New Ways of Looking at Food Production

Can you really grow herbs, greens, and vegetables without light or soil? Eighth-grade scientists recently discovered the answer is “yes” in a lesson on the basics of botany through the lens of hydroponics and growing food.

Using a Nutritower and other hydroponic systems in which plants grow in a soilless growing medium (like peat moss) and are saturated with a water-based nutrient solution, students discovered that hydroponic gardens not only save water and require less work but also that plants grow more quickly. They were also surprised to learn that nutritious and delicious microgreens don’t require light to grow and can be enjoyed within weeks of planting. The lesson, grounded at the intersection of nature and technology, illustrates the future application of growing food year-round, inside and out.