Our Systems
HYDROPONICS
Each year we grow 20,000 strawberry plants hydroponically, which means they are grown without soil. The plants are grown in a media called substrate and are fed a custom blend of nutrients through an automated watering system using emitters. Overall, this direct fed system reduces nutrient leaching into the environment and the amount of water needed to sustain the crop.
Our tunnel system operates with Advancing Alternatives System that senses wind speed, temperature, and precipitation. The tunnel walls can open and close based on set parameters allowing for more optimal growing conditions and an extended growing season.
We implement a strong Integrated Pest Management program that focuses on scouting and using biological solutions for control. This protocol drives us to make educated decisions while maintaining ecological integrity.
HIGH-DENSITY APPLE ORCHARDS
The Warm Belly crew has been developing our high-density orchards for the last several years, creating the opportunity for exponentially larger quantities of fruit per acre. We currently have over 8,000 trees and 25 varieties spanning roughly 7 acres.
The orchard requires a trellis structure to maintain a particular branching architecture that maximizes light interception leading to higher quality fruit. This “fruiting wall” typically takes four years to reach maturity.