Saturday, January 17, 2009

Hydroponic Farm Visit!

This afternoon I took a tour of a local farm, Butter Valley Harvest, that has just started working in hydroponics. The plants here are grown in a greenhouse with controlled temperature and humidity, without soil; instead, they are fed with water fertilized with all the essential nutrients for a plant.


baby lettuces


look how green the romaine is, in the back on the right!

What this means is that the plants get absolutely everything they need to be healthy and none of those diseases that come from dirt and insects, resulting in the greenest and most fragrant lettuce I have ever known! When we walked into the greenhouse, everyone gasped and smiles broke out all around. It was so breathtakingly green! In the middle of January! They are the types of lettuces you imagine Peter Rabbit nibbling on in the English countryside. So tender and crisp.


baby bibbs

After the tour, we were all given a free head of lettuce. I also bought some extra, so as to have every variety for sampling. Right now they are growing bibb, romaine, and an experimental mix of seven varieties that includes some asian types. There is also some beautiful basil, and the tomatoes are just about to be planted. They can be expected around April. All of these goodies will be readily available to the public this spring at the farm, or they can be purchased now if you give them a call, for two dollars or less a head! Don't hesitate! Even if you want just a single head of lettuce, they are extremely welcoming to local patronage. Check them out at http://www.buttervalleyharvest.com/. Now to think up some recipes worthy of such glorious greens!

salad blend

--Pam