Hydroponic Sea Cans
We’re growing greens for food hampers in our new hydroponic sea cans!
Sea-riously Cool
We can’t contain our excitement…
The Red Deer Food Bank now has two hydroponic sea cans on site to grow soilless produce to supplement our hamper produce selection.
Hydroponic sea cans, also known as shipping container farms, are an innovative approach to urban agriculture and sustainable farming. These setups repurpose shipping containers into compact, controlled-environment agricultural systems. They utilize hydroponic technology to produce food efficiently and sustainably.
In these sea cans, we will be growing butter lettuce, microgreens, radishes, bok choy and spinach among other leafy vegetables.
Growing without soil
Inside the sea can, plants are grown in a soilless medium and fed with a nutrient-rich water solution.
This method allows for precise control over nutrients, pH levels, and water usage, optimizing plant health and yield. Advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems maintain the ideal temperature and humidity levels. This controlled environment agriculture (CEA) allows for year-round farming, independent of external weather conditions.
By utilizing vertical farming techniques within a compact space, hydroponic sea cans can produce significantly more yield per square foot than traditional agriculture. Hydroponics is highly water-efficient, using up to 90% less water than soil-based farming, as water in the system is recirculated.
The controlled environment significantly reduces the incidence of pests and diseases, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides, and making a healthier product. These systems can be placed in urban environments where space is limited, and operate on sustainable principles, including reduced water usage and the potential to use renewable energy sources.
Year-Round food Security
This innovative approach to agriculture enables the cultivation of fresh produce year-round, regardless of external climate conditions.
Hydroponics offers a sustainable solution to some of the key challenges faced by the Food Bank. The hydroponic sea cans will allow for the indoor cultivation of vegetables in a controlled environment, meaning we will be able to access fresh produce throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal changes or harsh weather conditions. Hydroponics can also accelerate plant growth, enabling more frequent harvests compared to traditional farming. This means a steady supply of fresh produce to distribute to those in need.
By establishing these hydroponic urban ‘farms’, the Food Bank becomes a producer of food, not just a distributor. This shift can significantly improve food security by reducing dependency on external food sources and the uncertainties of supply chain disruptions.
These hydroponic systems can serve as educational tools for the community, teaching valuable skills in sustainable farming techniques. This knowledge transfer can empower individuals to start their own hydroponic projects, furthering community-wide food security efforts. Our future educational workshops will be covering several aspects of food production and security, including vertical gardening at home.