Located on Oahu’s North Shore, the family-owned Kahuku Farms strives to educate the island on the importance of sustainable, local agriculture. Not only do they offer informative tours where visitors can see the farm in action but they also sell hydroponic lettuce kits so you can further support the farm-to-table movement and grow your own farm fresh greens.

Hydroponics refers to gardening without soil. Instead, plants are grown above ground in a water-nutrient solution. But there’s more to hydroponics than that.

3 Fun Facts About Hydroponics

1. Hydroponic Systems Are Highly Sustainable

Hydroponic systems use much less water and fertilizer than conventionally grown lettuce in soil. If you are limited in garden area, this system is perfect for lanais, under the overhang of your house and provides a great opportunity to grow your own food, even if you don’t have a yard. With its efficient use of natural resources, hydroponic farming is a practical and sustainable solution that everyone can embrace.

2. Hydroponic Farming Isn’t Just for Lettuce

While Kahuku Farms only sells lettuce growing kits, it is also their hope that the static hydroponic kits encourage the community to experiment with other fast-growing crops. The family-owned farm and local café have also tested pak choi, watercress, basil, green onion, and mint to surprising success. Because of the limited amount of water and lack of oxygen in these static hydroponic kits, plants like tomatoes and kale still grow best in soil.

3. Hydroponic Systems Require Little to No Pesticides

As mentioned above, plants grown in hydroponic systems often grow faster than in soil. Additionally, these crops are grown off the ground. That means the plants have limited exposure to slugs, snails, caterpillars, and other pests, and farmers who use this growing method can use organic-based pesticides or forgo the treatment altogether. Therefore, hydroponics is another amazing way to grow fresh, healthy food.

Stop by Kahuku Farm’s North Shore location to purchase your Static Hydroponic Kit today. To schedule a tour of the farm, call (808) 628-0639 or visit them online.