Hydroponic gardens bring fresh greens, hands-on learning to Petersburg schools

Two softly humming glass cabinets, brightly lit from within, cause students and grown-ups to pause and peer on their way through the Petersburg High School commons. They are hydroponic gardens, complete with lights for growing greens and flowers year-round. This provides Petersburg students not only with quality food, but a nice splash of greenery and light in the commons, and a brilliant hands-on learning opportunity.

Hydroponic gardens have been a big goal for Alex Helms, Farm to School Coordinator, and Carlee Johnson McIntosh, Food Services Director for Petersburg City School District. The...