VERTICAL FARMING WITH AEROPONIC TOWERS
• Delivered as turnkey solutions including fully automated irrigation & nutrient dosing systems!
• Minimum 10 towers for all countries.
• Commercial towers are modular in size, accommodating the growth of up to 52 plants per tower.
• Aeroponic Farming Versatility: Outdoors, indoors with LED lights, greenhouses, rooftops, etc.
• Ideal for professional growers, charities, restaurants, hotels, schools, building lobbies, backyards, etc.
• Click here to view our rates for Tower Farm aeroponic systems.
• Visit the Tower Farm FAQs for rate options, technical specs, shipping specs, crop yield, reseller info, etc.
Agrotonomy has set up the first aeroponic vertical farms in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Polynesia, and the Middle East. We have also developed many Tower Farm projects in the USA, Canada, and the West Indies.
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EXAMPLES OF TOWER FARMS
FAQs
1. What are the specs of the aeroponic towers used in a Tower Farm?
Commercial towers are modular in size and can be configured as follows:
Towers For Regular Crops:
28 plants per tower • 1.8 m (height) • 7 stackable modular sections
36 plants per tower • 2.1 m (height) • 9 stackable modular sections
44 plants per tower • 2.5 m (height) • 11 stackable modular sections
52 plants per tower • 2.9 m (height) • 13 stackable modular sections
Towers For High-Density (Baby Greens):
100 plants per tower • 1.8 m (height) • 13 stackable modular sections.
132 plants per tower • 2.1 m (height) • 17 stackable modular sections.
164 plants per tower • 2.5 m (height) • 21 stackable modular sections.
196 plants per tower • 2.9 m (height) • 25 stackable modular sections.
– The bottom reservoir is 36 cm high and measures 73 cm in diameter. Although it has a 70 L capacity, it is filled with 50L when in use. It also features a floater device as part of the irrigation system and a drain valve.
– Regular planting pots are 19 cm high, 22 cm in diameter and feature 4 planting areas per pot.
– High-Density planting pots are 9.5 cm high, 22 cm in diameter and feature 8 planting areas per pot.
– Each tower is equipped with a 45 W small pump which is turned on 12 minutes per hour only (commercial towers are set on a timer to be turned on for 3 minutes and turned off for 12 minutes on a continuous cycle 24/7). That is a total of 4.8 hours of electricity usage per day.
– The inside of the tower is supported by 2 stainless steel rods.
2. What is the average cost of a Tower Farm?
The price per tower is as follows:
- 28 plants per tower • 1.8 m (height) • 7 stackable modular sections = $525
- 36 plants per tower • 2.1 m (height) • 9 stackable modular sections = $560
- 44 plants per tower • 2.5 m (height) • 11 stackable modular sections = $600
- 52 plants per tower • 2.9 m (height) • 13 stackable modular sections = $635
High-density towers:
- 112 plants per tower • 1.8 m (height) • 14 stackable modular sections. = $565
- 144 plants per tower • 2.1 m (height) • 18 stackable modular sections = $610
- 176 plants per tower • 2.5 m (height) • 22 stackable modular sections = $655
- 208 plants per tower • 2.9 m (height) • 26 stackable modular sections = $700
Volume discounts eligibility:
– 50 to 99 towers: 4% discount
– 100 to 299 towers: 7% discount
– 300 to 999 towers: 10% discount
– 1000+ towers: 15% discount
A fully automated Tower Farm features an irrigation system that automatically delivers water and nutrients to each individual tower on an as-needed basis. It is fully automated and very simple to assemble and operate.
The price of an irrigation system varies depending on the number of towers featured in a Tower Farm… the average price range is as follows (for exact pricing, please send us a request for quotation and we will draft a proposal accordingly):
– $2,400 for 10 towers
– $3,300 for 50 towers
– $4,700 for 100 to 150 towers
Nutrients cost $360 per set and will last on average 6 months supplying 30 towers ( average $1 to $2 per tower/per month/varies depending on crops and climate conditions).
