Hydroponics at Casey Station
What is one way to put a smile on any expeditioner’s face? Watching the sunset over the bay? Watching the animals out and about? Getting off station, out to the huts? All these things, but the thing that will cheer a weary expo up more than anything else, is fresh food.
Being in Antarctica you may think that is impossible, and while it’s a bit more difficult the hydroponics team does everything they can to ensure a fresh supply of vegetables (and smiles) are given to expeditioners. While the hydro hut may only be small here at Casey station (if it was up to one of us, it would be the size of the Red Shed), it certainly packs a punch, in the produce that we get out of it.
A small, dedicated team performs daily water quality and nutrient checks, looking after the most important part of the station. On top of their regular jobs, the team will prune the plants, harvest the produce and generally make sure the quality of the produce is up to the standards of an Antarctic expeditioner. It’s a big commitment, but the results are definitely worth it.
Currently, we have cucumbers, tomatoes, beans and the first chillies are just starting to show their heads. Alongside this, a bunch of leafy greens (lettuce is always popular) as well as a whole bunch of herbs (perhaps these are the chef’s favourite). The basil is a big hit with people heading to Wilkes - what could be better than fresh basil on top of a pizza?
Aside from that, hydro is just a nice place to be. There is no smell in Antarctica, so to be able to smell growing things, and greenery, is such a wonderful thing. It’s also the warmest place on station, at about 28°C for some of us (namely, the North Queenslanders amongst the bunch) it’s a great reminder of home. The teams go in there as much as we can, and not just to sneakily eat the tomatoes.
The joy on expos faces when we brought in the first lettuce of the season, was something you don’t expect. Something so simple, that brightens people’s day, is so rewarding and such a brilliant reminder of why we all put the hard work in. To be able to have fresh produce all throughout winter is a great way to remind yourself that maybe, we aren’t all so isolated here in Antarctica at all.
Michael De Lacey
Comms Tech & Hydro Maestro
