Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in nutrient solutions (water and fertilizers)
with or without the use of artificial medium (such as vermiculite, sand, peat, gravel
or sawdust) to provide support. Our growers use a method of aggregate systems where
plants have a solid medium of support and they range from ‘open’ systems, where
the nutrient solution is delivered to the plant roots to ‘closed' where surplus
solution is recovered, replenished and recycled.
The use of plastic and/or glass greenhouse structures plays a role in production.
These structures provide temperature control, reduce evaporative water loss, and
reduce disease and pest infestations.
Our Pure Flavor products are made possible by the technological advances within
the Hydroponics industry, which has evolved rapidly since its inception 70 years
ago. With tomato consumption in the U.S. at 4.3 billion pounds a year, consumers
have fueled industry expansion. This versatile technology is an efficient method
of growing superior produce anywhere, anytime. As such, the technology also holds
hope for developing countries and areas not suitable to conventional farming --
including deserts or even space stations!
The key advantages of hydroponic controlled growing environments are as follows:
- Most efficient use of water and fertilizers
- Minimal use of land area
- Maximum disease and pest control
- Isolation of the crop from soil, which often has the additional problems of poor
structure for optimal growing, salinity (salt content), and poor drainage
- Year-round production