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© Bright Agrotech 2015 www.brightagrotech.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
............................... ................................ .................3 .3 THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE............... .............................. ................................ ..................4 ..4 HARVESTING AND PRUNING.............. .............................. ............................... ................................ ................................ ...................5 ...5 GLOSSARY............... .............................. ............................... ............................... ................................ .....................6 .....6 CROP LIST.............. .............................. ................................ .....................27 .....27 APPENDIX A: CROPS SETS.............. ............................. ...............................28 ...............28 APPENDIX B: GROWTH RATES............. ............................. ................................ ................................ .......................29 .......29 APPENDIX C: PH.............
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THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE Welcome to the world of vertical farming! You’re now farming with techniques that have different limits and opportunities than typical soil farming. Crops perform differently differently than they did in old techniques - and often for the better. Understanding how different crops perform in vertical agriculture techniques can help you grow produce that is more robust and productive than ever before. This guide is written to help you use the needs and preferences of different crops to grow better.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CROPS ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS One of the exciting and unique characteristics of greenhouse or indoor growing is that you, as the greenhouse manager, have control over the environment. This means that you get to choose from a wide variety of crops. If you’re growing crops that come from different environmental needs, you’ll need to pay close attention to the needs and limits of each crop. As you pick out crops for your operation, be sure to choose a set of crops that can all grow in similar conditions. If you wish to grow both mint and tomatoes, for example, you might run into problems. You can often work your way around incompatibilities by keeping crops in different parts of your greenhouse; keeping that mint close to the cool air coming in from your fan would be wise. Differences in water needs can be solved by adjusting the water pressure to certain units - we often recommend plumbing your system with valves on each section. This way you can turn on section on for less time than sections containing crops with higher water needs.
REPRODUCTIVE CYCLES The reproductive stage of a plants life cycle is primarily controlled by age and environmental environmental cues like heat and light. For most greens and herbs, owering and fruit production is a bad thing. If you choose to grow greens and herbs, you’ll want to harvest or prune before that time comes. As the plant shifts the focus of its energy to reproductive growth, vegetative growth slows down, and the leaves become more bitter and more tough. You should also take measures to prevent reproductive growth if possible. Keep the temperature within the ideal temperature range for that crop, and watch the duration and amount of light you are delivering.
For other crops such as strawberries, cucumbers, squash, melons, etc., reproductive growth is good. Encourage reproductive reproductive growth by keeping temperatures and day length in the ideal range. Pollination can be an issue for indoor fruiting crops. If you lack pollinators, you may be able to nd varieties that don’t need pollination. Otherwise, you should prepare to hand-polli nate your crops. This can be done with a paintbrush or Q-tip.
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HARVESTING AND PRUNING
Having such a wide variety of crops at your disposal, in conjunction with having unique growing techniques, means that harvesting methods will vary. Some crops (usually lettuces and cabbages) are only harvested once before being torn out and replanted. Other crops, such as kale, mustard, chives, chard, and some herbs can be harvested multiple times. When you harvest these types of crops, leave about two thirds of the greens to allow the plant to perform photosynthesis while it grows to harvesting size again. Check out this video for information on harvesting equipment and this video for more on how to harvest different crops.
Harvest and prune carefully to maximize the next production cycle of the plant. On woody plants like basil, branches grow upward with leaves growing off to the side. On most of these plants, there is a pair of lateral buds on the stem which do not grow into branches unless the main (apical) stem is cut. If you cut the apical stem strategically, you can trigger growth from the lateral buds, replacing the one main branch with two branches, and increasing production and resulting in a more full plant. (Having a bushy and full tower increases it’s aesthetic appeal and makes produce better for display and sale. For mint and chives, trim the growth down completely to one inch from the face of the tower.
