Argyle Alternative High School has been experimenting with hydroponics to determine what type of plants can be placed in the Outdoor Educational Classroom.

We are experimenting with the following types of flowering plants:

Marigold (Yellow Treasure):  Annual:  Beautiful lemon-yellow blooms grow on this prolific African type.  The uniform size and brilliant colour are spectacular in cut flower arrangements.  Sowing:  Sow seeds outdoors mid to late May in sunny site, 6 mm (1/4”) deep.  Water as necessary during 7 day germination period.  Thin or transplant seedlings when they are 5-8 cm (2-3“) tall.  Comment:  Unusual scent of marigolds can help to repel insects and are often planted in vegetable gardens for this reason. Start Indoors: April  Start Outdoors:  May   Bloom Time:  July to September  Locate: Sun Mature Height: 60 cm (24“)

Lupins (Russell’s Hybrids Rose):  Perennial:  The tall, colourful, well rounded spikes of rose are beautiful as a background planting.  Sowing: Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing in early spring as soon as soil is 16 degrees Celsius.  Cover seeds twice their thickness.  Germination takes about 20 days.  Comments:  Stunning as a cut flower arrangement. Start Outdoors: May/September  Bloom Time: June/July  Locate: Full Sun  Mature Height:  90 cm (36”)

Here are pictures showing some of the plants we are experimenting with.

Click on photo below to start slide show.