Hydroponics, Huh? | Endowment Intern Raven

Basil Plants growing in a nutrient film tray hydroponics system

At the beginning of my internship, I did a story on the Hub City Co-op. During my interview with the general manager, I was told about the Tyger River Smart Farm. Tyger River Smart Farm is one of the few hydroponics farms in the Upstate. After doing a marketing project this past semester, I had just enough knowledge to know what hydroponics is. It is easy to say that hydroponics isn't a widespread method of farming, but its use is rapidly increasing.

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil. Nutrient-rich water is used to feed plants until they are mature enough to be harvested. Although there is skepticism about hydroponically grown produce, this farming method ultimately allows for organic plants to be grown and delivered to vendors at a quicker rate.