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GLOSSARY Apical growth: growth which grows upward from the apical bud of the plant; usually results in the “main” branch of the plant. Bolting: a shift from vegetative to reproductive growth, usually resulting in a tall inedible ower stalk and a bitter taste. Cole crops: crops belonging to the mustard family, including mustard, cabbage, kale, broccoli, and kohlrabi, among others. IPM: (Integrated Pest Management) a pest management strategy which utilizes multiple types of control and precise timing to control pest populations for the best economic outcome in the long term. Lateral buds: the set of undeveloped buds situated on the side of the stem of a plant which grow if the apical branch is badly damaged or removed. Turn: the time it takes for a plant to grow from transplant to harvest-able crops.
As you can see from the elongated stem and the leaves which are starting to turn inward, this lettuce plant is beginning to bolt and will soon become bitter.
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GREENS Greens are typically lower-value crops compared to herbs, fetching $3.50-5.00 per pound. Though they bring in less per pound than most herbs, greens can be a benet to farmers be -
cause they satisfy a consistent need in most communities. Greens can also be a liability-reducer for farmers, who can rest assured knowing that it will only take four to six weeks (a typical turn for greens) to return to full production.
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SWISS CHARD • • • •
Seed to germination: 5-7 days Seed to transplant: 3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 5-6 weeks Yield: 5.5 lbs./ tower/ 6-week turn
• • • • •
pH range: 6.6-7.0 EC/PPM:-/1260-1610 Light: Moderate-high light Height: 12-32” Harvest: Gradual
Pests and diseases are minimal; possible pests include aphids and leaf miners, and diseases include leaf spot and powdery mildew.
About Chard Chard produces large leaves with a rich avor similar to spinach. Since it is hard to ship after harvest, chard can be difcult to nd in stores, so chard from live sales is typically received well. The difference between the dark green of the leaf and the light or rainbow colors of the stem and veins makes chard an aesthetically pleasing crop; rainbow chard is especially popular for live sales displays. Chard is biannual, so it will not bolt for the rst year.
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MUSTARD GREENS • • • •
Seed to germination: 4-7 days Seed to transplant: 3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 4-6 weeks Yield: 3.1 lbs. per tower 5-week turn
• pH range: 6.0-7.5 • EC/PPM: 1.2-2.4/840-1680 • Light: 12- 18 hrs ideally but tolerant of 8-10 hrs • Height: 6”-24” • Harvest: Gradual Pests include aphids, ea beetle, slugs, and snails, while diseases include white rust, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot.
About Mustard Greens Mustard greens produce large, rufed leaves which have a avor similar to radishes. It is used in salads or can be enjoyed on its own. Since mustard is less tolerant of heat, it typically grows better in cool climates. If harvested properly, mustard greens are capable of multiple harvests.
While many cole crops are resistant to diseases, mustard greens are susceptible to several diseases and require monitoring.
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KALE • • • •
Seed to germination: 4-7 days Seed to transplant: 4-5 weeks Transplant to harvest: 5-6 weeks Yield: 4 lbs/ tower/ 6 week turn
• pH range: 6.0-7.5 •
EC/PPM: 2.5-3.0/ 1750-2100
• Light: 12- 18 hrs ideally but tolerant of 8-10 hrs • Height: 18”-36” • Harvest: Gradual
Pests include, cabbage loopers, cabbageworms, ea beetles, aphids, slugs, and snails. Diseases include clubroot, black rot, black leg, and alternaria.
About Kale An excellent choice for the beginning grower, kale grows quickly, is hearty and tolerant to cold conditions and frosts, and does not bolt easily. Some growers even claim that frost improves the avor. Kale is a favorite here at Bright Agrotech and is very popular among our CSA members, who use the nutrient-packed green in smoothies, salads, soups, and even dried as “kale chips.”
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ARUGULA • • • •
Seed to germination: 5-7 days Seed to transplant:3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 6-7 weeks Yield: 2-3 lbs./ tower/ 5-week turn
• pH range: 6.0-6.8 • Light: 12- 18 hrs ideally but tolerant of 8-10 hrs • Height: 12”-24” • Harvest: Gradual
Pest problems include aphids, ea beetles. Disease problems rarely occur.
About Arugula This frost tolerant plant is often used in salads to add a spicy, bitter avor, and the owers it produces are edible. This green is a favorite with chefs as tasty addition to salads.
