While traditional gardening is well known, there is a rise in popularity of forms of non-traditional gardening, such as hydroponics. Many youths in this area lack the knowledge and understanding required to partake in non-traditional forms of agriculture. Many are never exposed to anything other than traditional gardening, which limits the amount of youth that may potentially partake in agricultural experiences.

On March 26, 2025, Wolfe County 4-H was able to partner with Ms. Hatton, the 7th grade science teacher, to provide students with information and a hands on lesson on non-traditional agriculture. Students were able to learn about the science behind plant growth, how hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems operate, and how they can grow their own plants hydroponically. Students had the opportunity to plant seeds in a hydroponic and aeroponic system, where they will monitor growth from germination to maturity. Students will then have the opportunity to sample the herbs that they have grown in the systems once plants have reached maturity and are ready for harvest. The lesson also taught students about herbs, their uses, and the different types of herbs that they may see in the grocery store or their spice cabinet.

Out of all of the 7th graders in Wolfe County Middle School, only a handful of them had ever heard of non-traditional gardening through hydro/aero/aquaponics. Students were intrigued by the science behind it, with one stating, "I never knew you could grow plants without soil". Another was able to relate it back to personal experience, sharing with the class about how his family uses a hydroponic system to grow tobacco, but that he didn't understand how it works until now. Many students learned what herbs were and expressed excitement to sample certain herbs for the first time, including things like oregano and parsley. Showing them herb seeds also sparked a conversation about seed size and variety, with many students being surprised to learn that seeds could be so small. We also had the opportunity to discuss these methods on a wide scale, with examples being shown of similar non-traditional farming systems and their growing popularity. 

In the time since, Ms. Hatton has shared that several students have asked follow up questions about plant growth, plant science, and hydroponics. She shared that students check plant progress daily, and become excited when there is progress. Upon visiting to check plant progress, one students excitedly exclaimed to the 4-H agent that "the plants are growing". Ms. Hatton also shared that students are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to sample these plants. Many students have inquired about getting their own hydroponic systems, and Ms. Hatton herself has even invested in one for her home. 

Due to this program, 75 students have walked away with an advanced knowledge of non-traditional gardening/farming, information about herbs, and a desire to learn more. There is discussion of a potential field trip to show students a non-traditional farming set up to see what was demonstrated in the classroom on a larger scale. When analyzing evaluation data from a pre and post survey, only 32.3% of students reported having a good understanding about different types of herbs. Afterward, 84.6% shared that they had a good understanding. In the pre survey, 18.4% of students reported a good understanding of how plants grow hydroponically. In the post survey, 92.3% reported having a good understanding of hydroponic systems. One student shared in the written comments that "this was very nice and if I wanted to actually grow plants I could". Another shared, "I liked this because I learned a lot of things that I didn't know had existed".