Hydroponics 101

Today, our local farming partners are not just harvesting crops out in the field, they’re also growing crops inside freight containers! Hydroponic farming is a method of growing produce that uses water and nutrients instead of soil. This makes it possible to farm the equivalent of about 2.5 acres of traditional farmland in a small container of about 40 feet.

It’s not just efficient in terms of space – it’s also sustainable year-round. Hydroponic farming makes it possible to grow produce 365 days a year for a continuous harvest, regardless of weather conditions. The portability of hydroponic farms makes it possible to grow food much closer to the “table,” reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. 

For decades, we have offered hydroponic lettuce as an option in the produce section. However, we have deepened our collaborations with local hydroponic farmers Vertical Roots and Brick Street Farms to bring additional options into more stores, as well as more educational opportunities to our customers so they can understand the sustainable benefits of these delicious lettuces.

Facts About Hydroponic Farming

1. While 95% of lettuce is grown in Arizona and California and can travel up to 2,000 miles before it gets to the plate, hydroponic farms can be placed anywhere to provide fresh local produce to grocery stores.
2. Hydroponic lettuce is grown 365 days a year.
3. Each farm pod can produce 3,400 plants per harvest and can be harvested 15 to 16 times a year. That’s a lot of lettuce!
4. Farm pods can be made from refurbished shipping containers and placed on any surface. This enables produce to be grown in communities that don’t have farmland and promotes land conservation in communities that do.
5.  Hydroponic farming uses 98% less water than traditional farming, conserving this valuable and finite resource.

We think it’s important for you to know where your food comes from. Now when you see hydroponic lettuce options from Vertical Roots or Brick Street Farms in our produce section, you’ll know that they were grown using this advanced, efficient and sustainable process.