Susan and Rusty Staub have a good thing growing. She calls it ‘stand up gardening’. They produce hydroponic lettuces at their farm in Henly, just a few miles outside of Austin. Year-round, pesticide-free greens including Boston Bibb, a variety of red and green leaf lettuces and a variety of Asian greens such as Tatsoi and Pac Choi. Available at the Sunset Vally Farmers Market, Fresh Plus, Wheatsville and fine dining spots around town.
They have a fascinating set-up. Three large greenhouses, all plumbed with a re-circulating water system that feeds the plants. The system uses only 10% of the water it would take to grow the same plants in the ground. It was incredible to see a field of hundreds of perfect heads of lettuces, four feet off the ground, all tucked into a small greenhouse.
They get their start as seeds in these little cubes. Seven weeks later, they are waiting for you at the farmers market. The left-overs are donated to local food shelters. I’m sold. Stop by the farmers market on Saturday, pick up some of their greens and let me know what you think.