By Patrick D. Rosso, Town Correspondent

Something is growing in Uphams Corner, and it doesn’t even need dirt.

At the Salvation Army Kroc Center, area students are learning how to grow plants and vegetables using hydroponics. The after-school program is made possible through a two-year, $250,000 grant by the National Science Foundation.

Pictured: Mike Barnett, a Boston College professor, worked on the hydroponics system in the Kroc’s lobby.