Seventh graders at Southern Local Jr. High are learning about hydroponics by growing butterhead lettuce in a recently acquired system. Pictured are students, from left, Nathan Hawkins, Bryton Beadle, April Beadnell, Katie Kellogg, Addysin Andrenok and Elaina Forbes looking on at the new sprouts. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Southern Local Jr. High School students are growing more knowledgeable about soilless planting through a new hydroponics project.

Seventh-graders in Amanda Wrobleski’s science class are cultivating butterhead lettuce in a newly acquired system in the classroom. Wrobleski funded the project with a $660 Best Practice Grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center as well as some assistance from the school district. She said she chose the project because it can be completed year-round in a soilless system, unlike traditional planting which usually occurs outdoors. Her own personal interest in gardening sprouted the idea and she jumped at the opportunity when it became available this fall.

“I wondered how to extend the growing season and decided on hydroponics,” she explained.

The equipment, which was provided by Crop King of Lodi, Ohio, arrived during the holiday break and efforts began in January to grow the seeds.

The seeds were planted in rockwool cubes made from heated basalt rock and placed in the hydroponics system, which then feeds distilled water and liquid nutrients including hydroponic fertilizer and calcium nitrate. Students separated the rockwool and began growing the plants in rows. A total of 36 butterhead lettuce plants have taken root and the pupils are keeping close tabs on the germination process. Wrobleski continued that it was a new and exciting way to learn.

“We plan on harvesting the lettuce and enjoying it with a celebration of the harvest in about two months,” she added. “Each student planted a seed and we’re really excited.”

Her 42 students are also responsible for testing the pH level of the water and adjusting it accordingly so the plants flourish, plus they must replace and clean the 30-gallon reservoir at the base of the tank every two to three weeks.

“Every day they see a little more progress. It gives them a reason to have fun and a little excitement,” Wrobleski said. “I’m also learning along with the students. It’s new and the kids are having fun with it.”