The Barnwell County Career Center Agricultural Education Department was recently awarded a “Hooked On Hydroponics” grant through the National Gardening Association. The grant is funded by The Grow Store in conjunction with the Progressive Gardening Association.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient solutions (water containing fertilizers) with or without the use of an artificial medium (sand, gravel, vermiculite, sawdust and others). Most hydroponic operations are housed in greenhouses, which allows for greater control of growing variables, and can lead to more efficient growing practices, including conservation of water and great control of fertilizer run-off.
“The grant will be used to purchase hydroponic equipment needed to install this unique method of gardening on our campus,” said Mindy Sandifer, Agricultural Education instructor at the center. “This was my first attempt at submitting a grant proposal and I look forward to using the funds to make hydroponics an integral part of our plant science curriculum,” she added.
Amanda Wiggins, Grants Administrator with the National Gardening Association, said the proposal was chosen for the award because the application demonstrated clear educational goals and commitment to helping students gain hands-on experience with the joys and wonders of gardening.
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