If plants could talk, they might say, “who needs dirt anyway?” Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without the use of soil. Instead plants get everything they need from water that is filled with the proper nutrients. To keep the plants stable, materials like clay pellets or rockwool are used to hold the roots in place. This method often uses less water than traditional farming, because the water can be recycled. Hydroponics is especially useful in urban settings where space is limited and people still need fresh foods. 

While hydroponics may sound like a new idea, it already is making an impact at Fenwick High School. Environmental science teacher Ms. Timmons has helped lead the school’s environmental club and hydroponic garden. 

She explains that one of the biggest reasons hydroponics is growing in popularity is because of “food security” and limited space in urban settings. Hydroponic systems like the ones at Fenwick show how effective it can be.

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These are seeds of a variety of greens getting ready to sprout. These seeds are settled in rockwool that helps the seeds with germinating. The seeds do not need direct sunlight because they have not yet obtained their leaves.

“Our two individual hydroponics pods create about 25 pounds of greens each and generate food for students and faculty,” Timmons said.

This allows schools and other places to grow fresh food even in areas where regular gardening isn’t possible. Hydroponics is also sustainable long term, because the system recycles water and reduces waste. 

“Hydroponics uses a sustainable, conservative way of gardening. For example, hydroponics recycles water efficiently,” Timmons said.

Beyond environmental benefits, hydroponics also has a strong impact on students. Studies from the IREM Foundation show that students involved in hydroponics gain more nutrition knowledge and develop healthier perspectives on food. Timmons experienced this first hand when students began gardening in January 2025 and saw the greens they grew being used in school lunches saying, “they had a sense of pride in their accomplishments involving their work with hydroponics.”

Hydroponics at Fenwick shows how a simple idea can grow into something impactful for both students and the environment. By using hydroponics we are advancing new technological ideas that will shape a better Fenwick and shape a better world.