Seven foot tall towers line the far wall in the cafeteria at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School in Edzo.
The towers are actually hydroponic systems and are part of a new science experiment for students where they’ll get to grow their own food.
Hydroponic systems are a type of gardening without soil. All the nutrients are mixed into water, which drips onto the roots, feeding the plants. Despite this, hydroponics use less water than traditional agriculture and the systems are usually easier to set up.
CKLB spoke with students and teachers about the benefits of being able to grow plants year-round.
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- The plants start as seedlings before being moved to the towers.
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- Marigold. Yes, it’s supposed to have black spots.
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- Teachers say students like touching the plants for their different textures. For example, sunflowers have large, rough leaves.
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- The towers stand seven feet tall and can be wheeled in and out of classes.
