Rachelle Clark, Nantahala Farms and Nursery
Hydroponic Plant Production and Greenhouse Growing
Grant Award: $6,000
With the addition of a greenhouse, Rachelle is producing vegetable starts for her fields as well as fresh produce, strawberries, herbs and flowers to customers year-round. She is erecting a 30′ x 50′ greenhouse with a sufficient heat source to grow hydroponic Ozark Beauty strawberries overhead in vertical troughs. Very few hydroponic operations currently exist in the region.
The 53 acres that Rachelle farms has been in her family for almost 100 years. The family currently produces a variety of field-grown vegetables and has a successful egg sales business. Rachelle has established an outreach plan to educate Southern Appalachian Family Farms members and other local farmers about hydroponic greenhouse production.
See www.nantahalafarmsandnursery.typepad.com and Nantahala Farms’ Facebook page.
Contact the Local Extension Agent