The final number of towers fitting in a container depends on the size of the towers ordered:
20-foot container (towers only):
– 150 towers (28 plants per tower/7 pots)
– 125 towers (36 plants per tower/9 pots)
– 110 towers (44 plants per tower/11 pots)
– 90 towers (52 plants per tower/13 pots)
20-foot container (full turnkey package including irrigation system fertilizers for one year, seedling supplies, etc.):
– 135 towers (28 plants per tower/7 pots)
– 100 towers (36 plants per tower/9 pots)
– 90 towers (44 plants per tower/11 pots)
– 70 towers (52 plants per tower/13 pots)
40-foot container (towers only):
– 300 towers (28 plants per tower/7 pots)
– 250 towers (36 plants per tower/9 pots)
– 220 towers (44 plants per tower/11 pots)
– 180 towers (52 plants per tower/13 pots)
40-foot container (full turnkey package including irrigation system, fertilizers for one year, seedling supplies, etc.):
– 250 towers (28 plants per tower/7 pots)
– 210 towers (36 plants per tower/9 pots)
– 180 towers (44 plants per tower/11 pots)
– 145 towers (52 plants per tower/13 pots)
The number of towers fitting inside a container also depends according to the number of accessories ordered (plant cages, propagation benches, etc.) and the size of the initial stock of fertilizers.
Please contact your Tower Farm representative to customize the configuration of your Tower Farm thus allowing us to draft a precise proposal on your behalf based on your project.
All prices quoted above do not include shipping and are ex-works from our warehouse in Memphis, Tennessee.
3. What is the minimum purchase for a Tower Farm (commercial towers)?
A fully automated commercial Tower Farm system encompasses essential components such as nutrient distribution equipment, containers, pumps, irrigation system, tubing, and connectors.
It also includes a supply of nutrients, stock of rockwool, and seedling supplies to get started right upon receipt of your Tower Farm (we do not sell seeds).
This comprehensive system is remarkably straightforward to assemble.
Our aeroponic Tower Farm systems come equipped with a fully automated irrigation system supplying the water and nutrients to each tower on an as-needed basis.
For instance, towers growing strawberries or tomatoes demand more water and nutrients compared to those growing parsley.
Regardless of the number of towers in operation, our irrigation system seamlessly automates the entire process.
4. Can I purchase just 1 or 2 towers for testing purposes?
We offer our nutrients/fertilizers in bulk, with one nutrient set capable of supplying 30 towers for 6 months or 10 towers for 18 months. In other terms, such a volume of nutrients would be excessive for just 2 towers. Our proprietary nutrient solution is integral to our technology.
Furthermore, our Tower Farm systems are not merely “a novelty.” With over a decade of experience, we have numerous successful Tower Farm references operating across all climates, including environments similar to that of the UAE. We are beyond the ‘testing phase of development.’
In the realm of aeroponic vertical farming, we are not only seasoned veterans but also pioneers of this technology over a decade ago. We are not akin to the “Chinese-plastic-fantastic-cheap-tower” without references or a track record!
Our Tower Farm systems are used by over 100,000 customers and hundreds of profitable commercial Tower Farms worldwide.
For these reasons, we believe that genuine testing of our aeroponic Tower Farm commercial systems should involve a minimum of 10 towers. Anything less would not yield conclusive results for benchmarking the potential of our technology on a commercial level.
5. What is the crop yield of a Tower Farm (and recommended crops to grow commercially)?
Although over 200 different crops can be grown successfully using our aeroponic tower technology and fertilizer solution, when it comes to farming vertically indoors, the overhead cost is calculated based on each square meter of operation.
Leafy greens and aromatic herbs do not outgrow the radius of the tower reservoir. It translates into more towers being able to fit within a specific area in comparison to growing tomatoes, cucumbers, or any other vine-related crops. When growing tomatoes or squash, the plants need to be supported by an outside structure. Whether growing beans, cucumbers, or tomatoes, building outside grow cages defeats the purpose of farming vertically as it uses square footage that could be allocated for more towers. A Tower Farm featured in a CEA environment is about reducing water usage while increasing the crop yield by optimizing the space.
When considering growing tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, or eggplants, there are no other agricultural technologies that can compare to our towers in terms of crop yield and quality.
