Originally published in Issue 9 Cornell University researchers developed a “fast crop” production schedule for greenhouse lettuce. But growers may have to alter cultural practices to avoid tipburn caused by calcium deficiency. Tipburn is a physiological disorder of greenhouse-grown lettuce that can be a problem for growers who are trying to produce their crops in […]
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Originally published in Issue 9 Dan Albert, owner of Farmbox Greens, made the decision to start slow and expand his vertical farm system on his own terms rather than seeking outside investor capital. Dan Albert’s first exposure to vertical farming came in 2008 during a design competition for the U.S. Green Building Council’s annual conference. “The […]
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Originally published in Issue 9 Greenhouse growers looking to diversify into edible crops may want to consider strawberries, which can be adapted to production systems they are currently using for other crops. Greenhouse growers looking to diversify their product mix with a fall to spring edible crop might want to consider strawberries. “There is still […]
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Originally published in Issue 8 From community gardening to developing more food distribution outlets, people in both urban and rural areas of Minnesota are expanding their involvement in the local food movement. Minneapolis with the adjoining city of St. Paul form the Twin Cities, which is the 14th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. The […]
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Originally published in Issue 6 Switching from an inorganic to organic fertilizer is not a simple process. Growers have to be willing to put in the time and effort to ensure the changeover is successful. The goal of any fertility program, regardless of whether it is with organic or traditional inorganic fertilizers, is to ensure […]
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Landscape architect Jeffrey Orkin never planned to start his own vertical growing operation, but a job lay off and a passion for sustainability led to the launch of Greener Roots Farm. After six years of college and landing a position with a large architecture and engineering firm in Nashville, Tenn., Jeffrey Orkin thought his career […]
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Originally published in Issue 7 Scientists and growers are excited about the potential of LEDs for plant growth. Researchers advise growers that not all LEDs are created equal and that they should do their homework before investing in this new technology. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are gaining the attention of horticulture researchers and commercial growers. […]
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Originally published in Issue 7 Whether you’re growing ornamentals or vegetables in a controlled environment, if you’re not providing supplemental carbon dioxide you could limit your crops from reaching their full potential. If you are growing ornamental plants or vegetables in a controlled environment, including greenhouses, warehouses or growth chambers, carbon dioxide (CO2) could be […]
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Whether a grower is using a nutrient film technique or deep water raft hydroponic system, it is important to closely monitor pH, soluble salts and temperature to optimize plant growth. Growers who are doing hydroponic production in nutrient film technique (NFT) or deep water raft systems should be monitoring pH and soluble salts content (electrical […]
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Originally published in Issue 6 Japan’s plant factories are expanding to meet the increasing demand for safe, pesticide-free, locally-grown food. Japan has more plant factories (PFs) than any other country. The largest number of plant factories are located in Okinawa Prefecture near Taiwan. The rapid commercialization and financial subsidization by the Japanese government of PFs, […]
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Originally published in Issue 5 Regardless of the crop being grown or the irrigation system being used, growers face the same issues related to water quality, nutrient delivery and nutrient uptake. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to fertilizing plants. Regardless of the crop being grown, whether ornamental or vegetable, different species have […]
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Originally published in Issue 5 Famgro Farms is using a vertical farm production system to successfully compete with conventional farming to produce healthier, better tasting food. Steve Fambro, CEO at Famgro Farms in Oceanside, Calif., isn’t your typical farmer. And his “farm” isn’t the typical agricultural operation. It’s located in a 10,000-square-foot building that was […]
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University researchers, some of whom previously focused on ornamental crops, are turning their attention to food crops as more growers look to replace or supplement flower crop production. University of Arkansas horticulture professor Mike Evans said that he has seen a shift in interest by growers and students from greenhouse floral crops to food crops. […]
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Originally published in Issue 4 With continuing concerns about water availability, safety and regulations, more growers are looking at water treatment to protect this vital resource. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is scheduled to release a report on the impact of climate change in March 2014. A leaked copy of the final […]
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