Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A school in Haverhill, Mass. has been growing vegetables without the need for sunlight or soil.
Gateway Academy and Haverhill YMCA used a shipping container to create a hydroponic farm. By eliminating the need for soil and natural sunlight, they can grow food year-round.
“We have three moveable walls that are both double-sided, so we have four walls of growing space,” Haverhill Freight Farms Manager Caroline Beaton.
The hydroponic farm uses UV blue and red lights to mimic the sun and adds nutrient-rich water for the vegetables to grow. Each harvest can produce as much as 200 pounds of food for the school.
Students also get hands-on experience with this state-of-the-art farming style, helping to grow basil, lettuce, arugula and much more.
“Haverhill is really becoming a hub for innovation when you look at science and technology,” said YMCA Regional Executive Director Tracey Fuller.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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