Learn how Girl Scouts can explore STEM, sustainability, and plant science at Moonflower Farms—while making real progress on popular gardening badges.
Gardening isn’t what it used to be. Today’s farmers are innovating to grow more food with fewer resources—and scouts can see that innovation up close. If your troop is working on the Junior Gardener badge (or just loves hands-on science), this experience combines the best of both worlds: future-focused farming and badge-friendly learning.
Why the Junior Gardener Badge Is a Big Deal
The Girl Scout Junior Gardener badge isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about understanding how plants grow, why sustainable food matters, and what it takes to nurture life from start to finish. Traditionally, this meant digging in the dirt, but what if your troop could experience the future of gardening instead?
That’s exactly what you’ll find at Moonflower Farms in Houston, where farming happens indoors, without soil, and with 95% less water than traditional methods. It’s the perfect mix of science, sustainability, and hands-on fun.
Why Hydroponics Fits Badge Goals (and Today’s World)
Hydroponics uses water-based nutrient systems to grow plants without soil—a technique NASA studies for growing food in space. For Girl Scouts, this means a fascinating lesson in STEM and environmental stewardship.
- See how plants thrive without soil or pesticides.
- Learn how controlled environments conserve water and reduce climate impact.
- Understand how urban farms make fresh food accessible in big cities.
What Scouts Do at Moonflower Farms
Your troop will explore Houston’s first certified hydroponic greenhouse with a knowledgeable guide, discovering:
✔ Vertical growing systems and the science behind them
✔ Sustainability in action—from energy-efficient lighting to water reuse
✔ The future of farming and its role in climate resilience
And the best part? Each Scout takes home a GroKit, a compact hydroponic kit for growing microgreens at home. This makes the learning last long after the tour—and helps complete key badge steps.
Badge Alignment at a Glance
This experience supports multiple Girl Scout programs:
| BadgeLevelSteps CoveredNotes | |||
| Gardener | Junior | 1–5 | Fully satisfied with GroKit |
| Eco Friend | Brownie | 1, 2 | Troop completes Step 3 |
| Eco Trekker | Cadette | 1, 3 | Sustainability discussion |
| Eating for You | Cadette | 1, 4 | Nutrition + sourcing focus |
Tip for Leaders: After the visit, encourage scouts to track their GroKit growth for STEM journaling—or pair it with a troop meeting on food systems.
Planning Your Troop Visit
- Location: Moonflower Farms, Houston
- Duration: 1 hour
- Includes: Private greenhouse tour + GroKit for every participant
- Group Size: 10–30 participants
- Booking: Reserve your troop experience here
Why It’s More Than a Badge
Earning badges is fun—but giving scouts a glimpse of the future of farming is unforgettable. From sustainability to science, this experience sparks curiosity that lasts well beyond the patch.
