Greenhouse grades, where students grow and learn with an agricultural program expansion! Many of you have probably heard of The Villages, the premier retirement community in Central Florida where there’s never a dull moment as retirees zip around gorgeous grounds in customized golf carts. Cars are so yesterday in this community, but not gardening. Not only does this city boast fabulous farmer’s markets, it is focused on educating the next generation in the ways of the land.
Meet The Villages Charter High School, a beautiful facility dedicated to nurturing productive citizens. For a gardener, productive equals the ability to grow your own food. And these students are making great headway, beginning with their hydroponic systems.
Such a pretty sight, perfect for their classroom patio. Hydroponic systems require weekly checks for pH for optimal growth. Led by Ag instructor, Scott Woythaler, these students must consider some additional support structures, as those sprawling cucumber vines midsection will need somewhere to grow, else they overcrowd the tomatoes below. What a great problem to have!
Expounding upon this success, next year should include lessons in the greenhouse. Currently under construction on the other side of this wall, students will have the opportunity to grow in a controlled environment, including a tilapia tank.
Tilapia? Yep. It’s all about aquaponic growing systems. I think of it as a “sister” method to hydroponics, since both utilize water-based growing systems with slightly different growing mediums. Hydroponics requires a root anchor such as rock wool, or coconut husk, basically something for roots to entwine themselves through before stretching out into the water beneath them. This aquaponic system uses a grow rock with is lightweight clay aggregate.
With fish, nature takes its course and their “waste” feeds the plants. Icky, but productive! Learn more about the difference between hydroponics and aquaponics. I don’t know about you, but I think every school should have a greenhouse for grades! Or at least a garden. 🙂
A big thank you to Scott and his students for allowing me the pleasure of a visit.
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