The range of cultivars being harvested indoors is expanding every day... What are you going to grow?

From nutrient-rich leafy greens to aromatic herbs and vibrant fruits, vertical farms offer a thriving environment for a huge variety of crops. While vertical farming is often associated with growing smaller plants such as herbs, microgreens, and leafy greens, nurseries, for instance, grow larger plants, shrubs, and even give trees a head-start in vertical farms.

Farms with taller growing spaces and more advanced growing systems can accommodate larger plants such as strawberries and dwarf fruit trees, and some vertical farms are even experimenting with growing grains such as wheat, oats, and barley.

Although these plants are typically grown on a larger scale in outdoor fields, the controlled environment of a vertical farm can help mitigate the challenges associated with traditional farming methods such as pests, weeds, and weather-related crop failures as we continue to research, study, and advance vertical farming capabilities to meet the challenges the planet faces.

With the right equipment, vertical farming becomes a compelling and flexible way to cultivate multiple crops in the same space, which can help you meet changing consumer demands with maximized yields.

The range of crops that can be grown in vertical farms is constantly, ahem, growing… Innovations in technology, farming techniques, and even seed development is rapidly evolving for growing in controlled environments.  Let’s have a look at some of the most popular crops growing inside…

It’s crucial to consider the demand, suitability, and profitability of each cultivar. Making connections with buyers for your offtake is an exciting part of the farming experience, and vital for maximizing your farm’s profitability. Building relationships with local markets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers can ensure a consistent demand for your harvest.

By starting out with flexible GROW EQUIPMENT, you can align your crop choices with market trends and consumer preferences, setting the foundation for a successful indoor farming business. This enables you to introduce new flavors and crop varieties to meet the demands of your customers while adapting to changing market needs.

But… Where’s a good place to start?

🧑‍🍳 Local restaurants and cafes: Supply fresh and high-quality produce directly to local eateries, offering chefs and restaurateurs a reliable source of locally grown ingredients grown to taste!

🛒 Grocery stores and supermarkets: Consistent, year-round supply give you a competitive advantage for contracting with grocery retailers looking to offer fresh produce to their customers regardless of season.

🧑‍🌾  Farmers markets: Participating in farmers markets allows vertical farmers to connect with the local community (!), showcasing your unique and sustainable farming methods while selling freshly harvested crops directly to consumers is a satisfying accomplishment 🥹

📦 Direct-to-Consumer / Online delivery services: With the rise of online grocery shopping, vertical farmers can partner with delivery platforms or set up your own online stores to reach a broader customer base and offer convenient home delivery of your produce.

🍱 Specialty food stores: The cultivation of specialty crops and unique varieties that appeal to health-conscious consumers or those seeking specific ingredients for niche cuisines provides an opportunity for higher-value harvests.

🏫 Institutions and food service providers: Vertical farmers can supply educational institutions, hospitals, corporate cafeterias, and other large-scale food service providers, meeting their demand for fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced produce.