Simple Straw Aeration Hydroponic System
Topic: plant science, projects & crafts, edibles
Time to Complete: 15 minutes
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Location(s): Indoor, Outdoor
Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
https://kidsgardening.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Simple-Straw-Aeration-Hydroponic-System.pdf
simple straw aeration hydroponic
Activity
Kids are always amazed to see plants growing without soil. This simple kid-powered system gives them a chance to experiment and explore hydroponic basics.

Materials:

  • rockwool* or cotton ball
  • lettuce seeds
  • plastic container with lid
  • hydroponic nutrient solution*
  • drinking straw

*Rockwool is made from molten rock that is spun into fibers and then compressed into mats or cubes. Both rockwool and hydroponic nutrient solutions are available from hydroponics suppliers and on Amazon.

Instructions:

1. Soak small squares of rockwool or cotton balls in a dilute hydroponic nutrient solution. Plant two or three lettuce seeds in each one, and then place them on a waterproof tray or shallow container and keep moist until seeds germinate.

2. Find a small plastic container with a lid to repurpose, such as a margarine, cottage cheese or yogurt container.

3. Use a utility knife to carefully cut a 1-inch X shape in the center of the lid.

4. Cut a smaller X shape in the lid, about 1 inch from the edge, large enough to insert a drinking straw.

5. Gently insert the rockwool or cotton ball with the seedlings halfway through the large X so that it is held securely in place in the lid.

6. Fill the container with a dilute nutrient solution so that the very bottom of the cotton ball or rockwool square will touch the solution, then secure the lid.

7. Insert a drinking straw through the smaller hole into the solution. Twice a day, gently aerate the solution by blowing into the straw.

8. Change the nutrient solution every 1 to 2 weeks.

 

straw aeration hydroponic system

Simple straw aeration system

simple straw aeration hydroponic system

Before long, your lettuce seeds will grow roots through the cotton balls.

Related Resources

Excited to garden with kids?

Explore more resources, discover funding opportunities, ask questions, and learn with other gardeners in the Kids Garden Community. Join FREE today to start connecting, sharing, and growing with educators and parents just like you!

Send to a Friend


Sustainability guide