As Americans, we're pretty lucky to have access to fresh food, regardless of what time of year it is. Now that many world regions are back on lockdown and international shipments are likely to be delayed, it's important to be more self-reliant than ever. One of the ways we can be self-sufficient is to buy local and support urban farming.
Which Grow Light Is Right For You?
There's no doubt that the sun provides farmers with the natural sunlight needed to grow vigorous, healthy plants. But severe weather can be a deterrent to growing crops outdoors during harsh winter or summer temperatures. There's been a trend to move some crops inside, especially those with fast harvest cycles like lettuce and cannabis.
Increase yields and save valuable resources
Automated grow systems have been used for many years to keep labor costs down. Whether it's lighting, vents, or artificial intelligence, automation, and technology are capable of repeatable and predictable results. This allows growers to streamline previously time-consuming processes quickly and efficiently. Most automated greenhouse systems allow users to control their cultivation environment via an app on their smart devices.
How To Train Your Plants
Topping is a fundamental tool used to train plants. It enables growers to force plants to grow horizontally instead of vertically, making the most efficient use of available lighting. Topping is a simple way to increase yields by removing the tip of the top of the plant growth, allowing it to send vital energy out to lower nodes, encouraging growth outwards, instead of up.
Success Stories: Brick Street Farms
Growing produce in retrofitted shipping containers has received notable buzz over the past five to ten years as produce is grown locally and organically, in most cases. The fully insulated contained structure allows for year-round growth regardless of harsh, exterior environments. Container farming has many benefits, including reduced water usage and the lack of need for harmful pesticides.
Adding Tech Hardware and Software To Your Grow
Greenhouse computers and equipment have transformed how we grow. The IoT is pushing the future of farming to the next level, and smart agriculture is becoming more commonplace among growers. High tech cultivation is quickly becoming the standard thanks to agricultural automation, all operating on your greenhouse computer.
While indoor-grown cannabis has grown in popularity in recent years because of its uniformity and durability, some companies embrace cannabis's roots — growing outdoors. Cultivating cannabis in the great outdoors has its benefits but also comes with uncertainties that companies should consider before making a decision.
What Is Urban and Vertical Farming?
First coined by American geologist Gilbert Bailey in 1915, the term vertical farming was initially a practical solution to a lack of sustainable soil by growing up instead of out. In 1999, Dickson Despommier, a professor at New York's Columbia University, popularized the modern idea of vertical farming.
There are numerous things in your indoor grow that are critical to measure and monitor to keeps things growing. Lighting, CO2 levels, airflow, for example, are essential aspects of your business that need to be regularly observed and adjusted. But it's also vital to measure EC levels.
Urban farming is widespread for many reasons, such as sustainability, affordability, health, and convenience. Today urban farming exists in many forms, including community and backyard gardens, rooftop and balcony gardening, indoor vertical farming, just to name a few.
