Recently, Healthy Archuleta purchased two additional hydroponic towers to grow fresh vegetables and herbs to be distributed to the community through the local food pantries. This project began in the Spring of 2023 with the purchase of a single tower that can grow up to 280 heads of lettuce every 35-45 days. Since then, the greens produced by this tower have increased the amount of fresh local produce available through the food pantries, with the food pantry coordinators' hearty approval.
Based on the learning from the first pilot program in 2023, Healthy Archuleta was able to expand the program through the purchase of three more towers. One of these three was brought into operation in 2024, and two more arrived this past month. In early February, Healthy Archuleta team members and volunteers gathered to assemble the two new units to get them ready to start production.
Today, these towers operate on an almost year-round schedule, growing fresh greens, including several types of lettuce, spinach, chard, beet greens, and herbs such as basil. These greens grow fairly quickly, within 35-45 days, depending on the variety.
During the growing period, a number of local volunteers tend to the towers, checking water and pH levels, administering nutrients as needed, and overseeing the health and development of the plants. Data is collected daily to ensure that the towers are functioning properly. After the plants have reached maturity, they are harvested on-site, bagged, and refrigerated until picked up and distributed among the local food pantries.
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