The 3,000-square-foot greenhouse in Hancock County looks like any other greenhouse. The produce growing inside is what sets it apart. Tony Barnett uses the space to hydroponically grow lettuce. He runs the greenhouse with his friend, Cory Newton, and his wife, Meredith Rogers. Although he has only been growing the lettuce at the Greenfield location for one year, he has been using a hydroponic system for seven years.
“We think that it might be a viable crop source or a good alternative specialty crop for the state of Indiana,” Barnett said. “We’ve been able to grow the lettuce consistently year-round for several years.”
The controlled environment ensures maximum freshness and nutrition, and because the greenhouse is covered, pesticides, chemicals and sprays are not used.