I recently wrote about a unique gardening method off the shores of Italy which uses clear acrylic underwater biospheres to grow a variety of food. This week, I’m taking the discussion up a notch. Way up, all the way to space and the International Space Station (ISS).
Can we grow plants in space? We used to think this wasn’t possible due our knowledge of how earth-bound plants utilize gravity to grow a root system and obtain nutrients from the soil. We also thought the micro and zero gravity environments of space would present too many barriers for soil, light, water, and seed requirements needed for gardening. After all, wouldn’t everything just float away?
Fortunately, recent experiments aboard the ISS have demonstrated plants do not require earth’s gravity conditions to germinate and grow and actually develop novel ways to mature in zero and micro gravity conditions. Furthermore, scientists have devised some highly creative ways to keep garden seeds and plants in place. Veggie, and two other plant and vegetable production systems aboard the ISS, serve not only as research stations, but also as the sources of fresh food and mental health support for astronauts aboard the ISS.
It is hoped out of this world space gardens, like Veggie, will offer valuable new information on how to enhance plant production in difficult growing conditions and provide fresh and healthy food for astronauts during long-haul space missions. Please check out the article and video below:
https://www.nasa.gov/content/growing-plants-in-space
https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/news-articles/space-gardening
