Hydroponic Window Farms

July 13, 2009

By Joanna Burgess

When people think hydroponics, often the fist thing that pops into their mind is the pretty little plant that is illegal in most states. However, for years hydroponic gardens growing other varieties of plants have flourished in rural and suburban areas. The recent trend towards eating local has given rise to more and more people wanting to produce their own food. In response, hydroponic farming has packed its bags and moved to the city.

Rebecca Bray and Britta Riley run a site called Window Farms and have recently created a huge window farm installation at Eyebeam in Chelsea. Their mission is to bring hydroponic gardening to the people. The idea is simple: grow some of your own food and flowers in your own space i.e. your window. For someone like me who lives in a small apartment, the idea of having a year-round garden of my own that doubles as a source of food and a piece of art is nothing short of bliss.

After visiting the Eyebeam farm, I realized that building a hydroponic window farm isn't as intimidating as it may sound. In terms of set-up, they're relatively cheap to make. Most of the equipment, such as pvc piping and compact fluorescent bulbs, can be purchased at your hardware store. You'll more than make up for the initial investment in equipment through the food you grow. Rebecca and Britta suggest you start small, that is don't go into this thinking that you are going to be able to grow all your own food right off the bat. The main thing is to get your window farm going and see where it takes you.

Britta and Rebecca will be running a series of workshop on building your own window farms in the near furutre so check their site Window Farms for updates.

Comments

[Joanna]

@Sally You could have it mounted outside in the summer but obviously not winter anywhere it gets cold!

[CJP]

My terrace garden is nowhere near as clean or prolific looking as what these girls have created.....am inspired.

[Sally]

Gotta do this! We have a window available but wondering does it have to be behind glass or could it be adapted for an exterior wall?

[Joanna]

I'm psyched to build one. I just have to figure out what window.

[Kate]

Wow that is really amazing! How beautiful. I love it! So awesome when people come up with creative solutions to larger problems on a local scale. Plus, it's just plain cool. Thanks for sharing!