Cross Creek Hydroponics owner and Dayton native Tami Kincer explains: "Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil," she says, "using only water and nutrients."
"We use a tall tower with a built-in irrigation system and UV lights. You place seeds into small cups that run along the tower. The tower senses when the seeds—and eventually the exposed roots of the plant—need water, and it showers them with a gentle drip. The UV lights are on a timer, and they give the plants just the right amount of light. Young plants need more darkness; maturing plants need more light."
What's the point of growing veggies and fruit in a "tower," rather than outside in the dirt?"Hydroponics let you grow fresh fruits and veggies anywhere—and I mean anywhere," says Tami. "Urban areas, deserts, mountains … you name it. They allow people who live in areas that aren't normally garden-friendly to grow healthy foods for themselves, their families, and their communities."
"The veggies grow super fast because they're in a perfect environment. There are no insects, no extreme weather conditions, no harsh UV rays from the sun."
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