Inspiring individuals across Arizona are highlighted in KJZZ’s segment Voices of Arizona, showcasing those who contribute to making the state exceptional.
Tempe is embracing innovative agricultural methods by offering complimentary food education classes through its Food Forest initiative. A new class recently introduced the community to hydroponic farming, a method once limited to NASA.
“How many of you have been able to germinate a tomato by seed in the soil? Nobody, right? It’s very difficult to do, you usually go buy a plant,” said Kelly Hedberg during a session.
Hedberg leads the class on hydroponic farming, an indoor and soil-free cultivation technique ideal for growing crops like lettuce, strawberries, herbs, and tomatoes.
“So the roots are suspended in water and you’re feeding nutrients directly into the water either in a liquid form or a powder form, and then there’s a motor that sits at the bottom that is circulating and oxygenating the water,” Hedberg explained.
The hydroponic units are notably compact.
“When it’s 115 outside you can still be germinating things, in your kitchen, in your laundry room, in your bedroom. Wherever you want to put these, these units, there’s always a space for them,” Hedberg mentioned.
Helene Tack, representing the city, emphasized that this hydroponics class is part of a broader food education initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“People wanted to learn how to cook, they wanted to learn how to grow food, they wanted to learn how to harvest food,” Tack said.
Both Hedberg and Tack highlight that these hydroponic systems provide an accessible and cost-effective gardening option, particularly beneficial for Arizonans.
—
Read More Arizona News