Bolting becomes common during long periods of heat. Arugula must be kept in a cool growing environment. After owering the avor becomes intense and sometimes bitter.
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CABBAGE • Height: 10-12”Harvest: • Yield: 4 heads, 2-8 lbs. each / 5 ‘tower/ 5 weeks • Harvest: One-time
• pH range: 6.2-6.6 •
EC/PPM: 2.5-3.0/ 1750-2100
Pests include cabbage loopers, slugs, aphids, and ea beetles. Diseases include black leg, clubroot, black rot, and yellows.
About Cabbage Cabbage grows robustly, especially in ZipGrow towers. While it can take 8-12 weeks to be ready for harvest, one tower can produce 25-35 lbs. in a single harvest. Cabbage prefers cool conditions. pH outside of 6.5-6.8 increases risk of disease. Plant cabbage seedlings 12”-24” apart to leave room for the development of the head. Harvest when the head of cabbage feels rm and developed. Once a head cracks, it is time to harvest immediately. Stress like heat or drought can cause heads to crack prematurely.
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BOK CHOY
• • • •
Seed to germination: 4-7 days Seed to transplant: 3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 4-6 weeks Yield: 7.3 lbs./ tower/ 5-week turn
• pH range: 5.8-6.2 • Light: 12- 18 hrs ideally but tolerant of 8-10 hrs • Height: 12”-24” • Harvest: One-time
Pests most commonly include aphids and powdery mildew.
About Bok Choy Bok Choy is easy to produce and results in high yield if grown properly. It is tolerant of both heat and cold, although warm temperatures can cause it to bolt prematurely. Bok Choy requires partial to full sun for optimal growth. It tolerates pH from 6.0-7.5 and prefers constant watering. There are numerous varieties of Bok Choy with different preferences, so choose the variety that’s right for your location.
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LETTUCE • • • •
Seed to germination: 7-14 days Seed to transplant: 3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 5 weeks Yield: 4-6-lbs./ tower/ 5-week turn
• pH range: 5.6-6.2 •
EC/PPM: 0.8-1.2/ 560-840
• Light: Moderate-high light 10-18 hrs • Height: 6”-12” • Harvest: One-time
Pests include aphids, leafminers, leafhoppers, cabbage loopers, thrips, whiteies, wireworms, and slugs. Diseases include damping off, powdery mildew, mosaic virus, and fusarium wilt.
About Lettuce Lettuce enjoys cool temperatures, so it is more suitable for mild climates. For ideal growth, keep temperatures between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit and pH lower than 6.0. Lettuce is a good crop or beginners and experts alike due to its high yields and consistent demand. Diseases and pests are the major consideration when growing lettuce. Make sure that you implement a good IPM strategy.
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HERBS Herbs are usually high value crops with a continuous yield. Herbs can be easier to grow than greens, but take a longer time to reach maturity. This longer maturation time can cause problems in case of an emergency, since it takes longer for a grower to reach full production again; however, most herbs can be harvested multiple times. Herbs regularly bring $1.99/oz.-$2.99/oz.
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OREGANO • • • •
Seed to germination: 8-14 days Seed to transplant: 5-7 weeks Transplant to harvest: 8-10 weeks Yield: 2.5 lbs./ tower/ 8-week turn
• pH range: 6.0-8.0 •
EC/PPM: 1.5-2.0/1050-1400
• Light: Full sun/ high light demand 12 hr. • Height: 12”-18” • Harvest: Multiple
Pests include spider mites, aphids, slugs, and thrips. Diseases are few; mint rust is one consideration.
About Oregano A wise choice for new growers, oregano is often the subject of high demand, is drought resistant, and prefers heat. Yields can take up to 8 weeks to fully develop. Oregano tolerates a pH range of 6.0-8.0, but requires good drainage or part-time irrigation. Dry climates are best for growing oregano.
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MINT • • • •
Seed to germination: 12-16 days Seed to transplant: 4-5 weeks Transplant to harvest: 6 weeks Yield: 3-4-lbs./ tower/ 3-week turn
• pH range: 6.5-7.0 •
PPM: 1400-1680
• Light: Full sun/ (14-18) hr. • Height: 12-18” • Harvest: Continuous
Pests include whiteies, spider mites, black ies, aphids, snails, and slugs, while diseases include mint rust.
