Starting in the spring 2020 semester, North Dining will feature two hydroponic gardens. The best growing months usually are the months we see the least amount of people on campus. That's where our indoor gardening system comes into play.
With the Nutritower, dining customers can benefit from a year-round sustainable garden experience. These two vertical gardens will feature a variety of herbs and leafy greens, and the harvest will be incorporated into the menu at North Dining.
At just over 5 feet tall and two feet wide and holding 32 plants, the Nutritower grows plentiful produce using little more space than a corner. Best of all, it does so without any soil, harsh chemicals, or difficult maintenance.
Hydroponics is growing plants without soil. It is a more efficient way to provide food and water to plants. Plants don't use soilthey use the food and water that are in the soil.
The addition of these gardens will also provide an opportunity to add a sustainability intern to the dining program. This position will promote all of the sustainable activities that dining does across campus, including recycling, food waste reduction, local purchasing, and more.