Winterberry Gardens’ hydroponically grown produce yields large donation

SOUTHINGTON – A successful crop of produce, which was grown hydroponically at Winterberry Gardens, resulted in a large donation to Southington Community Services recently. A variety of lettuces and vegetables flourished in a modified greenhouse located at the 16-acre landscape and garden center at 2070 West St. in Southington.

Because the market for the special produce is being developed, there was an overabundance that Winterberry Gardens managers knew should be shared. They brought six large bags of fresh lettuce and other goods to Southington Community Services where it was distributed to local families when they came to pick up their weekly groceries.

“We usually get our produce from Target, ShopRite and WalMart,” said David Harrington, community services employee. “We give out groceries to about 50 to 70 families every day.” Winterberry Gardens’ fresh lettuces were very much appreciated, he said.

Hydroponics is a method of growing without using soil. Instead the plants grow in a mixture of water and nutrients. “We’ve always had the interest but this summer we had the space and time,” said Chris Meade, greenhouse grower at Winterberry Gardens. Approximately 1,500 square feet of one of the numerous greenhouses were outfitted for the hydroponic gardens.

The first planting was in June. In addition to numerous varieties of lettuce, cabbage, herbs such as parsley, green peppers and tomatoes were grown. “They grow in half the time and you can grow at lower temperatures,” Meade said.

Hydroponic growing is an up-and-coming trend, Meade said. “People want to know where their produce is coming from.” Most vegetables and lettuces come from California and Mexico; being able to purchase locally grown without pesticides is very attractive to consumers, he said.

Presently Winterberry Gardens is selling some of their produce to local restaurants but hope to expand its market. “Our greenhouses are usually empty until February but we could grow hydroponically all winter long,” Meade said.

Mike Wrobel, general manager, said the business regularly reaches out to the community. Earlier this year a landscape crew restored an overgrown park used by people with special needs in Bristol. Wrobel said it was great Winterberry Gardens could donate the fresh locally grown produce to community services and he was hoping they would be able to do it again.

For more information about Winterberry Gardens, visit the website www.winterberrygarden.com or call (860) 378-0071.