However, when it comes to growing leafy greens and herbs (aromatic and medicinal), we are in a league of our own, where no other agricultural approach can compare to our aeroponic tower technology: aside from a staggering superior crop yield, our “green crops” feature a scientifically proven increase in nutrition density, antioxidant activity as well as in phenolic values (healthier, tastier, more fragrant and stronger texture).
Growing leafy greens and herbs that are so superior in terms of nutrient density also means more ‘robust’ plants featuring a stronger natural defense mechanism (no pesticide needed) and significantly extended shelf life.
Yield varies in any growing system by crop, weather, seeding rate, and other factors. In good growing conditions, lettuce, herbs, and leafy greens will have an average yield of 100g to 175 g per port per 21-28 day growing cycle. Yield for fruiting vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes depends on the variety and season.
Here are the average crop yields that we experience at Agrotonomy:
– Tomato cherries: up to 12 to 15 plants per tower maximum = 20 to 40 pounds per plant depending on the variety.
– Tomatoes “regular/ big size” up to 12 to 15 plants per tower maximum = 40 to 50 pounds per plant depending on the variety.
– Cucumbers: 15/20 plants per tower. A cucumber can vary between 100 g (or less) and 250 g. We can harvest about 15-30 cucumbers per plant (many more depending on variety, i.e. lemon cucumbers and other specialty varieties).
– Strawberries: 52 plants per tower. Depending on varieties, we have experienced from 100 g to 2.5 pounds per plant (whether we are growing wild strawberries varieties or large fruit varieties).
– Bell peppers: up to 20 plants recommended per tower maximum = up to 6 -8 pounds per plant depending on the variety.
– Eggplants: up to 15 to 18 plants recommended per tower maximum = 6 to 10 pounds per plant depending on the variety.
– Leafy green and herbs: 52 plants per tower. From 150g to 200g every 3 weeks. Once again, it all depends on the crop: it takes much longer for basil than it does for arugula… depending on varieties, harvest cycles vary from 14 days to 60 days with harvest cycles every 3 weeks on average.
Once again, the crop yield of a plant will depend on the quality of the seeds, the variety, the growing conditions (light, humidity, temperature, air circulation, elevation, EMFs, etc.).
At the bottom of the ‘beyond organic’ section of our website, we publish a comparative scientific study titled:
“Assessment of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Properties, & Yield of Aeroponically and Conventionally Grown Leafy Vegetables and Fruit Crops. A Comparative study”.
As irrefutably proven throughout this extensive scientific comparative research, Tower Garden® aeroponic commercial systems produce 35% to 50% crop yield increase in comparison to soil-based farming and conventional hydroponics.
6. Can I become a Tower Farm reseller?
– Our partners must operate a Tower Farm featuring a minimum of 100 to 500 towers (depending on the size of the market where the Tower Farm is located).
– Agrotonomy Corporation must approve our partners’ website content and marketing promotions.
– Agrotonomy’s partners must have successfully operated their own Tower Farms for at least six months. When an experienced tower farmer becomes a reseller, such an entity needs to be able to give complete customer support to their customers.
Becoming a partner of Agrotonomy is a privilege and not a guaranteed right. We reserve the right to grant such privilege at our own discretion.
7. What Tower Garden size is right for my Tower Farm
Let’s recap the various tower sizes for reference purposes:
Aeroponic Towers for Regular Crops:
- 28 plants per tower – 1.8 m (height) – 7 stackable modular sections
- 36 plants per tower – 2.1 m (height) – 9 stackable modular sections
- 44 plants per tower – 2.5 m (height) – 11 stackable modular sections
- 52 plants per tower – 2.9 m (height) – 13 stackable modular sections
Aeroponic High-Density Towers for Baby Greens:
- 100 plants per tower – 1.8 m (height) – 13 stackable modular sections
- 132 plants per tower – 2.1 m (height) – 17 stackable modular sections
- 164 plants per tower – 2.5 m (height) – 21 stackable modular sections
- 196 plants per tower – 2.9 m (height) – 25 stackable modular sections
Outdoors:
When farming outdoors, we recommend either the 7-pot, 9-pot, or 11-pot towers.
The 7-pot & 9-pot towers are perfect for growing heavy plants such as broccoli, cabbage, romanesco, cauliflower, chili peppers, eggplant (aubergine), zucchini (courgette), summer squash, cucurbits, etc.
