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"US (IA): "Greenhouse a big step in Tenco's growth"

It’s one thing to hit the ground running after taking a new job. It’s another to formally open a major program nine days after starting one. Cheryl Plank didn’t seem too concerned, though.

Plank is the new executive director for Tenco and on Thursday she was overseeing the grand opening of the organization’s new hydroponic greenhouse. She knew the work was getting close even before she took the job.



While most people’s backyard gardens are wrapping up for 2016, dozens of tomato plants inside the greenhouse still towered over guests. There are several varieties being grown. The traits vary in more than just the size of the tomato, and some have a much thinner, more fragile skin than anticipated. They’ll probably be phased out over time.

Rows of young lettuce grow a few feet over, and some spinach is getting started in a tray. There’s no soil in the facility, which helps cut down on the risk of contaminants on the food. Much of it will eventually go to the food bank.

While Tenco’s employees are paid minimum wage, some full-time workers aren’t paid at all. Bumblebees inside a small hive help pollinate the plants.

Read more at the Ottumwa Courier
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