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Sow it Forward

Machan Healthy Tower

Phoenix, AZ, USA

The Idea

Classrooms across Arizona have been using vertical, aeroponic gardens to grow food. This project allows your school to explore food growing in the classroom, educating kids on where food comes from and learning about the nutritional and environmental impacts of different food types. The gardens come equipped with lights for optional indoor growing, a dolly so that it can be transported easily, and a cage to support plant growth. Water is housed in the base of the garden and is distributed to the plants through a pump mechanism that runs water to the top of the garden. When the water trickles down from the top of the garden it nourishes roots with mineral inputs. Applying water directly to the roots helps to conserve water and support accelerated plant growth.

The versatility of the garden is what makes it ideal for a classroom setting. The garden can grow indoors or outdoors, it can be moved from place to place, and can grow most fruits, vegetables, and herbs, excluding root crops. All plants grow in a net pot that can be easily removed from the garden frame for educational purposes, or to replace it with a new plant. All the garden requires is water and nutrient inputs every 2-4 weeks, depending on what is being grown and where.

You'll get a step-by-step guide on how to start a food growing project in your school, support from an experienced team at the Arizona Sustainability Alliance and funding to purchase your vertical school garden, seeds and equipment you need to maintain your garden on an ongoing basis. Get Started

The Idea

Classrooms across Arizona have been using vertical, aeroponic gardens to grow food. This project allows your school to explore food growing in the classroom, educating kids on where food comes from and learning about the nutritional and environmental impacts of different food types. The gardens come equipped with lights for optional indoor growing, a dolly so that it can be transported easily, and a cage to support plant growth. Water is housed in the base of the garden and is distributed to the plants through a pump mechanism that runs water to the top of the garden. When the water trickles down from the top of the garden it nourishes roots with mineral inputs. Applying water directly to the roots helps to conserve water and support accelerated plant growth.

The versatility of the garden is what makes it ideal for a classroom setting. The garden can grow indoors or outdoors, it can be moved from place to place, and can grow most fruits, vegetables, and herbs, excluding root crops. All plants grow in a net pot that can be easily removed from the garden frame for educational purposes, or to replace it with a new plant. All the garden requires is water and nutrient inputs every 2-4 weeks, depending on what is being grown and where.

You'll get a step-by-step guide on how to start a food growing project in your school, support from an experienced team at the Arizona Sustainability Alliance and funding to purchase your vertical school garden, seeds and equipment you need to maintain your garden on an ongoing basis. Get Started

Barbara halden
Barbara halden
over 4 years ago

Our 3rd grade students planted the tower with kale, lettuce, chard and a variety of herbs. 2 weeks ago we started measuring the length of our plants in the tower and compared them to the length of the same plants planted in our garden beds outside. We discussed why scientist came up with the system of a hydroponic tower. Next we will taste our lettuce to find out if there is a difference between conventional growing and hydroponic systems.

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Barbara halden
Barbara halden
over 4 years ago

Our 3rd grade students helped assembling the Tower a few weeks ago and are now measuring the new plants and comparing them to their plants outside in the garden beds.

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Tearsa Saffell joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group almost 5 years ago
Holena Lebron joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group almost 5 years ago
Barbara halden
Barbara halden
almost 5 years ago

The 'Machan Healthy Tower Team" met today and decided on the following plan:
When school starts in August, we will choose one class to set up the tower. It will be placed in the cafeteria (if approved by the nutrition department) or the library. This way the whole school will be able to see and follow the growth of the plants in the tower. We will be planting herbs in the tower as well as in the Machan Garden. Students grades 2-6 will be observing the growth of the plants in the tower as well as in the garden and compare the plants in the hydroponic system to the plants grown in soil for overall growth (size, color) as well as taste. Some grade levels will be in charge of maintaining the healthy tower during their garden class time. We will be using the library for research on origin of herbs and different uses. Nutrition education for students will take place during garden classes with the help of the district nutrition department and the Maricopa County Health Department (Member of the team). Parent nutrition education will be a part of a new committee starting this school year.

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Allison Parisi joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group almost 5 years ago
Diana Nevarez joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group almost 5 years ago
Soledad Canales joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group almost 5 years ago
Barbara halden joined Machan Healthy Tower a Sow it Forward group about 5 years ago

About Machan Healthy Tower

Where?
Phoenix, AZ, USA

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events

Who's Involved

Barbara halden
Barbara halden
Contact Person

Team & Members (6)

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