Vertical farms are increasingly gaining popularity in many parts of the world. They are a modern method of farming that does not rely on large pieces of land, making them ideal for urban areas. Vertical farms utilize a hydroponic system of farming where crops are grown in stacked layers. These farms use artificial lights and controlled environments to enhance the growth of crops, resulting in high yields all year round. In this article, we explore the top ten astounding vertical farms worth exploring.
AeroFarms is one of the largest vertical farms in the world, occupying a space of around 70,000 square feet. The farm has over 250 different crop varieties, including leafy greens, such as kale, lettuce, and arugula. Given its location in an urban area, most of the produce is supplied to nearby restaurants and grocery stores. AeroFarms utilizes a closed-loop system, making it an eco-friendly farm.
Vertical Harvest is one of the most visually appealing vertical farms. The farm is located in a multi-story glass building, allowing visitors to see the greenery inside. Despite being located in a remote area, the farm supplies fresh produce to local markets and restaurants. Vertical Harvest grows a variety of greens, such as spinach, kale, and microgreens.
Plenty is a vertical farm that utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize the growth of crops. The farm occupies a 100,000 square foot space and specializes in growing leafy greens. Plenty uses a hydroponic system and LED lights to enhance the growth of the plants. The produce from the farm is supplied to local grocery stores.
Sky Greens is located in a building that resembles a giant vegetable garden. The farm uses a rotating system that ensures that every plant gets equal sunlight exposure. Sky Greens produce a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and kale. The farm is also eco-friendly, using rainwater to nourish the plants.
Green Sense Farms is a hydroponic farm that produces various crops, including herbs, microgreens, and leafy greens. The farm utilizes LED lighting that has the perfect spectrum and intensity to enhance plant growth. Green Sense Farms supplies its produce to several retail stores in the Chicago area.
Ocado is a vertical farm that grows herbs and leafy greens in a compact space. The farm utilizes a hydroponic system and LED lighting to maintain the optimal conditions for plant growth. Ocado uses produce from the farm to supplement its online grocery store.
Mirai is a vertical farm located in an underground tunnel in Tokyo. The farm specializes in producing lettuce using a hydroponic system. The farm uses artificial lighting and climate control to accelerate plant growth, achieving year-long harvests. Most of the products from the farm are supplied to local grocery stores and restaurants.
Bright Farms is a hydroponic farm that cultivates mostly leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. The farm supplies its produce to various retail stores in the surrounding area. Bright Farms uses a closed-loop system, ensuring that water is continually recycled, which minimizes water wastage.
The Plant is a vertical farm located in an old industrial building. The farm uses an aquaponic system, where fish waste is used to fertilize the crops. In this symbiotic relationship, the crops clean the water, which is then returned to the fish tanks. The farm produces a variety of crops, including lettuce, herbs, and microgreens.
Farm.One is a hydroponic farm that grows over 200 varieties of crops, including rare herbs and edible flowers. The farm utilizes controlled environments and LED lighting to optimize plant growth. Farm.One supplies its produce to some of the most exclusive restaurants in New York City.
Q: What is hydroponic farming?
A: Hydroponic farming is a method of growing plants without soil, where nutrients are added to water, and the plants absorb these nutrients through their roots.
Q: Why are vertical farms gaining popularity?
A: Vertical farms are becoming popular due to their ability to grow crops all year round, using minimal space and water, and reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation as they are often located in urban areas.
Q: Do vertical farms use pesticides?
A: Many vertical farms use natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects that eat pests or using organic pesticides.
Q: What types of crops can be grown in vertical farms?
A: Vertical farms can grow a wide range of crops, from herbs and leafy greens to fruiting crops such as tomatoes and strawberries.
Q: Are vertical farms sustainable?
A: Vertical farms are more sustainable than traditional farming methods because they use less water and pesticides, produce higher yields, and reduce food miles by being located in urban areas.