Book 18, Question 124
Can You Grow Vegetables in the Polar Winter?
Yes, you can grow vegetables in the polar winter, if you grow them indoors! Some polar stations have special greenhouses with glowing pink lights. The plants never need sunshine or soil.
More fun facts
- A test greenhouse called EDEN ISS grew fresh food at Germany's Neumayer Station III in Antarctica.
- It worked as a closed system, so plants could grow no matter the weather, sunlight or season.
- The greenhouse saved water and needed no pesticides or insecticides.
- Over four years, from 2018 to 2022, it produced 1,014 kilograms of fresh vegetables, salad greens and herbs.
- The food went to the small crews who spend the long, dark winter at the station.
- Crew members said working among green plants and eating fresh meals helped them feel better during the winter.
- The greenhouse was then shipped back to Germany to train future astronauts to grow food on the Moon.
Sources: dlr.de
Questions kids ask
Why test a space greenhouse in Antarctica?
Antarctica is isolated and harsh, so it is a good place to practice growing food the way astronauts might on the Moon.