My site for Food Service and Wellness was unique in that I had the opportunity to work in two public school districts. While I spent most of my time in Windsor Locks, I was also able to work in the small town of Granby, CT. One unique experience I had in Granby was going to the district’s Wellness Committee meeting.
The main topic on the agenda was hydroponic gardening. The committee had been working on a grant application for funds to be used towards the development of a hydroponic garden at an elementary school.
The basis of hydroponic growing is to grow pants in a soil-less medium, using pH controlled nutrient-rich water to feed the plants. There are a variety of hydroponic systems; some involving pumps and aeration to maintain flow of water, while others passively draw water from a tank into the growing medium.
There are many benefits to hydroponic gardening including the use of controlled systems for optimal growth, herbicide free crops, water conservation through recirculation systems, very little space is needed, plants grow faster and larger, and some systems require little to no maintenance.
The Wellness Committee was looking to build a large hydroponic garden with a pump system. They were hoping to incorporate the maintenance of the garden into science classes. They had great ideas about how to get students, staff and community members involved in this project. It was so interesting to learn about this concept and I hope to even give it a try on my own!
The main topic on the agenda was hydroponic gardening. The committee had been working on a grant application for funds to be used towards the development of a hydroponic garden at an elementary school.
The basis of hydroponic growing is to grow pants in a soil-less medium, using pH controlled nutrient-rich water to feed the plants. There are a variety of hydroponic systems; some involving pumps and aeration to maintain flow of water, while others passively draw water from a tank into the growing medium.
There are many benefits to hydroponic gardening including the use of controlled systems for optimal growth, herbicide free crops, water conservation through recirculation systems, very little space is needed, plants grow faster and larger, and some systems require little to no maintenance.
The Wellness Committee was looking to build a large hydroponic garden with a pump system. They were hoping to incorporate the maintenance of the garden into science classes. They had great ideas about how to get students, staff and community members involved in this project. It was so interesting to learn about this concept and I hope to even give it a try on my own!
