Basil, cilantro, mint, dill and a variety of micro greens are thriving in the Saskatoon warehouse they call home.
“Our system is built to grow leafy greens and herbs that are no larger than 16 feet tall. We can produce products very fast in the growing environment we provide, without the hassle of insects, high heat days, or low light days or any other issues that can cause issues with these delicate plants,” explained Brian Bain, founder and President of Ecobian Gardens, Inc., who started the urban farming outfit in 2012 and a year later offered his first harvest of cut pea micro greens.
The boutique farm produces both organic and non-organic products. The herbs are living, bare root herbs, meaning their roots are still attached.
A peak inside their growing space reveals an almost science-fiction looking environment.
“Our produce is grown with a recirculating shallow water culture system on grow beds that are stacked seven high, utilizing Philips L.E.D lighting within a climate-controlled warehouse in a location with a very short growing season,” detailed Bain, who added that there are benefits to this way of growing greens.
“Our farming method uses up to 98 percent less water, zero harmful chemicals or pesticides, and the newest energy-efficient lighting available. The vertical growing technology and local distribution systems reduce energy use, travel time, spoilage rates and overall costs. This makes our model one of the most sustainable ways to ensure access to fresh, healthy produce in city centers, any time of the year,” said Bain.
Farming challenges do exist, mostly to do with timing.
“Our crop turnaround time is very fast, and with that there are logistical challenges with sales and transport,” detailed Bain.
The farm to fork culture, which emphasizes knowing where your food comes from, helps cement the need and popularity of these urban growing environments.
“Our living basil, and living dill have had the best response this season in the retail market for herbs. For our micro green products the micro pea shoots have done very well over the years, our clients are more interested every day in finding out where their food is produced, and how.”
For more information:
Brian Bain
Ecobain Gardens, Inc.
+1 306 370 6213