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We produce quality, premium tomatoes from our hydroponic greenhouses. We take plants which are shipped to us at a height of ten to twelve inches and grow them without soil. Fertilizers dissolved in water are used to feed the plants.
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In January 2004 SunTech changed their growing system from NFT to Coconut Coir Slabs on Raised Trough. Rock Wool, is a non degradable material with no further use post greenhouse and therefore was a high volume land fill material. However, coco slabs are a biodegradable natural product that has a multitude of uses post greenhouse. Some uses are, soil amendment for flower beds, improving drainage, moisture retention and organic matter. |
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raised trough |
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In our greenhouses, this has improved the climate with better air circulation thus eliminating high humidity dead spots around the plants.Our plants are also able to keep producing despite high temperatures which increases the harvest time from 7 to 10 months a year. This is partly accomplished by using the technique of “interplanting”. Interplanting is the process of setting new plants in between older plants while continuing to harvest off of these plants. The older plants also provide partial shade and humidity for protection of the baby plants. |
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plants are suspended by wires |
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Our employees also benefit from our new growing system. Raised trough allows for an even tidier work place. Leaf blowers are used on a regular basis to sweep the floor. There is no more “stoop” labour since all plant work can now be done by staff in a standing position. This eliminates one of the stresses on employees (or plant workers) and improves labour efficiency. |
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fifteen pound flats |
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When the time comes to pollinate the plants, we use bumblebees, not honeybees which results in improved fruit quality and labour efficiency. Our bees are sent to us in hives and kept in balance with the number of open flowers.
All work involved in tomato production is done manually. Our plants are clipped onto a string, suspended from overhead supports on a weekly basis. |
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Plants are watched closely, and pruned on a weekly basis as needed to ensure the proper growth of each individual plant. During harvesting, the produce is hand-picked 3 times a week, machine sorted by weight, and then hand packed into fifteen pound flats for delivery to the retailer. |
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