Vertical Gardens Prove Effective for Environmental Science Students

In spite of the chilly weather and grey skies, Environmental Science students have been growing herbs from seed packets in a science lab at Albritton Middle School under the guidance of Ms. Quiles. By utilizing a vertical framework made from wire crates, two-liter plastic bottles, and tubing, the classes were able to create a garden that is suitable for indoors and takes advantage of the natural light entering the large window in the lab. Vertical gardens take up much less space and they use less water than traditional gardens. In the lab setup, water drips from the top plant in a column down through the other plants to a reservoir tub at the bottom. Using tubing and water pumps, the system should be able to recycle the water back to the top for self watering. Ms. Quiles explained that she needs a larger pump, so they have been watering the herbs manually. The students have grown cilantro, thyme, chives, basil, parsley, scallions, and more. They have researched the plant cycle, the germination period for each type of seed, and the recommended soil depth. Students are having fun learning life skills and growing tasty garden herbs!