INTRODUCTION TO
HYDROPONICS

Hydroponics is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants without soil, in water, and with a growing medium. Hydroponic growing can be done at home and has many benefits over other growing methods, but most people don’t know how to get started. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to start your hydroponic growing journey, and the output is so rewarding! Join Ekene Tharpe, Head Grower at Babylon Micro-Farms and one of the Garden’s speakers at the 2024 Winter Symposium, for an introduction to hydroponics! Ekene will help break hydroponics down to its core elements including system types, system inputs, and the essentials of successful growing. As part of the class, Ekene will lead a tour to see the Babylon Micro-Farms hydroponic growing system installed in the Robins Visitors Center. Students will walk away with the ability to grow their own leafy greens and herbs year-round indoors!

Fees: Member $40, Non-Member $48

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $40

Register Non-Member $48

Date:
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Time:
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Event Details

Ekene TharpeAbout the Instructor

Originating from Jackson, TN, Ekene Tharpe encountered her love for agriculture through her county 4-H program, in which she was an active member from 4th grade through high school. Upon acceptance into the University of Tennessee, she pursued a major in horticulture and further developed her skills as a research assistant for Weed Science and an extension intern for Sustainable Nursery Crop Management. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she relocated to Gilroy, CA, to fulfill the role of plant breeding intern for Syngenta Flowers before transitioning into a fulltime position as senior technician for Syngenta Seeds Sunflower Operations. Each of these roles sharpened Ekene’s horticultural and research skills and led her to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture and life science with Virginia Tech. Under Dr. Michael Evans, director of the School of Plant and Environmental Science, Ekene completed her thesis, “Dwarf Tomatoes in an Indoor Vertical Farming System.” After defending, she accepted her current role as head grower with Babylon Micro-Farms, where she leads scientific trials and makes recommendations for enhanced crop performance across Babylon’s network of farms.

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