Jean Siracusa was kind enough to show off her geothermal heated hydroponic greenhouses. Her son, Marty and a few other part time employees maintain the operation. The first crop I saw was fresh lettuce which they sell to several high-end restaurants in the area. They also grow hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers and other crops as well. Some of the crops from heirloom seeds taste...simply amazing. By maintaining ideal conditions, the plants have an impressive growth rate which also means an impressive harvest rate - all year long! What is also amazing is that it is all done without pesticides or modified seeds. The farm produces cash crops in the winter months, starter plants for the spring growing season and additional crops that are grown outside in the summer months. To the left is a stock photo of some lettuce plants just getting started.
Green houses and buildings consume large amounts of energy; a factor where their cost can be prohibitive for greenhouse climate management. Geothermal system's pumps provide winter heating and summer cooling, especially important in greenhouse food production in the the northeast climate. After initial installation, the heating/cooling system has proven to be an inexpensive source of heating and cooling energy.So, if you have an interest in growing plants hydroponically or you just want to eat in a healthy way, come to the next Green Drinks event! I'm sure Jean or Marty can tell you what they have learned by growing high-quality food during all seasons!
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