Bringing the Future of Gardening to Ottawa Classrooms
At Plantaform, we believe that the future of food starts with education. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with the Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) to bring our Smart Indoor Gardens to classrooms across Ottawa. This initiative empowers students to grow their own food while learning about sustainability, science, and technology in an engaging, hands-on way.
A Shared Vision for Experiential Learning
Since the 2016-2017 school year, ONFE’s Classroom Gardens program has been fostering an appreciation for food and nature by providing students with interactive growing experiences. With research demonstrating the benefits of gardening in education—including improved problem-solving skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness—this program has transformed classrooms into thriving green spaces.
Last year, ONFE piloted Plantaform’s Smart Indoor Garden in a high school classroom. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and now, eleven more units are being introduced to various schools throughout Ottawa. These self-sustaining gardens will enable students to grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables year-round, no matter the season.
Smart Technology Meets Classroom Learning
Plantaform’s fogponic technology, originally inspired by NASA, delivers an advanced yet simple way to cultivate fresh produce indoors. Unlike traditional soil-based methods, our system uses smart monitoring, water-efficient fog, and energy-saving LED lighting to create an ideal environment for plant growth. This allows students to track real-time data, monitor plant progress, and learn how variables like water, nutrients, and light affect growth.
“As a company dedicated to revolutionizing indoor gardening, we’re excited to see students engage with our technology firsthand,” says Alberto Aguilar, Co-Founder and CEO of Plantaform Technology Inc. “By integrating smart gardens into classrooms, we are equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to grow their own food sustainably.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Eco-Conscious Learners
The impact of Classroom Gardens goes beyond just growing plants—it cultivates curiosity, patience, and responsibility. Teachers have already shared positive feedback, noting how students are eager to become ‘mini horticulturists’ and take ownership of their classroom gardens.
“We love the look and feel of the Plantaform Garden! It’s easy to use, and the growth is quick. It’s an excellent addition to our classroom.” – Teacher, Ottawa Catholic School Board.
As we continue to install and monitor Plantaform’s Smart Indoor Garden units, we look forward to sharing stories of student success and the joy of gardening with technology. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on this initiative, and join us in inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious learners!
About ONFE
The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is a charitable organization that collaborates with partners from education, business, government, and the community to develop enriching programs for K-12 students. Working with the four public school boards, ONFE supports children and youth in English and French. We fuel kids and ignite learning, making sure all children in Ottawa have an equal start every day. No other community organization has the same reach and ability to respond and deliver much-needed programs to schools across the region.
ONFE Mission
To inspire and support every child’s learning journey in reaching their full potential by connecting community resources to help K-12 students succeed.
Want to support the movement? Sponsor a garden or donate today to help bring more indoor gardens to Ottawa classrooms.
