Hydroponics @ Haig Girls

It was a session of learning Hydroponics cultivation on 27th May 2011 for a group of lovely and enthusiastic girls at Haig Girls' Primary School. These girls were listening attentively to the instructor's explanations pertaining to the setting up of the Hydroponics Gardening kits.These easy-to-use Gardening Kits can be used for growing vegetables as well as culinary herbs, like sweet basil, lemon balm, dill, italian parsley, etc The participants had the opportunity to sample some of the herbs grown using hydroponics method.It was a sensual experience! Tasting different types of herbs would give us different sensation on our tongue! Like the sweet basil, it will cause a numbling sensation on the tip of the tongue. Italian parsley works on our salivary glands. When chewed, the salivary glands secrete saliva in abundance all of a sudden. That is why parsley is used widely as a garnish for many dishes, from chinese dishes to western cruisine. It is meant for diners to chew on the parsley after food to sweeten the breathe. Setting up of a hydroponics gardening kit is as easy as ABC if you follow the steps closely. First, fill the container with the correct amount of water.Pour 40 ml of Nutrient A and B each . Stir well. The net pot is half-filled with growing media such as leca (expanded clay).Then fill till the 3/4 mark with vermiculite, another hydroponics growing media.

Leca and vermiculite are two of the common growing media used in hydroponics cultivation. Both growing media are inert, high water retention property and capillary action. Lastly, drop 3 -5 seeds into the pot. Sprinkle some vermiculite to cover the seeds; this will help to prevent other animals or insects from eating the seeds.This gardening kit comes with a packet of seeds (buyer's choice). The girls get to pick their own choice of crop for growing. Whether a choice of vegetable or herb, the growing process is still the same.

It is encouraging to see that learning hydroponics is not just from the book, but experiencing it first hand through actual cultivation ! - this experiential learning is what our kids should not be deprived of.

Bazaar @ NTUC Head Office

On 22nd June, a mini bazaar was organised by the NTUC Head Office for their staff. Oh' Farm was one of the invited vendors to put up a stall selling our goods. Sale of our hydroponic vegetables was the main product at our stall. Our Hydroponic vegetables are 100% pesticide free - undoubtedly good for stir fry, soup and even eaten as salads.
Other products like herbs and fruit vegetables were on sale as well.The most popular stall of the bazaar we believed was this fruit stall, selling many imported fruits including strawberry, blue berry, avocado, kiwi, prunes etc.
Strawberries contain antioxidants that can help our body to minimise the destructive effects of free radicals. Another interesting usage is we can cut a slice of strawberry and rub it on teeth and gums which helps remove tartar, strengthen and heal the gums.


Kiwi fruit, full of Vitamin C, is excellent for persons with scurvy problem. Kiwi was originally known as the Chinese gooseberry. However after much marketing effort by the New Zealand's fruit growers, Kiwi is commonly known as the kiwi fruit now due to its close resemblance to the Kiwi bird. It has also been used in China for flavouring wine and as a fruit beverage. Kiwi fruit juice is also traditionally used as a meat tenderizer in some cultures.

Another choice for health-conscious people - salads, packed herbs and fruit vegetables such as cherry tomatoes and potatoes. Healthy living begins with at least 2 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits daily. Need something to munch? How about going nuts over Nature's Wonders - the healthier snack.Among all the types of nut sold, macadamia nut has many health benefits as it may help to reduce risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases and other illnesses.
Arhhhh... relaxing over a quick massage....

Some consumers came prepared. They brought their own carrier! This is a practice where all should be encouraged to follow. Shopping spree ! - all the participants were spoilt by choices and none of them left empty- handed.

Roselle @ Hougang Primary

It was an interesting annual affair with Hougang Primary School - learning the culinary and medicinal values of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). In May, A total of 8 classes of Primary 4 pupils had an interactive learning session, making their own Roselle drink and tasting the freshly-made jam on biscuit!The plant is considered to have anti-hypertensive properties. Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and cancer. Roselle has mild laxative effect and it has the ability to increase urination. This is due to the two diuretic ingredients, ascorbic acid and glycolic acid.In some places like America and Europe, Roselle are used as food colourings. In Myanmar, the green leaves are the main ingredient in making chin baung kyaw curry. Many parts of roselle including seeds, leaves, fruits and roots are used in various foods. Among them, the fleshy red calyxes are the most popular. They are used fresh for making wine, juice, jam, jelly, syrup. gelatin, pudding, cakes, ice cream and flavors, also dried and brewed into tea, spice, and used for butter, pies, sauces, tarts, and other desserts. Follow these simply steps to make a roselle drink. Firstly, tear up the calyxes of the roselle fruit. Put it into a cup and fill it up with hot water. Steep it for 5 minutes. Add sugar to taste. Ice can be added before serving, this will add extra feel to the taste. Refreshing!Students making their own roselle drink. Passing the roselle fruit down the line. Peeling the calyxes...Steeping the calyxes in hot water....Learning how to mix the soil, compost and fertilizer in the correct proportion for planting of roselle. After growing the roselle in the small pot for 2 weeks, transplant the young seedling into a bigger pot or in this case, a plot of land.Roselle can tolerate little shade and can be grown in greenhouse but it normally grows best in field conditions under the full sunlight Remove the pot from the young seedling...Put the young seedling into a hole deeper than the pot, cover the rest with soil. Water the plant daily. Fertilize the plant once every fortnightly.Making of roselle jam.....simply with roselle calyxes, water and sugar. Adding in pectin will improve the texture of the jam. Alternatively, fruits like apple or strawberry can be added to boost the flavour.Freshly cooked jam was served on biscuits! Yummy...Food tasting time.....

It was a unique experience for the pupils, from growing of plant to the tasting of the fruit of labour!