How to Save Money with Vertical Grow Racks

Many people will be familiar with, or at least have heard of, the strategy of vertical farming. This is an alternative to traditional horizontal farming, and it has grown in popularity over the last few decades. As some might not expect, though, vertical farming is not exclusive to massive, high-tech operations. At its simplest level, this method involves growing plants on a vertical rack. Any grower can use this strategy to grow more crops, grow these crops more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase profits. Below are some of the most significant ways in which a farmer or gardener can benefit from the implementation of vertical farming.

Increase Yield and Decrease Cost

The main benefits of vertical farming is that it allows growers to optimize their space, by using a vertical rack a grower can more than double their yield. This is primarily accomplished by growing crops in rows stacked vertically, one above the other, which allows a large amount of food to be grown in a relatively small area. Depending on the exact style of vertical rack being used, this method can also decrease the additional costs associated with growing crops. For example, a vertical rack can enable a grower to use more efficient watering methods, reducing the amount of water necessary and lowering water bills. The material that the shelves are made of may also prevent or limit the presence of pests, which will decrease the need for pesticides. Certain materials can also make plants less susceptible to disease and ensure that less product is lost.

Maintain Greater Control Over Crop Growth

Since vertical farming can be done effectively indoors, it has an additional benefit, which can further improve the yield and quality of crops: a grower can have significant control over the indoor climate that the plants are exposed to. Raising crops in the optimal temperature, light, and humidity can help them to grow and produce food at a higher level than would be possible otherwise. Being able to grow crops inside will also decrease their exposure to pests, which will decrease the need for pesticides even further. 

Other Benefits of Vertical Farming

Although saving money is a significant benefit of vertical farming, it is not the only one. Vertical farming is a promising sustainable strategy, which is growing especially important as the global population grows and protecting the health of the environment continues to be crucial. More efficient farming methods that take up relatively small amounts of space are growing more and more important to support a growing population. The use of vertical racks that require less water and pesticides than other farming methods will also be beneficial for the environment. Additionally, because vertical racks optimize space, they allow large quantities of food to be grown closer to where that food will be consumed. This will reduce the carbon footprint generated by transporting this food, and as an added bonus, it will reduce transportation costs as well. Additionally, smaller quantities of food will be damaged during transportation if the products are being moved over smaller distances, reducing food waste. Finally, when climate control is involved in growing crops and long-distance transportation is limited, the final product that the consumer receives will be of a higher quality than it would be otherwise. This is a great benefit for the consumer, and this will likely also lead to increased profits as a result.

Vertical farming is an incredible farming strategy with a wide variety of benefits, and it is still being developed and improved on. This method could be perfect for any grower who is looking to increase profits, run a more sustainable operation, or both. These advantages, along with the benefit to consumers of receiving higher quality foods, make vertical farming an excellent choice for those looking to raise crops for food.