The 11-pot is well-suited for leafy greens, aromatic herbs, beans, etc. Even standing at 2.5 m high, in stormy conditions, the towers will sway back and forth but will not fall. It is impressive to witness how resilient these commercial aeroponic towers are throughout rough weather conditions.
At Agrotonomy, in conjunction with custom-designed grow cages, outdoors, we use the 11-pot and 13-pot towers to grow vine crops such as tomatoes, squash, gourds, cucumbers, etc.
Fully climate-greenhouse:
Depending on the height of the sidewalls of the greenhouse, we advise using the 11-pot or 13-pot towers in order to maximize the crop yield per square meter.
Hybrid greenhouse:
We advise using either the 9-pot, or the 11-pot towers. However, the 13-pot tower model can be used in conjunction with a custom-built grow cage.
Indoors with LED lights:
Depending on the ceiling height and the strategy of the LED light installation, all tower sizes can be used. Like in a fully climate-controlled greenhouse, when possible, we recommend either the 11-pot or the 13-pot towers in order to optimize the space and therefore maximize the crop yield.
Rooftops:
Everything depends on wind conditions, usually having a direct correlation with the height of the rooftop.
We generally recommend the 7-pot towers for rooftop tower farming.
Towers are modular and can be configured to be taller or shorter, depending on the crops being grown. For example, a tower can be used as a 13-pot to grow lettuce, and later shortened to a 9-pot to grow chili peppers or eggplants!
Based on the scope of your project, we advise you to consult with your Agrotonomy representative to select the appropriate tower size for your vertical farm.
8. What is the High-Density Tower by Tower Garden®?
The aeroponic High-Density Tower by Tower Garden:
The High-Density Tower by Tower Garden was originally designed to grow microgreens (of course!) but is widely used to grow “petite vegetables” and wheatgrass.
Considering that every crop that has been ever tested scientifically growing on a Tower Garden shows an increase in nutrient density, people using wheatgrass therapeutically should truly consider wheatgrass grown on a High-Density Tower by Tower Garden for its superior nutrient values and increase in antioxidant properties.
Our High-Density Towers should be renamed “Strawberry Towers”! In fact, recent tests rank these towers as the only viable aeroponic tower solution to grow strawberries commercially. If you’re thinking about growing strawberries, these are the towers to do so!
Whether using rockwool or coco coir, there is no need for a planting basket nor a clip to plant the seedlings thus facilitating the process and reducing labor.
Like the regular towers, the High-Density Tower comes in sections/white planting pots as follows:
– 13 Pots (100 planting ports) – 1.8 m high
– 17 Pots (132 planting ports) – 2.1 m high
– 21 Pots (164 planting ports) – 2.5 m high
– 25 Pots (196 planting ports) – 2.9 m high
Indoors, with the LED light kit designed by Tower Garden, it is available for the following High-Density Tower model:
– 21 Pots (164 planting ports) – 2.5 m high
Outdoors, the maximum height is our High-Density Tower featuring 25 Pots (196 planting ports) – 2.9 m high
Within a CEA environment, in a climate-controlled greenhouse, we advise using the maximum size/height: 25 Pots (196 planting ports) – 2.9 m high to optimize space.
Anyway, whether they are called ‘High-Density Towers’ or whether they should be renamed ‘petite vegetable towers’, ‘wheat grass towers’ or ‘strawberry towers’, these towers are all about performance! They are perfectly complementary to our regular towers.
When buying a new Tower Farm, we advise our new customers to consider allocating a certain percentage of High-Density Towers within the total amount of towers ordered in the initial setup of the Tower Farm.
9. How much electricity does a commercial aeroponic tower use?
Each tower is equipped with a submersible 45W pump working 4.8 hours per day (3 minutes on and 12 minutes off).
