Ep 18. Hydroponic Lettuce, Construction Wood, Recycling, Fishing Flies

The 18th episode of How It's Made's first season covers a variety of topics. The first segment looks at hydroponic lettuce farming. Viewers are taken inside a state-of-the-art facility where lettuce is grown without soil, feeding on nutrient-rich water instead. The process is explained step-by-step, from the seedlings being planted to the lettuce being harvested. The next segment demonstrates how construction wood is made. Large logs are debarked and broken down into smaller pieces, which are then treated with chemical preservatives and kiln-dried to ensure they are strong and durable. The third segment explores the different ways recycling plants process materials like plastic, metal, and glass. The process is highly automated and quite fascinating to watch. Viewers will see how materials are sorted, compacted, and processed into new products. The final segment is all about creating fishing flies, an intricate and delicate process that requires a great deal of skill. The segment shows the various materials and tools used to create the flies, as well as the different patterns and colors that are popular among fishermen. Overall, this episode provides a varied look at different manufacturing processes and techniques, making it an interesting watch for anyone curious about how everyday items are made.