Growing Upwards: Grade 5 Explores Hydroponic Vertical Gardening

Written by Kerry Craig, Outdoor Learning Teacher

Last year, thanks to support from the ISP Fund for Outdoor Learning, we introduced three indoor hydroponic vertical gardening systems.

Our aim was to grow edible plants during the winter months, extending our gardening programme beyond its usual March–October season. This new resource also sparked questions such as “Can plants grow without soil?” and “How is vertical gardening sustainable?”.

I had anticipated that this resource would be fully utilised in the 2025/2026 school year. However, when a Grade 5 student chose hydroponics for her PYP Exhibition project, we seized the chance to explore one of the vertical gardens, specifically, the model with LED lights.

Since the project was new to both of us, we began with extensive research. This included internet sources and consulting with those already experienced in vertical hydroponic gardening. One particularly valuable resource was former ISP teacher Tony Erni; a Zoom meeting with him allowed us to ask questions and learn from his successful projects. This conversation truly inspired us to get started.

In retrospect, an earlier start would have been ideal, as the research phase took longer than expected. Still, research is a core part of the PYPx process, and it was essential for our action project: growing vegetables.

For our first round, we chose to grow rukola, spinach, and radishes. Research showed that seeds should be started before transferring to the vertical garden, so we sowed them on paper towels and placed them in the greenhouse (also purchased with Annual Fund donations) to speed germination.

Meanwhile, the Grade 5 elective group got hands-on with assembling the hydroponic system. They worked through the instructions, problem-solved, and successfully set it up. We also assembled another type of hydroponic garden, but for our first attempt, we focused on the LED-lit system.

Once the seeds germinated, we transferred them to rockwool, which our research indicated was more efficient than the sponges that came with the system. After about a week in the rockwool, the seedlings were moved into the hydroponic garden.

Due to time constraints, we did not see the project through to producing fully edible plants. Nevertheless, we were able to observe growth and thriving plants with only water and nutrients. The Grade 5 students showcased their research, effort, and action at the PYPx in June.

This was an exciting and informative project. The Grade 5 elective students were fully engaged, eager to observe the plants, and curious about seed germination and the conditions needed for growth.

Kerry Craig, Outdoor Learning Teacher

We look forward to continuing the project with both the ES Gardening Club ASA and some Upper Elementary classes. Hydroponic vertical gardening is an excellent way to grow edible plants in winter while prompting questions about sustainability, resource use (including electricity), and the potential global impact of such methods.

Thank you to donors who contributed to the ISP Fund. Your generosity enabled a meaningful and hands-on learning experience within the Elementary School Outdoor Learning Programme.