Chatting with Johnathan Luckhurst it’s easy to get excited about the sustainable projects of this agricultural trailblazer. His optimism for the future of urban agriculture is refreshing. Luckhurst’s experience in urban agriculture includes creating aquaponic, hydroponic and soil-based systems that grow anything from micro greens to indoor root crops—anywhere. He initially started a company with the goal of building educational aquaponics systems for schools. His mission was to teach children about alternative forms of sustainable food production. With that mission in mind, his business evolved and now offers a microgreen learning program; this program will be offered through the School Garden Studio.
“With micro greens, you’re learning about one of the most essential stages of a plant’s life cycle,”Luckhurst says. He adds that this type of experiential learning “teaches youth how to nurture a seed through its germination phase “which is one of the most important processes that happens on Earth—it’s essential for sustaining life on Earth, and yet so few people know what it is, let alone how to provide the conditions for it to occur.”
By making microgreen kits and learning guides available to Alberta’s teachers Luckhurst hopes to share his knowledge and passion for growing food with the younger generation. “Aside from the health benefits that come from microgreens, being aware of and observing one of the most important processes for life on Earth connects you to the natural systems that we are so dependent upon.” That’s why he’s excited to see more schools embracing indoor gardening experiences. “It broadens your perspective” and encourages young minds to imagine the different possibilities that come with indoor gardening. And if today’s learners are as inspired as Luckhurst, those possibilities are truly endless.
