A hydroponic farmer on the island community of Ouzinkie in Alaska, with a population of roughly 110, grows and gives away produce to residents year round. School children tend a second, smaller hydroponic operation of their own. And the city government now owns dozens of hens to provide eggs.
Duke Delgado is currently the sole farmer for Spruce Island Farms in Ouzinkie, and oversees the local hydroponics operation with over a hundred little plants. Delgado said he's always thinking of some new plant or farming tool he can experiment with.
"In that cabinet I could get a head of lettuce from seed to harvest in, like, eight weeks. And that's what I like about the hydroponics, is they're quick," Delgado explained. "And some grow quicker than others."
He's had success growing lettuce, bell peppers and tomatoes, jalapenos, herbs, garlic – even coffee beans.
"All these [coffee plants] came from Hawaii. My last order that I got from Hawaii, they came infested and I tried to spray them with insecticide soap," he said. "Well they told me I couldn't grow coffee here, so I had to prove them wrong. Don't tell me I can't do something."
Read more at KMXT
