HOELLE LAB

So I did a little research and came across some interesting resources that I think will help anybody who is interested in gardening locally. 

​

First off, Island Seed and Feed is our local organic garden-supply and pet-supply shop. They are located in Goleta and are very established, having served the community with knowledge and organic products since the late 80’s. 

​

At the local Farmer’s Market, farmers sell their homegrown products at these gatherings and most fruits come equipped with a seed. Most farmers are not selling seeds outright. Sometimes specialized seeds or heritage seeds are sold by collectors. The Santa Barbara Farmers Market sets up shop in Goleta on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. 

​

Stores like our local Dollar Tree can provide more affordable options for students, though these options may be less sustainable. It is important to consider any store bought seeds have been delivered to stores and are less sustainable than seeds cultivated locally. This consideration can apply to more specialized stores as well, but I think it is especially important to consider when buying supplies from larger chain stores. These seeds may be lower quality than those found at specialty shops as well, or may be mass produced. 

​

Manure is an important resource and is available to students who garden at the GHGP. Manure is useful because it contains lots of nutrients like nitrogen which enrich the soil and encourage growth once absorbed. According to GardeningKnowHow, only certain types of manures are appropriate for garden fertilization, mainly cow, horse, chicken, sheep and rabbit.

 

There is also some very nutritious soil available to students who garden at the GHGP, which is hand mixed by the expert botanists at CCBER on site. It is important to ask them initially before just taking the soil though, as there are two piles and the other pile contains their best soil they use in some of their local restoration efforts.