Hydroponics Program for Students in Grades 9-12, Cost Is Free

While garden tools have been put away for the year and green thumbs are tending to indoor houseplants, Jefferson Community College (JCC) is gearing up to offer a hydroponics program to Jefferson County and Lewis County students in grades 9-12. JCC’s Hydroponics, Nutrition & Advocacy (HNA) youth program will be held Saturdays, January 15, 2022 through February 26, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Education Center, Lowville. The cost is attend this 6-week workshop is free!

HNA is a hands-on program that teaches students how to grow plants using hydroponics - without soil. Traditionally, plant roots seek out nutrition from the soil. Using the Kratky hydroponics method, plants grow vertically, suspended above a reservoir of nutrient-rich water that serves as the roots’ food source. Leafy green food such as spinach, herbs and lettuce are known to grow well, and fast, using the Kratky hydroponics method. Topics of JCC’s HNA program include controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, growing conditions, nutrition and health, and advocacy for access to quality food. Taught by instructor Julian Mangano, a market gardener and local food systems advocate, HNA includes lecture and experiential learning.  

Students must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination or documentation of exemption. Deadline to register is January 7, 2022. 

For more information and how to register, check here, or call the JCC Workforce Development Office at 315-786-2233.

The Hydroponics, Nutrition & Advocacy Youth Program is made possible by the Northern Border Regional Commission through a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant.