Country Life: Hydroponics in Horowhenua
Husband and wife duo Tony and Lisa Dale-Low traded corporate life in the city for growing fresh herbs and salad greens under Waikawa Fresh.
Hydroponics is the method used to grow salad greens and herbs without soil, relying instead on a nutrient-rich water solution. Farmers Tony and Lisa Dale-Low, who transitioned from city life to horticulture in Horowhenua, adopted this technique. After researching and learning from a previous hydroponic operation, they established their own system.
Plants are grown starting from seedlings, then transferred to gullies (large drainage pipes) after three weeks. Nutrients circulate through the system via gravity, and a computer monitors the nutrient balance and pH level. The entire process is automated, eliminating the need for manual watering. Once fully grown, the plants are harvested without extra washing, providing crisp and clean greens.
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