How to make a hydroponic garden

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) is inviting K-12 public schools to apply for a grant that provides hydroponic gardens, giving students a hands-on STEM learning experience while promoting access to local foods.

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, plants are anchored in a container and fed through a nutrient-rich water solution. This system can include materials like coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite to support growth. Because the water does the work of delivering nutrients directly to the roots, hydroponics allows for faster growth, efficient water use, and year-round indoor gardening, perfect for classrooms with limited space or harsh outdoor conditions.

Schools selected for the program will receive a complete hydroponic garden system to incorporate into lessons on science, technology, engineering, and math. Students can learn about plant biology, sustainability, and food systems while growing fresh produce right in their classroom.

Applications must be submitted electronically by Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, and successful schools will be notified by Dec. 15, 2025. Gardens will be delivered in early January 2026. NDDA anticipates awarding approximately 50 gardens on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. Schools that received a hydroponic garden during the 2023-24 school year are not eligible for this round.

For full details and to apply, visit the NDDA website.