Growing Plants in Space: Astronaut Gardening at Home

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 really interesting 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 get your kids to eat their veggies and grow some, too!

Did you know? NASA is researching how gardening 
helps astronauts deal with loneliness.

Growing Plants in Space with Hydroponics in the Home

It’s actually 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, full 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 to allow 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 a full season of growth). All natural, non-GMO

Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System,Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit w/LED Grow Light,Plant Germination Kits 12 Plant Pots for Home Kitchen Gardening (12 Pots)

Tabletop: Moistenland Starter Kit

It is less expensive than the AeroGarden, but it still has good reviews
12 Growing pods spaces
It comes with 12 planting seed pods made of Biochar Mud, non-toxic
Auto lights turn off after 16 hours of use and turn back on after 8 hours of rest
22-watt LED light
Full spectrum growing lights
Adjustable to 12″

You are All Set FOr Space Gardening!

After buying the kit, it seems pretty much pop the pods in, water, and let them grow. A little programming may be required, but it seems pretty straightforward from the reviews.

We would be curious to hear any feedback if you try hydroponic growing! Send us an email if you have any thoughts.