Last week, during National Farm to School Month, the new Hydroponics class at Concord High School proudly showcased the fruits (and veggies!) of their labor, marking their first harvest of the year. With an innovative approach to agriculture, these students are not just learning about plants; they're actively participating in sustainable farming practices.
Hydroponics at Concord High School began last year, inspired by three students from the Plant Science class. Thanks to a generous grant, the school acquired four Flex Farms from Fork Farms. Each indoor mobile hydroponic farm can produce 394 pounds of fresh produce annually.
Under the guidance of teacher, Mrs. Colangelo, students dove into the world of hydroponics through a series of training videos. They learned how to set up the Flex Farms, monitor water levels, and troubleshoot issues. The hands-on experience began with planting lettuce and dill seeds into the Flex Farms and growing the fresh foods in a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil.
Harvest Day: A Team Effort
On harvest day, the excitement was palpable as students took turns harvesting and preparing the produce. After cutting up the fresh lettuce and dill, the students creatively whipped up a dill ranch dressing to serve alongside their bounty during lunch. The hydroponics program not only engages students but also teaches them about food security and global citizenship.
Senior Alex Searles, one of the students involved, highlighted the advantages of hydroponics: “You get more crop yields because it’s easier to monitor the plants. It also takes up less space and reduces carbon emissions; we don’t need to use pesticides.” He views hydroponics as the future of farming, allowing for significant crop production in smaller spaces.
Looking Ahead
As the Hydroponics class at Concord High School continues to thrive, we are incredibly proud of their commitment to sustainability and innovation. The students’ hard work not only benefits their classmates but also sets a strong example of how education can lead to meaningful change in the community. Here’s to many more successful harvests in the future!
To find out how a Flex Farm can be part of your school’s science classes and in your cafeteria, please reach out to Fork Farms.
