Truck Farm producer Curt Ellis presents the prize worm composter to the Prospect Charter School in Brooklyn, NY.
Truck Farm Creator Ian Cheney
Last week, filmmaker and urban gardener Ian Cheney told us about the farm he plants in a pickup truck (soon to be a documentary made with his KING CORN producer Curt Ellis). Today, Ian and Curt are announcing the winners of their Wicked Delicate Garden Contest, their challenge to school-age kids around the country to see who can grow a garden in the funniest place.
The entries were scored on creativity and resourcefulness by the holy trinity of the farm/food movement: Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, and Marion Nestle. The winners will receive a Cascade 3 Tray Worm Factory courtesy of Green Depot. Niice.
So let's check out where and how they gardened!
Elementary School Winner: "Lunchbox Green Beans" by Glover School (Milton, Mass.)
Middle School Winner: "Gardenator Disco Ball" by Prospect Charter School (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
High School/College Winner: "Bike Veggie Garden" by Brown University (Providence, R.I.)
As Ian said last week, "Sure, crops planted in toilets or Dad's sneaker won't solve our biggest food problems, but it was exciting to see young people equate farming with fun." And as wacky as they might seem, these ideas are also pure practicality if you live in a city but crave a little green space in your life, or even in a cold climate where it's hard to garden year-round. I've already been brainstorming how my collander and collection of old wood boxes can keep me in fresh herbs and maybe even lettuce (like this awesomeness over on You Grow Girl) come winter... now I think I need to think even more outside the box and consider what else I can re-purpose into growing space!
