On Wednesday, Ventura County’s very own SEEAG, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth about agriculture and food, visited Rio Mesa to introduce students to the world of hydroponics! 

     Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water to help them grow. This technique is sustainable and allows plants to grow faster and use less space and water. Hydroponics is an innovative solution for modern farming.

     During the SEEAG workshop, juniors and seniors got the chance to build their own NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) hydroponic system. Students helped connect the tubing, set up the water flow, and even watched as the water flowed through the system in real time. With guidance from SEEAG members, students mixed nutrient solutions, desoiled and prepared seeds, and transplanted them into their self-constructed hydroponic system. In doing so, students got a hands-on look at how hydroponic farming works.

    It was a fun and educational experience for all classes that got the chance to participate! To learn more about hydroponics and agricultural education, visit SEEAG’s website at www.seeag.org.