Heads Up!

Heads Up!

Carrots on a Plane
Lesson: 4.3
Level:
Intermediate
Station: Hydroponics
Format: Class Project
Rating:
Intermediate Lesson 4.3 Heads Up

Lesson Overview

The idea of a bigger better mousetrap is something we embrace at Modern Steader and want to instill in each and every student. There is always room for improvement and this lesson asks students to improve on the ZipGrow towers to allow for root crop cultivation.

Goals

  • Students will be able to describe the limitations of the ZipGrow tower design.

Outcomes

Students will identify design enhancements that would be needed in order to grow root vegetables in the ZipGrow towers.

Teach the Teacher

Tools & Materials

  • Assembled ZipGrow tower

Activity

Imagine carrots on a plane, well a vertical plane that is. Vertical hydroponic systems offer a ton of freedom but there are still certain varieties that are a challenge to grow hydroponically.

Leafy greens, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, and berries are common crops for hydroponic cultivation. What you don’t see often in the Lab are potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and other root vegetables.

The design of the vertical towers doesn’t offer the room needed for root crop development. Plus, there is the constant contact with the nutrient solution.

What would it take to grow root vegetables hydroponically? What modifications would need to be made to the ZipGrow towers to accommodate larger root crops like carrots or beets? What type of media would be best?

Related Lessons

Give the Advanced lesson a try now that you’ve completed the Intermediate Lesson! Or revisit the Beginner Lesson as needed.

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