Fresh from the farm vegetables, brought to your plate from Dining Service's Sustainable Garden at Pullen Farm - part of Murray State's campus. The garden, while not large enough to provide all produce for the thousands of students to sit down at Dining's tables each day, is a working example of the circle of life.
Starting with all-natural compost from the fruit and vegetable trimmings from campus kitchens, the garden is planted and maintained without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This is achieved, at least in part, from a technique called companion planting. It is based around the idea that certain plants benefit others when planted next to or close to one another. Companion planting provides pest control naturally, without the need to use chemicals, and in some cases can yield a larger crop. Traditional recommendations for companion planting have been used by gardeners for a long time, but recent tests are scientifically proving they work and it's working for Dining Services.
Desiree Riley, student manager at the Sustainable Garden, oversees the garden's progress every step of the way, from compost turnings, to planting, to harvesting. Desiree is excited about the sustainable efforts being made on Murray State's campus and enjoys spreading the word about the produce the garden provides to campus dining venues. If you would like to get involved by volunteering at Dining Services' Sustainable Garden at Pullen Farm, contact Desiree at driley7@murraystate.edu.