Students at Meherrin Elementary School in Southampton County and Powhatan Middle School in Powhatan County will get to cultivate leafy greens in their classrooms with new hydroponics systems presented by Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.
Each school received one HYVE LF-ONE hydroponic system from Virginia AITC as part of a statewide giveaway to mark the organization’s 30th anniversary. AITC presented the systems to the schools on Nov. 9 and Nov. 11; they are two of four schools in Virginia that won the hydroponics donations. More than 700 schools were entered into the drawing.
“We celebrate the opportunity to provide schools, teachers, and students with resources to enhance learning about agriculture and encourage students’ curiosity in farming and the sources of their food,” said Tammy Maxey, Virginia AITC executive director.
The LF-ONE hydroponic systems, each valued at $750, also included curriculum and lesson plans for teachers, bringing the total value to each school to approximately $1,000.
The systems will allow students to learn how to cultivate crops using an alternative to traditional farming techniques. Hydroponics is a popular method of growing produce without soil or natural light—instead, using water, a nutrient solution, and LED grow lights. Ideal for small spaces, hydroponic systems can be used year-round and are an easy, efficient way to grow produce without the upkeep required by a traditional garden.
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