Sow it Forward

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] (https://www.changex.org/ie/sow-it-forward/start/step/1/44bb344885879a4ba0f0)