Lafayette Elementary School is sowing seeds of change through its innovative “Cultivating Futures” program, made possible by the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program and Duke Energy partnership. The initiative, launched in November 2024, is transforming the school’s existing raised bed garden into a comprehensive food forest that combines traditional gardening with modern hydroponic technology.
The project quickly took root with the installation of essential infrastructure, including irrigation systems, trellises, and additional garden beds. By December 2024, students were actively engaged in planting a diverse range of crops in both the new Flex Farm hydroponic garden and outdoor beds. Third-grade students participated in a special cabbage-growing initiative in partnership with 4-H and the Lafayette County Extension Agency, while other grades managed crops including celery, broccoli, onions, beets, turnips, and lettuce.
Every classroom now features terrariums, bringing the growing experience indoors and complementing the outdoor garden beds. Early observations show students quickly grasping fundamental gardening concepts, from proper planting techniques to understanding environmental factors affecting plant growth.