Based on such metrics, below are the daily electrical consumption of Tower Farms featuring 10 towers, 20 towers, 30 towers, 40 towers, 50 towers, 100 towers, 300 towers, 500 towers, and 1000 towers:
- 10 towers: 10×0.216 kWh = 2.16 kWh
- 20 towers: 20×0.216 kWh = 4.32 kWh
- 30 towers: 30×0.216 kWh = 6.48 kWh
- 40 towers: 40×0.216 kWh = 8.64 kWh
- 50 towers: 50×0.216 kWh = 10.8 kWh
- 100 towers: 100×0.216 kWh = 21.6 kWh
- 300 towers: 300×0.216 kWh = 64.8 kWh
- 500 towers: 500×0.216 kWh = 108 kWh
- 1000 towers: 1000×0.216 kWh = 216 kWh
The above consumption rates need to be factored in according to local electrical rates or taken into account when designing an off-the-grid electrical system.
10. How much water does a commercial aeroponic tower use?
On average, about 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of water per day per Tower multiplied by your local water rates.
11. Do you provide nutrients and/or can I use my own?
The soluble ionic mineral-based solution that we sell is excellent, but there are many other fertilizer options that provide great results.
We have customers in Europe and in the USA using nutrient-enriched water from their aquaponic farms, and they are getting top-notch results and bountiful harvests!
Some Tower Farms are using organic nutrients designed for hydroponics, while others prefer to choose their own natural NPK formulas and boosters.
Due to the purity of the nutrients that we use to manufacture our ionic mineral-based solution, and considering the low price that we offer, we strongly recommend that our clientele use such an option.
Contrary to most mineral-based fertilizers, our formula is classified as non-hazmat, lowering the price of shipping and greatly facilitating the import process around the world.
For those wishing to use their own source of nutrients, we advise against buying any nutrient formula featuring man-made synthetic ingredients.
It is very important to choose fertilizers that only have natural and pure ingredients, whether you are using an organic nutrient formula for hydroponics, nutrient-rich water from an aquaponic farm, or a soluble mineral solution.
12. How long does a set of nutrients last?
Each set of dry nutrients makes at least 10,000 gallons of finished solution at the full rate (example 1:200). The rate can be much lower (example 1:400) in warm season. Nutrients cost about $1.50 to $2 per tower per month depending on the crops grown and conditions (climate, outdoors vs. greenhouse etc.).
13. How does a Tower Farm automated irrigation system work?
Our irrigation systems have been designed to supply the water and fertilizers to each tower on an as-needed basis regardless of the amount of towers involved. A tower growing strawberries will require more water and nutrients than a tower growing parsley. Our irrigation system automates the whole process regardless of the amount of towers involved.
A Tower Farm irrigation system entails the following:
– Container for nutrients A
– Container for nutrients B
– Gravity tank (size varies according to the amount of towers).
– Dosatron nutrition automatic dozing system (2 or 3 units depending on Tower Farm set up and the quality of the water).
– Manifolds (size varies according to Tower Farm configuration)
– Floaters for each tower
– Valves for each tower
– Modification of each tower (holes drilling to accommodate floaters and valves).
– Tubing to supply water and nutrients (size of tubing depends on the size of the Tower Farm and its configuration).
Example of an irrigation system set up outdoors:
14. How much space needs to be allocated per tower?
15. Can a Tower Farm operate indoor with LED lights?
Tower Farms can be equipped with a state-of-the-art adjustable LED light kit manufactured by Tower Garden® to operate indoor.
The Tower Farm’s LED light kits are for 11-pot towers (44 plants • 2.5m high) and each kit comes with 3 fixtures per tower.
Our commercial LED light kits can also work for 9-pot towers (36 plants • 2.1m high).
Please note though that our commercial LED light kit is NOT available for towers featuring 7-pot (28 plants • 1.8m high) nor 13-pot (52 plants • 2.9 m height).
16. What are the specifications of our LED light grow kit?
17. Does Agrotonomy offer Tower Farm on-site installation services?
Tower Farms are delivered with clear step-by-step assembly instructions: the whole system is very simple to install. However, for Tower Farms featuring at least 100 towers, we offer free on-site assembly supervision & training services.
After the client receives the Tower Farm shipment, we provide 2 full days of consultation and supervision (on location) ensuring that the system is properly assembled and configured for optimum crop yields and that everyone involved receives proper training.
The client is responsible for travel expenses for 2: we work in pairs. We always send 2 individuals on location for Tower Farm installation and training purposes. Travel expenses include the following:
– Airline fare round-trip ticket from Ibiza Spain × 2 (coach class okay – we do not fly on discount airlines).