About Mint Mint is a great crop for beginners. Mint grows robustly, is resilient against damage, and continuously yields once the plants have been established. Most towers produce an average of 4 lbs. every 3 weeks. One inch of plant matter remaining after harvest is enough to resume growth. Plants can be spaced as little as 2” apart. Mint is one of the few crops with a root system that will out grow the tower housing. You may notice roots growing out of the bottom, and the roots may grow so aggressively that the front of the tower is spread slightly. Mint is also easy to clone. You can clip stems from the mother plant and drop them in the gutters below for an easy and quick way to clone new plants. It is important to keep an eye on salts in a system since mint is salt sensitive. Different varieties express a range of avors, including sweet mint, spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint. Learn why mint is a great crop for commercial hydroponic growers in this video.
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CHIVES • • • •
Seed to germination: 15-21 days Seed to transplant: 4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 6-8 weeks Yield: 3-5 lbs/4 weeks/tower; 8-week establishment
• pH range: 6.1-7.8 •
PPM: 1260-1540
• Light: Full sun 12 hr. minimum • Height: 12”-18” • Harvest: Continuous
Pests may include aphids and thrips, while disease concerns are negligible.
About Chives Another crop ideal for beginners is Chives, which are planted densely and soon take over the whole tower. Chives grow so densely and are so hardy that they can be harvested completely down to an inch from the face of the tower and will return to maturity in ve to seven weeks. Because the plant is so difcult to damage, chives make a great crop for displays, including green walls.
Watch this video of Dr. Nate Storey talking about growing chives in aquaponics systems.
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THYME • • • •
Seed to germination: 8-20 days Seed to transplant:4- weeks Transplant to harvest: 6-8 weeks Yield: 2 lbs./tower/ 8-weeks
• pH range: 6.5-7.0 •
PPM: 560-1120
• Light: Full sun/ high light demand 12 hr. bare minimum • Height: 12”-18” • Harvest: Continual
Pests include whiteies, spider mites, and alternaria blight.
About Thyme Thyme is a popular herb for home- and restaurant-chefs alike, being a classic avor for meat and soups. The crop prefers drier conditions. It does best in more alkaline conditions but will tolerate a pH range of 6.5-7.0. For best results, give thyme full exposure to light and prune when you harvest.
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FENNEL • Seed to germination: 7-14 days • Seed to transplant: 3-5 weeks • Transplant to harvest: 6-7 weeks
• Yield: 5-8 lbs. / tower/ 8 weeks • pH range: 6.0-7.5 •
PPM: 700-980
• Light: Full sun/ high light demand 12 hr. • Height: 12”-60” • Harvest: Multiple
Pest concerns are low but may include aphids.
About Fennel Fennel is a delicate crop with a sweet mild avor similar to sassafras or anise. Both the frilly greens and the lightly colored bulb can be harvested and eaten. It is a hardy crop that can grow over ve feet tall and does well in a wide range of conditions. Fennel can be planted 10-12 plants/tower, and weighs in at an average of .5 lb. per head. It can take up to 100 days to become mature. It requires minimal watering, and is tolerant of pH values 6.0-7.5. Fennel is relatively pest and disease free and makes an excellent choice for beginners.
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SWEET BASIL • • • •
Seed to germination: 7-10 days Seed to transplant: 3-5 weeks Transplant to harvest: 5 weeks Yield: 3-4-lbs./ tower/ 5-week turn
• pH range: 5.6-6,6 •
PPM: 700-1120
• Light: Full sun/ (14-18) hr. • Height: 18”-24” • Harvest: Continuous
Pests include nematodes, aphids, thrips, ea beetles, whiteies, and snails/slugs. Diseases include damping off, root rot, leaf spot diseases, fusarium wilt, and downy mildew.
About Sweet Basil Basil, while moderately difcult to produce, is popular in almost any market and produces higher yields in ZipGrow towers than any other growing method in the world.
