著者

藤田 智

出版者

恵泉女学園大学

雑誌

研究紀要 (ISSN:09178333)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.31, pp.35-43, 2000-03

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In recent yaears, the importance of environmental education has grown; and ways to embody this have become an issue. In the present investigation, we examined vegetable growing as a potential material for environmental education, especially by utilization of low-input sustainable horticulture (LISH) and vegetable gardening, as a means to teach cultivation at our institution. Since 1984,as the result of putting in practice LISH at Keisen women's College farm for 15 years, it was found that 16 different vegetable varieties could be grown organically. The varieties found virtually impossible to grow organically were cucumbers and other kinds of fruit/vegetables, Cruciferae and the like. However, damage could be reduced through net cultivation (Brassica campestris), cold-period tunnel cultivation (Japanese radish : daikon); sprinkling culture (egg plant) and so on. From the results of investigation of vegetable characteristics for flowerbed materials, the classification of new types of vegetables was attempted in terms of grass length, leaf color, leaf shape, flower color, fruit seed and climbing characteristics. Moreover, from this one-year trial of vegetable garden design and testing, the garden could be kept beautiful-looking even in the cold season when flowering plants appear less than attractive. At the same time, it was shown to be a suitable hands-on learning experience in terms of the environment and food. In light of the foregoing results, LISH and the vegetable garden were considered to be sufficient for use as environmental education materials at our institution.