There’s something fresh and green in our gallery—just steps from 3andME! Our new vertical hydroponic system  brings the science of soil-free gardening to life. This compact, high-tech display offers a hands-on way to explore how plants grow using only light, water, and nutrients—no soil required.

It’s a natural fit for our mission to make STEM learning hands-on, engaging, and rooted in real-world innovation. And it’s already growing new opportunities across our educational programs.

What Is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, plants are supported by a special growing medium, while water and nutrients are delivered directly to their roots through a controlled system. LED lights mimic the sun, and a recirculating pump keeps the water and nutrients flowing.

This process allows plants to:

• Grow faster than in traditional soil
• Thrive indoors, even where weather or soil conditions aren’t ideal
• Use less water, making it more sustainable
• Produce more in less space, especially with vertical designs (ours takes up less than a 2×3 foot space!)

Hydroponics isn’t just for labs or large-scale farms—it’s a method anyone can use. Today, people grow plants hydroponically in homes, classrooms, greenhouses, and even aboard space missions.

A Year-Round Way to Grow and Learn

 Hydroponic systems can grow lettuce, kale, strawberries, tomatoes, herbs, and even flowers—no matter the season. It’s a great way for families to explore where food comes from and how plants grow, even through a North Dakota winter. Kids can make daily observations, ask questions, and connect science to everyday life.

This new system will be used in summer camps, clubs, school visits, and our Outdoor Explorium programming. Students will test growing conditions, track changes, and investigate sustainability through hands-on experimentation. And yes—some of those leafy greens go straight to our resident turtles, who are big fans of kale and strawberries.

Stop By and Get Curious

Whether you’re visiting the gallery or grabbing a drink at 3andME, stop by and explore this living exhibit up close. Ask questions, observe how the system works, and spark new ideas about food, farming, and the future of growing.

If you happen to spot our COO, Ashley Steckler, while you’re here, don’t hesitate to ask her about the hydroponic system—she’s just as excited about it as we are!

What would you grow in a garden with no soil?