Numerous varieties of basil are available; nearly all fetch $1.99-$2.99 per oz. depending on the market. Basil grows best in heat and high light. If you have limited light or cool conditions, growth will be slower. You may need to supplement heat, light, or both. Basil can be harvested multiple times, and if pruned properly will produce more each harvest. Once a plant has been established, cuttings can be easily used to propagate more crops. Proper drainage is critical to preventing diseases from forming during production.
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CILANTRO • • • •
Seed to germination: 7-10 days Seed to transplant: 4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 4-6 weeks Yield: 1.5-2.5 lbs./ 5’ tower/ 5 weeks
• • • •
pH range: 6.5-6.7 Light: Full sun/ (14-18) hr. Height: 18”-24” Harvest: Continuous
Pests include fungal wilt, leafhoppers, aphids; diseases include powdery mildew.
About Cilantro Cilantro can be a tricky crop to grow since it bolts very easily, especially in hot conditions. This crop prefers cooler temperatures (40-75 degrees Fahrenheit) and low salt. If bolting is triggered, trim the bolts and adjust environmental conditions. Be aware that the avor of the greens becomes more bitter and harsh once the plant has bolted. Growers can purchase slow bolting seeds to minimize the potential for crop failure.
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PARSLEY • • • •
Seed to germination: 21-28 days Seed to transplant:3-4 weeks Transplant to harvest: 5-6 weeks Yield: 3-4-lbs./ tower/ 5-week turn
• pH range: 5.8-6.4 •
PPM: 560-1260
• Light: Full sun/ (14-18) hr. • Height: 12”-18” • Harvest: Continuous
Pests include whitey, spider mites, aphids, while diseases include leaf spot, damping off, leaf blight, powdery mildew, and nematodes.
About Parsley Parsley germinates slowly but produces a high yield once established. Parsley is another cool weather crop, and will bolt if temperatures exceed 75 degrees for a long time. Since this herb is so versatile in how it can be used, it’s popular in stores and restaurants alike. Check out Haydn Christensen’s greenhouse to see how parsley is grown in ZipGrows.
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LEMONGRASS • Seed to germination: 10-40 days • Seed to transplant: 4-5 weeks • Transplant to harvest: 5-6 weeks
• pH range: 5.5-6.5 • Light: Full sun/ (14-18) hr. • Height: 12”-36”
Pests are minimal due to the aromatic compound that lemongrass produces, and it can be used as a natural pest deterrent within the greenhouse.
About Lemongrass Lemongrass is native to India and prefers warm, moist climates with lots of sun. The crop is a slow grower, taking about three months to grow to maturity. This is a great crop to offer as personalized production for chefs, or at the farmer’s market, where lemongrass may fetch up to $4.99 per ounce.
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CHERVIL • • • •
Seed to germination: 7-14 days Seed to transplant: 4-5 weeks Transplant to harvest: 3-5 weeks Yield: 1/5lbs/tower/ 6-7 weeks
• • • •
pH range: 5.5-7.0 Light: Partial sun/shade Height: 10”-28” Harvest: Multiple harvests
Pest are generally not a signicant con cern with chervil.
About Chervil Chervil is a mildly avored herb that is often used in ne French cuisine. Flavor is best when grown in moderate conditions.
Since chervil is such a unique herb to offer, many people won’t know what you can do with it. If you offer chervil in a grocery store or at a farmer’s market, consider including a recipe card to inspire customers.
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FRUITING CROPS Fruiting crops are productive and satisfying to grow in ZipGrow towers, but are slightly more labor intensive due to the typical size of fruiting crops and to higher nutrient requirements. Largely statured plants may require trellising, which may be done with string, wood, netting, or wire. The large plants may make your towers bulkier and more awkward to move. Since fruiting crops have to produce both vegetative and reproductive growth, nutrient requirements are much higher. Nutrient levels in a system with fruiting crops require more active management than systems with greens or herbs. Strawberries are the easiest fruiting crop to grow, being smaller plants. Other common fruiting crops include tomatoes, melons, peppers, squash, and cucumbers.
