It’s true, hydroponics can have positive effects on people’s moods. Hydroponics is how plants grow through a process called photosynthesis, in which they use sunlight and a chemical inside their leaves called chlorophyll to convert carbon dioxide(a gas in the air) and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.
There’s no mention of “soil” anywhere in there. But if they can get these things somewhere else, by standing with their roots in a nutrient-rich solution—they can do without soil.
What they do need is water and nutrients, both easily obtained from soil. Thanks to Sedro-Woolley Alumni and Schools Foundation, Jacklyn Bennett’s horticulture class is growing a variety of plants. Students even pieced together the stands themselves.
The students are in charge of making sure that the plants are all happy,” said Bennett.
The hydroponic stands, located in the office, library, and hallway, are growing six different types of produce: bibb lettuce, rainbow chard,dino kale, arugula, gourmet lettuce and basil. They are growing in small wool cubes, supplied with a nutrient-rich solution.
According to SWHS CTE secretary Meggan Demsey, kids from biology and plant science classes have come into the office and discussed amongst themselves about things that they have observed.
“I hear them talk about Ph levels in the water and how impactful that is, and whether or not the plants are growing,”said Dempsey.
Dempsey also explained that the grow lights come on at night on the stand in the office, and the water turns on and off about every 30 minutes.
“I like the lights on the one in the hallway, especially, it’s something special,” said Bennett
Dempsey also enjoys the presence of the plant stands.
“I love the sound of the water, it reminds me of nature, being outside and of waterfalls…the sound of the water is very nice.”
Most of the students that were surveyed answered “No” when asked if the light from the plant stands improved their mood though.
Even though many of them said no, a fair amount of them responded positively.