Growing Produce
Year-Round Gardens
At Early Morning Harvest, we grow all year round! How do we accomplish this in Iowa? With a combination of aquaponics, hydroponics, seasonal greenhouses, an orchard, and an outdoor garden. We cultivate over 65 unique types of produce. We consider each seedling's well-being by growing with companion plants to promote synergy or rotating to prevent pests and disease. All growing areas use organic practices, which means no synthetic chemicals or pesticides.
The Growing Process
STEP 1
Our growers start over 2,000 seeds a week in grow-cubes under lights with a specific light spectrum to promote plant growth.
STEP 2
We transplant the seedlings to their specific location. (In the picture, this is a hydroponic bed.) Depending on the variety, the plants will be harvested in as early as seven weeks (some lettuce varieties) or continue to grow for several months, until the plant reaches maturity.
STEP 3
Great care is taken to harvest a pristine crop for our customers. Harvesting produce can be very time-consuming, so we are always evaluating ways to grow produce to make it more efficient.
STEP 4
We have a certified processing room where our growers finalize and package the produce that is ready for customers to enjoy.
STEP 5
Our on-site store has a selection of all we grow on the farm. If there is something specific you need, contact us for availability. If available, we can have it ready for pick-up in 24 hours.
The Ways We Grow Produce
Aquaponics
Aquaponics refers to a built environment that allows plants and fish to be in balance with each other, the fish provide nutrients for plants to grow and in return the plants clean the water for fish. Between the fish and plants exist all the beneficial microorganisms that help convert the dirty water to nutrients. Our aquaponics greenhouse uses heated water to keep the fish (Tilapia) and produce alive through the cold Iowa winter; temperatures range from a low of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to a balmy 80 degrees when it’s sunny outside. In the summer, the growers get their work done early as the greenhouse can heat up considerably to well over 100 degrees (even with a shade cloth on).
Our growers meticulously monitor the aquaponics systems to make sure everything is in balance. The plants and fish need a specific pH and not every plant can be grown in water. Research and attention to detail are needed to maintain healthy systems.
Any pesticides or chemicals used on the plants may harm the fish and visa versa. Whether those chemicals and pesticides are certified organic or not, the health and balance of the system, and the quality of the product is the most important.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics refers to a built environment that focuses on plant growth, utilizing companion planting and plant families to create a healthy ecosystem. By doing so we can provide similar nutrients that support plant families instead of individual species. The hydroponics greenhouse nurtures a balance between companion plants, flowering plants that attract pollinators, and specific herbs to inhibit pests.
Orchard
A small yet varied selection of fruit grows in the orchard, which was planted in 2004. The orchard experienced damage after the August 2020 derecho and new trees will be planted in 2023.
Tip: For anyone who is visiting, the orchard overlooking the pond is a perfect location for a quick picnic lunch after your tour!
Outside Garden
The outside garden space is currently under expansion as we research and plant produce to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Some unique leafy greens like Tokyo Bekana adorn the garden, as well as, Cherry Drop or Kumquat Indigo tomatoes.
