A new hydroponic garden at Independence Middle School not only provides students with a hands-on learning experience but produces fresh produce for the cafeteria.
When a company called Fork Farms called the school about adding the garden, it was a dream come true for Rio Vincz, gifted teacher at Independence Local Schools and advisor to the Junior Biology Society. Vincz had wanted a hydroponic garden since she began her career with the district seven years ago.
Service Manager Francine Kane approved the idea of adding the hydroponic garden, which is an indoor garden that doesn’t use soil for growing. Plants hold themselves up in material and water runs over the roots of vegetables, making them grow.
The plants, according to Vincz, can grow vertically rather than horizontally, taking up less space than an outdoor field. “The garden ensures efficient delivery of nutrients to the root of the vegetable,” she said.
Some of the greens grown include lettuce, spinach and herbs, which are all used by the school cafeteria. The garden requires consistent attention, making it an ideal project for the Junior Biology Society, a group of students interested in science and the world around them.
Students harvest the vegetables, clean the garden weekly, and keep nutrients levels correct, sometimes even taking Ph tests during recess time. Vincz said the society members now have infrastructure for the winter months when outdoor activities are limited for the junior biologists. Vincz said the garden is teaching more than just growing food, but teaching sustainable practices and environmentalism.
“This skyrockets the district into the future as far as STEM,” she said.
Vincz added that students are learning innovative ways of doing things, noting that Independence is only one of two school districts that she knows of with a hydroponic garden. “It teaches students autonomy and responsibility,” said Vincz.
Contact Vincz with questions at rvincz@independence.k12.oh.us.