On February 27, the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) welcomed a group of enthusiastic educators for a make-and-take 3D-Printed Tower Garden Workshop. The recently upfitted Makerspace in the PHHI Extension suite was the perfect spot for the hands-on workshop. 

Prior to the workshop, the Extension team used the Raise3D E2CF printer to produce the parts. This was our first big printing project, but one that we were especially excited about because we know that many schools have 3D printers in their toolbox to engage students. There was trial and error and problem solving involved with the printing process, whether it was accidentally loading the wrong filament or editing the design file to accommodate our print plate or discovering the annoying spaghetti tangle of a print fail. 

During the workshop, participants assembled 3D-printed tower garden systems and constructed a grow light setup designed by Amy. For many participants, it was their first time working with maker tools and assembling an aeroponic-style system, making the experience both exciting and empowering.

The atmosphere in the maker space was energetic and collaborative. Teachers worked side by side, helping one another fit tower sections together, connect grow lights, and troubleshoot small challenges along the way. Laughter, problem-solving, and curiosity filled the room as participants discovered that building a garden system can be just as engaging as planting one.

Beyond the technical skills, the workshop also highlighted the power of active learning. Teachers shared ideas about how tower gardens could support classroom lessons in science, nutrition, sustainability and problem solving. Many participants expressed excitement about bringing these systems back to their students, who will soon have the opportunity to grow fresh herbs and greens right inside their classroom.

By the end of the afternoon, each teacher left with a fully assembled tower garden, a grow light system and a collection of young plants—ready to begin growing. More importantly, they left with new skills, new school garden connections and fresh inspiration for engaging students in hands-on garden learning.

Want to 3D print your own tower garden components? Find the print files and the step-by-step assembly instructions (with photos!) on the STEM website. 

A big thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvement (Concord Mills location) for their donation of 5-gallon buckets, PVC pipe and wooden dowels.