbage, collards, kale, arugula, and broccoli. They also installed a drip irrigation system.

The crop will be harvested in late October and then served in Greenville Dining Hall.

“I learned a lot about seeding and how you prepare the garden or soil before you can actually plant,” said Karlee Dubard from Rock Hill, SC. “Also, I learned how to efficiently put the plants in the ground so they will grow successfully.”

The planting introduced the freshmen to PC’s focus on sustainability and was the first time any of the students had worked in an organic garden.

According to Parson, the purpose of the garden is “to bring the principles of organic growing to a generation of students who are increasingly disconnected from where and how their food is grown.”