Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS 2
Algae are probably the most overlooked of all plants. These are aquatic plants that can be a single cell, or a 20-foot long seaweed, yet they live mostly out of sight. Still, algae play huge roles in our day to day lives. Algae extracts are ingredients in an enormous number of products we use, from cottage cheese to skin cream. Algae are in biofuels, pharmaceuticals and even surfboards.
Much of this research happens in San Diego's laboratories. On this episode, we'll talk about what algae are; visit UCSD's research laboratories and field stations; see a farm that grows algae for human food supplements in the desert; head to Mexico to see how algae surfboards are made and much more.
Watch On Your Schedule: Episodes of A GROWING PASSION are available to stream with KPBS+ is a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. Itβs locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.
You can also tune in live to watch our four TV channels in real time: KPBS, KPBS 2, Create, KPBS Kids 24/7. We also added a new channel - FNX (First Nation Experience).
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About The Series: From earth-friendly and water-wise gardens to organic foods and habitat restoration, San Diegans demand options that protect our health, feed our communities and protect our natural resources. Hosted by Nan Sterman, A GROWING PASSION explores backyard food production, major horticultural growers, low-water landscapes and sustainable practices around the home and in the garden.
