The Grow Box Experiment

Rates of type-2 diabetes and some types of cancer are increasing on the Navajo Nation.   Doctors are advising people to start eating more nutritious foods and exercising regularly.  Gardening is a way to aid Navajo people toward better health.  Grow boxes or raised garden beds are used where poor soils exist or on patios.  They are seen around many parts of the Navajo Nation, often donated by charities.  Grow Box designs have a wide price range.    Many Navajo people live on a fixed income, so price should be considered when picking out a grow box design. This project tested the design differences of four grow boxes of the same dimension (16 ft²) but differing price: 1) CelluGro box (approximately $400), 2) the Espanola Mini (approx. $80), 3) a basic square shape design ($20), and a basic hole dug into the ground ($0).  Test soils were prepared with 2:1 composted sheep manure to native soil mix.  Tomato and peppers were planted. Each design was replicated three times for a total of 12 grow boxes.  We evaluated crop establishment, mortality, and yield.  Using a Model 1450 Watch Dog Micro Station, soil moisture, temperature, and relative humidity were also monitored.  Preliminary evidence indicated the lower cost designs outgrew the expensive designs. To our knowledge, others have not investigated this which adds significance to the experiment.  The Grow Box Experiment will aid Navajo people in beginning to eat healthy diets and move in the direction of good health.  Supported by PHS grant# R25 GM048998-13.