Hydroponics For Kids

Hydroponics is the act of growing and supporting plant growth and nutrition solely through water instead of soil. Hydroponics is very helpful to farmers because it allows them to grow larger quantities of plants in smaller areas. It also allows people in areas with poor soil the ability to still grow plants, simply by creating a controlled hydroponics growing tank.

Children usually can get really excited and interested in the life cycle of a seed when the general information is presented to them. Hydroponics is probably the easiest, most hands-on strategy you can share with them. The children can be in charge of all or nearly all of the duties necessary to support the hydroponics tank, which will get them invested in this project, and in turn, will help them learn more effectively.

First, you must gather the appropriate supplies for creating your hydroponics tank. You will need: a gallon sized container with dark sides to prevent light from damaging the roots, several empty egg cartons, liquid hydroponic nutrient, bleach, several bush bean seed packets, small containers with lids to sprout the seedlings, and coffee filters. Later, as the plants begin to grow, you will need to purchase string and straws for support.

To sprout the seedlings, place 5-10 seeds inside a coffee filter and place them inside the smaller containers. Fill the container with water, allow the seeds to soak for 10 minutes, then drain and replace the lid tightly. Soak the seeds like this every day until roots and stems begin to grow long enough to place into the hydroponics tank. This will take 7-10 days. If you notice mold beginning to form, add 1 tsp of bleach to 1 gallon of water, and rinse the seeds with that mixture until the mold dissipates.

Prepare the hydroponics tank by filling the large gallon tank with water a few days prior to transferring the seedlings so the water has time to shift to room temperature. Mix the appropriate amount of nutrient solution in with the water. Cut small holes in the bottoms of the egg cartons where each egg would have been. When the seedlings have 2-3 inch roots, place their roots gently inside the holes of the egg carton. Place the egg cartons into the nutrient water tank, root side down.

Place the tank in a brightly lit area. Have the children measure the seedling growth every day and keep a chart of their growth. As the seedlings sprout higher, attach straws to the sides of the tank with tape, and gently attach the stem of the plant to the straw with string. This will help support the stems so they do not break. In 4-6 weeks’ time, beans will begin to sprout. When the beans reach 5-6 inches in length and a deep green color, they may be picked and eaten.