Urban Farming in Tucson
How a local grower is surviving during changing times
By Shawndrea Thomas
9KGUN
Oct 3, 2021
Excerpt:
“Not only do we accept cash and card we also accept SNAP, EBT and farmers market nutrition coupons. It contributes to the food system and the security of our food system. When things shut down and logistic networks shut down during the pandemic you know exactly where your food was sourced from and you still had access to it,” Fowler said.
Workers keep the water flowing and the greens growing to produce variations of lettuce and herbs.The process starts in the seed room, anywhere from 35,00 to 5,000 seeds are planted on a regular basis. Trays in the farm seed room hold about 276 seeds a piece. Then after about a week or so, the seedlings are brought to the greenhouse where they continue to grow.
“Our varieties are salvanova also known as frisee behind me, you see butter. We also have red leaf, green leaf and romaine. We have basil, Thai basil, chives. The majority of our business is hydroponics which is a nutrient dense water. A portion of our business is aquaponics which is using the science of fish water and fish waste to feed the plants. That side of our business is 100 percent organic,” Fowler said.
