Growing a hydroponic garden at Bayview Heights Public School
Posted: July 8, 2026
Categories: nourish to flourish
Bayview Heights is a Durham District School Board (DDSB) Empower Excellence K-8 school of 500+ students in south Pickering, Ontario. Our Eco-Rangers club is run by three teachers for students in our junior division. We fluctuate between 8-18 active members where we take on different ecological initiatives, such as growing an organic garden, which has provided the community with various food items and has inspired flower fundraisers etc. We have also been recycling plastic writing tools with Staples, and completing weekly yard clean ups.
In the upcoming year, we are so excited to begin our hydroponic garden journey with the “nourish to flourish” grant we have received. We have been in communication with another DDSB school (Village Union) who has successfully run a hydroponic garden. The Eco-Rangers compared different options and have purchased a hydroponic garden for the 26-27 school year. We have researched what plans will be most successful in our garden and partnered with our SCC to assist with maintenance and fundraising ideas for next year. Once we have a healthy harvest we hope to either share our crops with our community or host a harvest sale to raise money for our school community.
We spoke to some Eco-Rangers and this is what they have to say about the hydroponic garden:
- “I am excited to fundraise by growing the plants and selling the vegetables from the plants.” – Neela, Grade 4
- “I am excited that our hydroponic garden will be ready for next year so we can grow plants even in the winter now! It will help the environment by spreading more oxygen in our air! ” – Hirna, Grade 6
- “Our school community is looking forward to our new adventure ahead with the hydroponic garden!” – Victoria Della Pia – Grade ⅞ Teacher”