What if you could grow food year-round, on a self-sustainable setup that required little maintenance to be successful? Would you try it? Well that’s just what the students in the fourth grade at Harry S Truman Elementary School accomplished this academic year.

Fourth grade teacher Steven Tremblay developed the idea from a contact through JuicePlus, a brand of fortified dietary supplements and a desire to help students eat healthier foods.

Teachers in the Salisbury Township School District have a requirement for task redesigning in the area of science and Tremblay applied for a grant from the Salisbury Foundation to develop his idea. The $500 grant was used for the project.

With the funding, he was able to purchase a growing tower, growing lights, chemicals needed for the project, as well as seeds for various vegetables.

The Harry S Truman PTO also assisted with funding to cover costs exceeding the grant amount.

All fourth grade students had roles in the project. Students set up the equipment, planted seeds, monitored pH levels, added nutrients and tracked plant growth

Students grew Swiss chard, bibb lettuce, celery, romaine lettuce, parsley, oregano, cilantro, basil and several other vegetables.

Students celebrated their achievement with a salad party to enjoy their hard work.

Tremblay hopes to add another growing tower so other grades can have the experience as well.

Tremblay said students really enjoyed the experience this year and hope to do it again next year.