PS 84 Celebrates Hydroponic Lab

PS 84 – Steinway first opened its hydroponic lab in September, and students are already loving their new green classroom.

On Monday, the school community, including teachers, parents, and students, joined Principal John Buffa and Councilman Costa Constantinides to officially unveil the lab.

The lab was funded through a $160,000 allocation by the City Council.

How do they work? Students learn to grow herbs and vegetables using a mineral-based solution, rather than soil. It also allows students to use less water than more conventional methods.

Through this lab, students learn about new technology, agriculture, nutrition, biology, sustainability, and environmentalism.

PS 84 is now the 11th school in Astoria to receive a hydroponic lab. By September 2020, Constantinides pledges to open six more for a grand total of 17 schools in his district.