Parents pack shrieking children into the car for an afternoon at the local U-Pick farm. Looking forward to hours swatting mosquitoes, baking in the heat, and sneaking sun-ripened strawberries into their mouths, the promise of strawberry ice cream and strawberry shortcake keeps them motivated. This family may be in for a surprise! U-Pick operations have started moving, in large numbers, to vertical hydroponics farming systems.
Farmland Disappearing
U-Pick farms have been a staple of childhood for many a person. Formerly located within reach of urban areas, but still untouched, many u-pick operations have been swallowed by subdivisions. Farms that can afford to remain open are surrounded by housing developments. With their land worth more than the crops they grow on it, farmers have sought more economical ways to produce their crops.
Vertical Hydroponics Growing Systems
Visit a u-pick near you and the plants will most likely be growing in the air! Hydroponics systems have become popular for a number of reasons. First, the systems allow growers to produce more fruit in a smaller area. If a farm has been squeezed by nearby development, vertical growing systems allow the farmer to downsize their property holdings and upsize their output. Vertical growing systems also have the advantage of eliminating backbreaking work of crawling or crouching on the ground to harvest fruit. Vertical growing systems bring the fruit to the person by allowing plants to grow at eye-level.
Flourishing in Florida
Many U-Pick farms in Florida have switched to hydroponics. This is good news for the farmer, the consumer and the community. Because growing plants in hydroponics systems does not involve soil, fewer pests attack the plants, resulting in less need for pesticides. Weeds are also no longer a problem in hydroponics systems, eliminating use of herbicides. Plants grown in hydroponics systems are healthier for the consumer. Elimination of most pesticides from the growing operation is good for the community and the farmer. Surrounding land is not harmed from potential runoff and the farmer spends less money on growing plants, and thus can produce more plants.
Florida is a hot spot for strawberry and fruit production in all seasons. Strawberries have traditionally had a short window of production, as they stop producing as the weather heats up. Plants growing in vertical hydroponics systems stay cooler, and produce fruit longer than their counterparts crawling on the ground.
While romantic notions of u-pick operations past float in the minds of parents, modern hydroponics u-pick farms are the way of the future. These new farms provide fun for the whole family, as well as nutritious food for the table. And, you can still sneak a strawberry now and then while you pick!