This month, Symmes Elementary students welcomed the Tower Garden into their school. It may not look like your traditional garden… because it ISN’T a traditional garden! Developed by Tim Blank, a former Chief Horticulterist with Disney’s “The Land” exhibit at Epcot, the Tower Garden is an aeroponic (meaning “air” and “water”) system. You won’t find any weeds in the Tower Garden because there isn’t any dirt. And those bright lights you see surrounding the Tower Garden are special bulbs that act like the sun’s rays, providing nourishment to the plants that will grow inside the school all winter long. Right now, Mrs. Paterson and the Wellness Committee are working with students to grow tomatoes, lettuce, kale, chive, cilantro, green and red peppers, and basil.
Students will get the chance to grow (and taste) plants like lettuce, kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, celery, and herbs. In addition, students will learn about plants, their growth cycles, their root systems, and so much more! The critters in Mrs. Paterson’s room are already enjoying some fresh kale in their diets. While we all get used to how to best grow our plants on the Tower Garden, let’s all remember to use gentle hands as we check out what’s growing.
The Tower Garden is located right outside the 3rd grade hallway, so stop by to see it the next time you visit Symmes Elementary.
Thanks to the Symmes PTO for their generous support of the Tower Garden at Symmes!
