Recently, Healthy Archuleta purchased two additional hydroponic towers to grow fresh vegetables and herbs to be distributed to the community through the local food pantries. This project began in the Spring of 2023 with the purchase of a single tower that can grow up to 280 heads of lettuce every 35-45 days. Since then, the greens produced by this tower have increased the amount of fresh local produce available through the food pantries, with the food pantry coordinators’ hearty approval. Based on the learning from the first pilot program in 2023, Healthy Archuleta was able to expand the program through the purchase of three more towers. One of these three was brought into operation in 2024, and two more arrived this past month. In early February, Healthy Archuleta team members and volunteers gathered to assemble the two new units to get them ready to start production.
Today, these towers operate on an almost year-round schedule, growing fresh greens, including several types of lettuce, spinach, chard, beet greens, and herbs such as basil. These greens grow fairly quickly, within 35-45 days, depending on the variety. During the growing period, a number of local volunteers tend to the towers, checking water and pH levels, administering nutrients as needed, and overseeing the health and development of the plants. Data is collected daily to ensure that the towers are functioning properly. After the plants have reached maturity, they are harvested on-site, bagged, and refrigerated until picked up and distributed among the local food pantries.
Typically, hydroponically grown food is much the same as farm crops grown in soil with similar nutrient and fertilizer needs and growing time. However, the beauty of growing in an indoor environment is the ability to control temperature, water flow, and the lack of exposure to pests and most plant diseases. In a mountain community like Pagosa Springs, the typical growing season is short. Unpredictable temperature fluctuations can hamper growing and crop success for the average backyard gardener. Fighting off pests and wandering wildlife can also be frustrating. Growing food in hydroponic structures eliminates the cons of outdoor gardening and with better results. The towers are now providing additional nutritious, healthy vegetables that are being shared with the community during those times of the year when locally grown fresh vegetables are not always available for those who truly need them. In this way, Healthy Archuleta continues its mission to support healthy food access in our community.
Healthy Archuleta invites the community to support the Archuleta Food Pantry Network at the next Food Drive this Saturday, February 22, from 10 am to 1 pm in front of the Pagosa Springs City Market. Please stop by the Healthy Archuleta table, pick up a shopping list, and fill a bag to support our neighbors accessing food through the food pantries this winter. To learn more about the food drive, please visit our website at https://www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org/food-drive.html
Additionally, if you are interested in other volunteer opportunities, including supporting the maintenance of the hydroponic towers, please visit our website at foodcoalition4archuleta.org or send us an email at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com