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STRAWBERRIES
• pH range: 5.5-6.8 •
EC/PPM: 1.2-1.5/840-1050
• Light: 8-10 hr. (ideal=12-18 hr.) • Yield: 0.1 lbs/day at maturity • Spacing: 18” between plants
Pests of strawberries include arachnids like spider mites, pythium, rhizoctonia, and other fungal pathogens.
About Strawberries Strawberries are the hardiest and easiest of the fruiting crops to grow. They also require fewer nutrients than other fruiting crops. Strawberries require full sun exposure and a pH from 5.8-6.2. Before ordering seeds or root stock to grow, research different varieties. Some varieties of strawberries are day neutral (produce year round), while others have seasonal ushes of production. One day neutral variety well-suited to ZipGrow Towers is the Seascape variety.
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APPENDIX A - CROP SETS
Cool Region Crops
Warm Region Crops
Lettuce Arugula Kale Mustard Greens Bok Choy Mint Cilantro (Coriander) Tarragon Fennel Nasturtiums Peppermint
Bok Choy Oregano Basil Lemongrass Spearmint
Low Water Crops
Crops For Beginners
Cilantro Sage Chives Oregano Tarragon Fennel Nasturtiums Peppermint
Lettuce Bok Choy Mustard Greens Chard Kale Mint Arugula Chives Fennel
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APPENDIX B - GROWTH RATES
*Genovese Basil *Lime Basil
Seed to germination 7-10 days
Germination to transplant 3-5 weeks
Transplant to harvest 5 weeks
5-15 days
3-5 weeks
5 weeks
*Cilantro
7-10 days
3-5 weeks
5 weeks
*Oregano
8-14 days
5-7 weeks
8-10 weeks
Fennel
7-14 days
3-5 weeks
6-7 weeks
*Mint
12-16 days
4-5 weeks
6 weeks
*Parsley
21-28 days
3-4 weeks
5-6 weeks
*Chives
15-21 days
4 weeks
6-8 weeks
*Lemon Thyme Lemongrass
8-20 days
4 weeks
6-8 weeks
10-90 days
4-5 weeks
5-6 weeks
*Nasturtiums
7-14 days
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
*Tarragon
10-14 days
5-7 weeks
8-10 weeks
*Chervil
7-10 days
4-5 weeks
3-5 weeks
Greens
Lettuce
Germination time 7-14 days
Time to trans- Time till plant sale(turn) 3-4 weeks 5 weeks
*Chard
5-7 days
3-4 weeks
5-6 weeks
Bok Choy
4-7 days
3-4 weeks
4-6 weeks
*Mustard Greens *Kale
4-7 days
3-4 weeks
4-6 weeks
4-7 days
4-5 weeks
5-6 weeks
*Arugula
5-7 days
3-4 weeks
6-7 weeks
Strawberries
7-42 days
Herbs
9-35 weeks
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APPENDIX C - PH Crop
pH
EC(mS/cm)/PPM
Basil
6.2-6.8
700-1120
Cilantro
6.5-7.5
-
Oregano
6.0-8.0
-
Fennel
6.0-7.5
700-980
Mint
6.5-7.0
1400-1680
Parsley
6.0-7.0
560-1260
Chives
6.1-7.8
1260-1540
Thyme
6.5-7.0
560-1120
Lemongrass
5.0-8.0
-
Nasturtiums
6.1-7.8
-
Tarragon
6.5-7.5
-
Chervil
5.5-7.0
-
Lettuce
6.2-6.8
(0.8-1.2) 560-840
Chard
6.0-7.0
1260-1610
Bok Choy
6.0-7.5
(1.5-2.0) 1050-1400
Mustard Greens Kale
6.0-7.5
(1.2-2.4) 840-1680
6.0-7.6
-
Arugula
6.0-6.8
Max 1400
Strawberries
5.5-6.8
(1.8-2.2) 1260-1540
Cabbage
6.5-7.0
1750-2100
More information GTG Hydroponics, Hydroponic.co.za Back to Top
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