Hydroponics in Kansas

Hydroponics in Kansas

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
A fairly new magazine called the Modern Farmer takes on all kinds of different topics. I saw an interesting article and called Jocelyn Zuckerman, Executive Editor. "A lot of farmers believe that farming is all about the soil and that if you are farming and water you are not going to be able to get flavor and in fact this farmer says that he doesn't farm just anything in water, that he wouldn't farm tomatoes or peppers in water because it would impact the flavor. But lettuce has such a high water content any way that it tastes great and he sells to the area's top chefs. It is very popular at farmers markets. Is he getting pushback from local farmers who think he's a kook? I'm not sure but I know we have had push back at the Modern Farmer when we have written about hydroponics. Some people don't even think it is worth talking about. I disagree with that thought. I know a lot of people who have been very successful with hydrooponics. For one thing, it limits insects. This guy thought that would be the case but he was surprised when he started out that he had to keep a very tight watch because the plants were growing so close together.
Previous ReportFood Hubs
Next ReportSaving Sage Grouse