Luther Gardens increase production 75 percent in 2011

Photo by decorahnews.com

Luther Gardens produced 75 percent more produce in 2011 than during the previous growing season, reports the Luther environmental studies program.  The four garden operations in the Luther Gardens project provided a significant increase in the locally grown foods prepared and served by Luther Dining Services.

The gardens produced nearly 200 pounds of basil, over 300 pounds of mixed greens and head lettuce, 350 pounds of peppers, over 325 pounds of cherry tomatoes and 160 pounds of purple, red, orange and yellow carrots.

Luther dining services general manager Wayne Tudor suggested that one of the edible landscapes be planted as a salsa garden in 2011so that its produce could be the featured foods at a student event on campus. The salsa garden grew tomatillos, tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet peppers, onions, cilantro and flowers that were served at a salsa bar in Marty's Cybercafé in Dahl Centennial Union during a salsa concert and dance.
The second edible landscape, located between Ylvisaker Hall and Dieseth Hall on the north side of campus, was developed as a Diversity Garden.  It produced 35 varieties of Asian vegetables, including several types of gourds, radishes, cucumbers and melons. Many of the vegetable varieties may never been grown in northeast Iowa before.