Space!! Space is cool. But growing plants in space?? NASA has worked to grow plants in many ways: hydroponics, aeroponics, and different growing mediums. This will appeal to your STEM science space-loving kids – and maybe entice the less enthusiastic about gardening to try it out as astronauts do!
There are some fascinating articles about growing plants in space. Here’s one with videos of astronauts growing greens and eating lettuce for the first time in space. Maybe this will help your kids eat their veggies and grow some!
Did you know? NASA is researching how gardening helps astronauts deal with loneliness.
Growing Plants in Space with Hydroponics in the Home
It’s surprisingly easy and typically grows five times faster than in soil. While it’s not quite the same as getting your hands in the dirt or getting outside, it is a way to try and get kids excited about gardening.
All you need is a tabletop kit, which doesn’t take much counter space. And, no mess.
HYDROPONIC KITS
There are many on the market, but we did some ‘weeding’ to help you out:
Table Top: AeroGarden Basic
- They have been making these for 15 years
- Comes with non-GMO pre-seeded pods with a 100% Germination guarantee
- Pods are made with pure Canadian Sphagnum moss
- Comes with liquid plant fertilizer, entire year supply, contains no pesticides or herbicides
- Non-GMO and natural
- Different kit options, including heirloom salad seed
- Grows up to 9 plants
- Height up to 24″ (most are shorter)
- It has a vacation mode to save water
- The sunrise/sunset mode allows mimicking of sunlight
- 30-watt LED lights
- Full spectrum lights
- Auto timers, various settings
- Wifi connect
- Reminders (via Wi-Fi connection) to fertilize
- Large water bowl to allow fewer refills
- Comes with a little trellis
- You can also seed your own using refill pods (pods and included fertilizer) or buy another pre-seeded pod kit like gourmet herbs.
Larger Yield: AeroGarden Farm
- Fully customizable LED lights
- Available in different sizes
- Full spectrum lights
- 60 WATT LED
- 36″ of growth height
- It reminds you to water and when to add plant food
- Touch screen control panel
- Wifi connection, even to Alexa
- Includes 24 pods of heirloom greens, non-GMO herbs, and greens
- Two 3oz bottles of our patented, all-natural Plant Nutrients (enough for an entire season of growth). All natural, non-GMO
You are All Set FOr Space Gardening!
After buying the kit, you can just pop the pods in, water them, and let them grow. A little programming may be required, but the reviews seem pretty straightforward.
We would be curious to hear any feedback if you try hydroponic growing! Send us an email if you have any thoughts.
This made us laugh. Hydroponics, astronaut, and night light combined? Tempting.
Gimmicky, yes, but I still want one. It’s still for plants, after all, right?
More Space-Related Stuff
Dollhouses encourage a wide range of skills, including STEM.
For more information on skill targeting, look at Why Dollhouses for Kids?
For tips and suggestions on selecting a dollhouse and why, see the article Dollhouse Kits for Kids
STEM for 8+ Check out Building STEM with Meccano
These sets are seriously nifty and specifically designed to target the highly sought-after STEM-related skills.
Print This Post
The Big Sis