The Hydroponic Process

Hydroponics is most simply defined as “growing without soil.” Early indoor systems replaced soil with growing media, such as sand, peat moss, or rockwool. Modern systems replace the growing media with water, which prevents the depletion of these natural resources.

How does it work? In traditional growing methods, plants are not feeding on the soil; they are feeding on minerals within the soil. Hydroponics replaces those soil-based nutrients by making those minerals available directly from the water.

Benefits

Produce grown traditionally - outdoors and in soil - average about 3 harvests per year. When produce is grown in a greenhouse in soil the average is about 5 harvests per year.

With our Floating Raft Technology, we can grow most lettuce within 30 days, increasing freshness of the product. Being local to the East Coast, we can enhance shelf life for our customers. The produce is clean and free of the contaminants that can be present in outdoor crops and product shrink can be lowered significantly.

How It Works

In traditional soil-based organics, an active and healthy top layer of topsoil is the key to

ensuring productivity of crops. Sustainable growth is supported by biological activity from worms, bacteria, and fungi as well as the addition of organic matter and minerals, all working in balance.

Our approach is to “cultivate” the top 12 inches of water as carefully as organic soil. We promote and maintain a vibrant, active microbial activity and keep the water balanced for years. The secret: supplementing only the fresh water that is lost to evaporation and transpiration of the plants. No additional water is ever needed or desirable. Our growing. method routinely monitors individual mineral content and feeds the plant only what it

needs for optimum health and growth. We estimate we use 80 % less water, 90% less land, and 95% less shipping fuel than field-grown produce shipped into New York from traditional produce hotbeds.

Local Produce

Produce grown locally helps strengthen a region’s economy by providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and bringing the freshest, highest quality produce to consumers. Without the need to transport produce over a long distance, transportation costs as well as the detrimental effect of long-distance shipping is reduced. This is a win for both the greenhouse owner and the consumer.