02/22/2023
Feb. 24 feature shows affordable, sustainable DIY farming method that doesn’t require costly land
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Hydroponics is an agricultural practice of growing plants in nutrient-controlled water without soil and is gaining popularity. In an all new “Good Roots” segment, The Nurserie Owner Rob Galloway discusses how hydroponics is an affordable, sustainable DIY farming method that doesn’t require costly land. “Good Roots” premieres Friday, Feb. 24, during “Arkansas Week” at 7:30 p.m. on Arkansas PBS and livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch.
Growing more accessible and affordable because of The Nurserie in Little Rock, Galloway said hydroponics is opening more avenues.
“It uses 90 to 95% less water,” he said. “If you don’t have big money and big opportunities and you can’t go get big land, do you have a spare bedroom [you can use]?
“It’s like a greenhouse, but [you’re] doing it on a modular, mobile, at-home scale – a little countertop method, a 2-foot by 6-foot rack with four shelves. You can get 46 plants harvested on one shelf.”
Because of more controllable environments, at-home hydroponics allows individuals to grow fresh, healthy produce year-round, and with the right set-up, training and equipment, home hydroponics farmers can grow a variety of crops.
Hydroponics also uses less water than traditional soil-based farming, so it is an eco-friendlier method of growing food.
A main challenge to hydroponic farming is whether plants are receiving the proper nutrients and lighting. Numerous resources provide guidance and equipment, including online communities and specialized hydroponic stores like The Nurserie.
Segments and bonus footage of “Good Roots” are also featured on all Arkansas PBS digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and the PBS Video app. A blog series accompanies the segments at myarkansaspbs.org.
This segment of “Good Roots” is made possible by support from AcreTrader.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain) and KETS (Forrest City).
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