HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Hydroponic gardening systems located at seven schools across the county enabled students to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers throughout their school year.
The Howard County Food Council installed the Gardyn Hydroponic Systems and the produce raised was used by students during the previous school year for tasting and experimenting projects. The HCFC is a partnership between the Howard County Health Department and University of Maryland Extension-Howard County.
“Growing your own food is a great way to engage students and provide real-life examples of how agriculture impacts our everyday health,” said Maura Rossman, Howard County health officer. “A hands-on gardening experience will help develop these skills for a lifetime. The Howard County Food Council is fulfilling a valuable role in training the next generation on healthy cooking and nutrition principles.”
For the upcoming school year, the program will expand to establish hydroponic gardens at four high schools and incorporated into their Life Skills Programs.
“Hands-on learning opportunities that have real life application is often the type of learning that stays with a student for a lifetime,” said William J. Barnes, superintendent of the Howard County Public School System.
Hydroponics allows gardens to grow plants in water instead of dirt. Because the water contains the vitamins and nutrients the plants need, their roots can absorb them directly. This helps them grow faster, uses 90% less water and allows fresh food to grow indoors all year long.
According to Gardyn's website, the fully AI-automated 30-plant indoor hydroponic plant system designed for schools is easy to use and maintain. It fits in just 2 square feet of space and produces 10 pounds of healthy food a month. No sunlight or waterline required – it can grow anywhere, the company stated on its website.
“Hydroponics gives students the unique opportunity to learn by growing their own food,” said Nathan Glenn, who assists in overseeing the HCFC with UME-HC. “These systems turn classrooms into hands-on learning environments where students can explore science, technology and agriculture while developing a deeper understanding of our food system. It’s exciting to see students engage with concepts that come to life right in front of them.”
Teachers provided feedback from the first year of the project that said students were curious and excited about the project, and increased their exposure to produce they wouldn't have normally encountered.
Photo courtesy of the Howard County Food Council
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