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Kettering man hopes invention helps make gardening accessible

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By Adele Koehnen, Contributing Writer 4:45 PM Wednesday, December 2, 2009

When John Copp, 43, of Kettering was a student at Ohio State University, many of his friends were paraplegic and he became aware of their needs.

“One man loved gardening, but was unable to get into the soil,” said Copp. “This gave me the idea that growing things in water, hydroponics, would be the answer. I have always loved to cook and grow my own produce.”

Copp designed a unit holding cups of potting soil over recycling water enhanced with nutrients. Fluorescent lights add to the energy needed for growth. The result is a six foot high, four foot long, three feet wide wood framed unit holding 20 gallons of re-cycling water he calls Legacy Hydroponic. It’s high enough to accommodate wheelchairs on both open sides.

“From seeds I grow tomatoes, lettuce, corn, peppers and every kind of herb,” Copp said. “In just a few days the plants take off and grow; no bugs, no weeds and no pesticides. I have so much produce that I share with friends and neighbors.”

After graduating from Centerville High School in 1984, Copp joined the US Army. He studied at the Defense Language Institute and then worked as a German linguist for the Army for four years.

Following his military career he earned a bachelor degree in international business from Ohio State University in 1994 and a master’s degree in the same discipline from Wright State University in 200l.

“My parents were young when they married and had me. Fortunately for me, I grew up knowing my grandparents and great-grandparents,” Copp said. “My theory is that the elderly today, with their experience and wisdom, are overlooked in our society. We treat them like children, offering bingo and TV as playthings. My Legacy Hydroponic, vertical gardening, would be a welcomed attraction in a nursing home or retirement community.”

Copp has been employed by l’Auberge Restaurant since he was in high school as a bus boy. “Today, as a bartender and sometime manager, I meet lots of people. Maybe some one out there will see the value of my Legacy Hydroponic.”

Contact this columnist at (937) 433-1552 or adeleauk4737@ sbcglobal.net.

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