Collective vegetable gardens are springing up on campuses...
Studying and/or working at a time of ecological transition involves, in particular, setting up collective initiatives as close as possible to one's daily environment. In small groups, members of the ULiège community regularly put on their gardening gloves for a lunch break or an afterwork. The aim: to grow seasonal fruit and vegetables and, above all, to share them.
The Pot'Ingé
Campus du Sart Tilman - Quartier Polytech
Inaugurated on September 30, 2019, the Pot'Ingé project is the initiative of a small group of doctoral students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The team is composed of 8 organisers and 25 active members who regularly come to maintain the fenced plot of land located a stone's throw from the B52.
In addition to four bins and the compost corner, a greenhouse and an area dedicated to native herbs and honey plants have recently been installed on the plot. Eventually, an insect hotel, nesting boxes and a beehive could be added to the complex to promote biodiversity.
Various workshops, events and conferences are also organised throughout the year to meet an information and awareness objective. Initiation to permaculture, nutrition workshop, nesting box making, zero waste tips... The collective is not short of ideas to continue to maintain and promote this little corner of nature conducive to escape.
Would you like to join the Pot'Ingé or provide material help? Don't hesitate to contact them!
The vegetable garden of the B11
Sart Tilman Campus - Quartier Village
In mid-June 2019, 15 researchers, professors and secretaries from the geography department (about a third of the staff from this building) met to launch this collective vegetable garden project.
At the initiative of Stefan and Charles, hobby gardeners (one of whom has achieved near autonomy in vegetables), this project is self-managed and has developed thanks to the participation of all the members (initial pot for the financing of the boar barrier, potting soil and a water tank).
The cultivation plan was developed on 8 squares in a relatively haphazard and trial-and-error manner in order to test what works and to refine the project.
Beyond the production of vegetables, the philosophy behind this project is also social. Gardening is a way of meeting and exchanging outside the conventional University framework. In the future, this project could be open for students to visit.
Would you like to know more about this initiative? Contact Jessica COLLARD.
FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT
Uni-Vert
Sart Tilman Campus - Agora District
The Uni-Vert space located allée du 6 Août is managed by two botanists, graduated from ULiège (Florian Zanatta and Colette Duez). This space, initially a collective vegetable garden, was abandoned for more than a year. It is gradually being converted into a biodiversity and educational garden. Several laminated sheets provide information on aromatic plants, green manures, honey plants, the usefulness of composting...
Small hazelnut trees at the edge of the grounds, in a row of hawthorn and spindle, have been planted, as well as a wild wicker hedge at the back of the garden.
In order to attract insects in the summer, native perennials and honey plants are gradually being planted.
A very large insect hotel has been built and placed on the edge of the wood. Another, smaller one is placed in a tree. A raspberry bed is also present as well as a bed of various redcurrant bushes.
Benches made from recycled materials invite you to have a picnic or a short break and the paths clearly visible from the road invite you to visit this garden.
Contact: Colette DUEZ - 0489/10 94 89
A vegetable garden at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Campus du Sart Tilman - Quartier Vallée (B39)
The initiative was launched in 2016 by students of the Vetosud club, which aims to raise awareness among future veterinarians of the challenges of livestock development around the world.
The B39's collective vegetable garden is mainly managed by student volunteers: production of tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins, onions, carrots, salads... Various aromatic plants have also been planted, as well as a beautiful raspberry bush. Activities are also carried out by the Experimental and Educational Farm, which welcomes children and adults with disabilities.
PotAg Gembloux
Gembloux Campus - Clos Sigebert
Since 2013, the Gembloux Cinsî Committee has invested in Clos Sigebert to grow seasonal fruit and vegetables.
The vegetable garden project is open to all, whether or not they are members of the committee. Distribution is usually based on the principle of self-service and trust, with pickers being free to deposit the amount they wish. Surpluses are distributed, cut, frozen, blanched or prepared.
In addition to the active members, "rabbits" regularly come to help maintain the plot. This is the nickname given to the first year students of the Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. The "rabbits" are invited to do 15 hours of volunteer work at the AGM (rabbit hours) in order to familiarize themselves with the campus during fun activities and then become official members of the AGM to enjoy many benefits.
The PotAg team is committed to not using pesticides, uses mineral fertilizers and promotes organic farming varieties.
You wish to join the initative or to inform you about the available products? Contact the PotAg Gembloux team!
FACEBOOK PAGE OF THE POTAG GEMBLOUX
You wish to present or participate in a project?
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