We won this from an education foundation grant. I'm super excited to get it going. The students want strawberries. Do you have any tips to get things right? We have everything but the plants.
Congratulations! Might I also suggest quick growing plants like microgreens and leafy greens so they can get faster benefits during the school year. Strawberries take a couple of seasons to properly set in. Also, dwarf varieties of plants like gem romaine, dwarf tomatoes, and dwarf kale can maximize your plant variety in small indoor spaces. Good luck and have fun!
Thank you Nicole Perez I will try the greens. I don't want them to be disappointed in their first experience.
if not already captured as lesson plans, you will really need to have the kids study nutrients and how plants grow differently in water, while still meeting their needs for nutrition, oxygen, and light. Regardless of what Hydroponic method you use to grow, they plants will require the above in tailored amounts over tailored period of time. It’s science, but it isn’t rocket science, it’s still a little flexible. ???? If not already done so, pls check out the posted links and announcements section for some good tools and resources.
And please keep us posted! Hopefully more members will pile on to your post with other ideas and insight. I’ll be following
Yup Nicole's "try greens first" is spot on. That is what I start all my classes with - growing greens. I would say the sucess rate is at least 95% for most people. Kales are super awesome in hydro.
No, start from seed is always preferred in hydroponics. It’s the best way to ensure a clean environment for the hydroponic system that doesn’t introduce any pests or diseases from some random nursery. Starting from a rooted seedling is easier, and is possible of course as a personal preference, but not preferred by Hydroponic professionals or Master gardeners. As this is intended to be an educational experience for the classroom, it is not recommended to skip the important step of learning about germination and the role of cotyledons. Happy Hydroponicing