Urban Ag News

Expanding the possibilities of city farming through vegetables cultivated in greenhouses and vertical farming techniques. Providing education by applying the newest scientific advancements in controlled environment agriculture.

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Choose your banker crops well and you will laugh all the way to the bank

3 weeks ago | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

Banker plants provide an alternative food source, habitat and often a reproduction site for natural pest enemies. Banker plants can be particularly useful during periods of high nitrogen boosted growth i.e. when the apices are actively growing like the tomatoes above. Even though we operate in controlled environments, working with the natural ecosystem in a greenhouse could help to cheaply and efficiently control pests alongside trap tapes and other biocontrols.
The True Price of a Product is in the Warranty

2 months ago | urbanagnews.com | Chris Higgins

In my personal life, I seldom buy big-ticket items and rarely think about the warranty associated with them, unless it’s something like an automobile or major appliance. Because when I try, the manufacturer often makes the process so difficult or costly that it’s not worth my effort. But, in my professional life, I see product warranties much differently, especially when I make larger purchases or when my company, Hort Americas, represents a vendor.
What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

Jan 15, 2025 | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

As 2025 begins, many farmers will be considering which crop to grow in the year ahead. Most will have been in planning mode well before now, but if you are considering berries this year it’s important to recognise they require a different growing strategy from leafy greens, tomatoes or other commonly grown greenhouse and indoor crops. Towards the end of last year we saw how strawberries were elevated to prime-position in vertical farms like Oishii.
Crucible Moments Keep Exposing the Harsh Truths About the Controlled Environment Agriculture Industry

Jan 14, 2025 | urbanagnews.com | Chris Higgins

Last year challenged the commercial horticulture and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry in almost every way possible. Whether greenhouse, vertical or indoor production of fresh produce, or other specialty crops, 2024 erased the excitement around new technologies that were supposed to change the way we consume and cultivate fresh produce.
Can CEA save Ginseng?

Nov 6, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

‘Prince of Herbs’, Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng (Withiana Somnifera) grown in hydroponics under LED lights. Image courtesy of The Functional Plant Co. Aryvedic medicine relies on a natural and balanced approach to physical and mental health. At its core are plants, herbs and roots with additional phytonutrients that exert positive effects on our health. One of the most popular ayurvedic herbs is Ashwagandha, otherwise known as Indian ginseng.
Considering starting a vertical farm? Think like a farmer, not an engineer.

Oct 29, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | David Kuack

In April 2020 when Stan Kaplita started Zeste Farms, an indoor vertical farm in Paso Robles, Calif., the coronavirus pandemic was well established in the United States. “There was a lot of discussion of whether we should go forward with the business or not,” Kaplita said. “We had raised quite a bit of start-up money, so we made the decision to move forward given it was a prototype and we saw ongoing investment in this sector.
The 2024 Controlled Environment Agriculture Market - What Happened?

Oct 1, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | Chris Higgins

As consumers, do we care if specialty crops are grown in a controlled environment? Do we care if the process is sustainable? Do we care if crops are locally grown? Last year we published The 2023 Controlled Environment Agriculture Market – How are we evolving? (We recommend reviewing this article, as it provides background for the 2024 review.) This year we are revisiting some discussion points, plus attempting to tackle the changes we saw in just one short year. And boy did we see changes.
How many in CEA grow watercress? It has surprisingly good health benefits

Sep 30, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Greenhouse for Growing Leafy Greens in Texas. We know the CEA industry is advancing with facilities like those above producing food with great health benefits. But, how many of us know the benefits of individual leafy greens and herbs? We want to delve into one in particular that stands out for us; – watercress, is a powerhouse in health circles, and is rich in vitamin A, C and E, as well as an excellent source of iron, magnesium and calcium.
Who ate all the flowers?

Sep 4, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) in hydroponics, courtesy of The Functional Plant Co. Given the chance, we all appreciate the beauty of flowers, their color, perfume, diversity and sometimes their edible portions. We wonder why more people do not grow these commercially, especially those that love to be grown hydroponically. Nasturtiums are often added to salads and both leaves and flowers give a peppery feel to any salad.
Which crops do we need to graft in CEA and why?

Jul 24, 2024 | urbanagnews.com | Janet Colston

Vegetable production with grafted young plants originated in Japan and Korea as a way to avoid serious crop loss caused by soil-borne disease, aggravated by successive cropping. Grapes of course are a well known grafted crop, as are apples and other stone fruits. They have been grafted for centuries to avoid similar issues originating from soil-borne disease.