Discover how to cultivate herbs, greens, microgreens, and flowers indoors using advanced hydroponic technology and controlled artificial lighting systems. Farm.One, located in Prospect Heights, successfully grows hundreds of rare herbs, premium edible flowers, and nutrient-dense microgreens for distinguished chefs throughout New York. Your entire learning experience unfolds inside the actual working farm, providing an unparalleled hands-on environment unavailable anywhere else.
This comprehensive introduction to high-tech indoor agriculture reveals the remarkable possibilities of year-round pesticide-free cultivation capable of producing exceptional yields in any space. Working under the mentorship of Kate Lodvikov, our Director of Farming, students gain practical experience from seed germination through harvest completion. The course welcomes learners of all experience levels and backgrounds. Classes are intentionally limited to twelve students, ensuring personalized instruction and individual attention.
During This 120-Minute Course, You Will Explore:
- Foundational hydroponics principles and operational methods
- Various hydroponic system types and their applications
- Climate control, nutrient management, and crop optimization
- Complete growing cycle management from seed to harvest
- Integrated pest management without chemical pesticides
- Strategic pruning and harvesting techniques for maximum productivity
Class Overview
1. Principles of Hydroponics
What is hydroponics? How does it work?
Why is it so efficient?
The easiest and most appropriate crops to grow
Principles of indoor artificial lighting
Growing herbs versus fruit and flowers
Challenges of hydroponic systems
2. Hydroponic Systems
Different types of hydroponic systems, their pros and cons
The best lighting systems and which to choose
Simple ways to start at home
Overview of commercial systems
3. Climate & Nutrients for your Crops
Managing nutrients
Spotting and fixing unhealthy plants
What climates work best for herbs and greens
How to simply manage climate
More sophisticated climate control & CO2
4. Growing & Managing from Seed to Harvest
The basics of planting and germinating with hands-on instruction
Growing mediums
Techniques to improve germination rates
Transplanting into the main system
Growing from cuttings
5. Avoiding Pests without Pesticides
Techniques to keep your farm pest-free
What to do if you do get pests
6. Pruning & Harvesting for Best Yield
The basics with hands-on instruction
Specific techniques for popular crops
Lifecycle and stages of growth
About Your Instructor: Kate Lodvikov has managed numerous vertical farms across New York City. She currently serves as Director of Farming at Farm.One and teaches annual hydroponics courses at the New York Botanical Garden.
