As far back as Ed Thompson can recall he has had a love for gardening. He enjoys the relaxation of gardening but now is reaping the rewards of all his tender care of his tomatoes.
Thompson obtained his greenhouse after the hail storm a few years ago, and began growing his hydroponic tomatoes from seeds.
There are over six hundred plants in the greenhouse, which is temperature controlled in the night at about 65 degrees, whereas in the day it is between 80-82 degrees. Depending on the season, the temperature is kept by heat or swamp cooler. It is constantly monitored for humidity to keep down levels of moisture to prevent blossom end rot.
Thompson, along with his employee, D'Nette Eastman monitor the pH of the water for acidity, and the temperature of the water as to not shock the plants. "Believe it or not, tomatoes are sensitive plants, and if the atmosphere is not right, it will reflect in tomatoes the plants bear." stated Thompson.
Once the tomatoes are harvested, they are put into a special room, which is temperature controlled as well, cleaned and ready for sale. Thompson's tomatoes are sold locally, Laramie and Colorado and Nebraska.