This week we are happy to introduce locally grown tomatoes from His and Hers Greenhouse in Lumberton, NC. These tomatoes are grown in a heated greenhouse to protect the plants from the cold winter air, and are also grown in a hydroponic system. Hydroponics is an old technology that was further developed and improved upon throughout the 20th century to grow plants without the use of soil. Instead of soil, essential plant nutrients are dissolved in water, and plant roots are given direct access to that water and the essential nutrients. In most applications, the water flows through a contained system, where all inputs such as nutrients, fertilizers, or even access to water can be adjusted as needed.

Hydroponics is a very clever technology that holds many advantages over traditional, soil based agriculture. For one, the water is reused by the system, significantly reducing the amount of water required by traditional agriculture which simply leaches through the ground. The fact the system is largely to fully self-contained creates an environment that can be optimized for growth and yield, while protecting against externalities such as pest and disease. This optimization for growth and yield, and limit to loss from pests and disease, mean that hydroponic systems can create higher crop yields. Hydroponics are also able to use space much more efficiently, by allowing the grower to plant vertically, layer on top of layer. Furthermore, the soil-less, controlled environments create require significantly less labor, no weeding, and are much easier to harvest.

However, as with anything, hydroponics do have their disadvantages. The main disadvantage is likely the high cost required to setup the system. Hydroponic systems require tanks, pumps, pipes, infrastructure to build on, and if they are combined with a greenhouse the costs rise even higher. Hydroponic systems also require significant technical skills and know how. They require careful thought, understanding, and experience to setup properly, and are equally difficult to maintain. Mistakes in a hydroponic system can quickly wipe out the entire crop.

Hydroponics are a very interesting and useful growing technology. They are a great option for expanding agriculture into resource scarce areas where traditional agriculture is not feasible. And, for us locally in NC, as we continue to demand more local agriculture and infrastructure, they provide a great option to extend our growing seasons, and expand growing spaces into new urban or semi-urban districts.

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