– Food and lodging accommodations (a decent hotel room featuring a desk and a fast internet connection × 4 nights – 1 room for 2 is sufficient.)
– Local transportation (taxi, train, etc.)
As mentioned previously, we offer 2 full workdays × 2 experts which in most cases is sufficient. However, if the customization of a project requires extra work beyond the scope of a regular Tower Farm, subsequent workdays for our 2 specialists are invoiced at $850 per day + expense.
Although assembling and operating a Tower Farm is an extremely simple and straightforward process, like with everything else in life, nothing replaces experience. In fact, even though a Tower Farm manual comes with clear and extensive step-by-step instructions, we certainly wish that when we started operating our first Tower Farm, we knew back then what we know today! We truly have a wealth of tips and tricks which we can share in person with our customers.
We strongly advise our new customers to embrace our free Tower Farm consultation services on location.
More than a fully automated aeroponic vertical system, a Tower Farm comes with our expertise and the extensive experience of our team ensuring ongoing support to our customers.
We have set up the first Tower Farms in Europe, in Asia, in the Middle East, in Africa ( and soon in South America!). However, more than just resellers of the Tower Farm technology by Tower Garden, at Agrotonomy, we are first and foremost a team of experienced tower farmers! We operated a Tower Farm for 3 years before becoming international resellers of Tower Garden aeroponic vertical farming technology.
18. Do we provide a suggested Tower Farm layout/blueprint?
Just as an example, here below is a suggested layout for a farm featuring 300 towers in a 600 m² greenhouse.
19. What is the labor involved to run a Tower Farm?
Not only our aeroponic systems allow to save 95% water, 90% space while reducing drastically the risks of pests, a Tower Garden® Farm requires 90% less labor in comparison to soil-based farming: under greenhouse conditions, 1 individual can manage up to 150 towers (7800 plants).
20. Will I get training after I purchase my Tower Farm?
We also offer onsite training and installation services across the globe.
Small Tower Farms do not require training services in person. Tower Garden Ltd. provides a very comprehensive step-by-step instruction manual. Tower Garden technology is user-friendly and does not require previous experience. However, for large-scale Tower Farm projects involving commercial production, we strongly advise you to get full training through Agrotonomy.
Iris from Agrotonomy training the staff of King Tower Farm in Laguna, the Phillipines
Example of final Tower Farm set up in collaboration with Agrotonomy
21. Are schools/charities/nonprofit organizations/associations eligible for discounts?
Tower Garden Ltd. features the same rates for everyone and does not grant discounts for charities nor schools.
22. Is the Tower Garden a hydroponic tower or an aeroponic tower?
However, in conventional hydroponics, the roots of the plants grow in a substrate and are immersed at all times in a constant flow of water enhanced with insufflated oxygen + soluble fertilizers.
With aeroponics, the roots of the plants just hang in the air and are fed intermittently. Due to the fact that the roots have 100% oxygen availability, the delivery of nutrients to the plant is unparalleled. The feeding cycles do not exceed a cumulated total of 15 minutes per hour. The roots are therefore just dangling in the air at least 45 minutes per hour. That’s right! The roots are simply hanging in the air at least 75% of the time thriving in a very highly oxygenated environment without substrate, without water, without soil…this is what defines aeroponics!
Contrary to general perception, what defines aeroponics is not how the roots are being fed. In fact, many “hydroponic/aeroponic aficionados” are under the impression that with a “true aeroponic system”, the nutrient solution must be administrated to the roots by means of a high-pressure mist system, or even better, atomized, like with fogponic technology.
An HPA (High-Pressure Aeroponics) system has the ability to produce droplets that are 50 µm or less in diameter. Think about it this way, the diameter of a human hair is 80 µm on average! Droplets that are 50 µm are the perfect size for optimum delivery and intake to the roots.
An LPA (Low Pressure Aeroponics) system produces regular-size droplets.
However, whether HPA or LPA, the end results in terms of crop yield and nutrient density are the same. Aeroponics is not about low-pressure/high-pressure and the micron size of the droplets, it is about having the roots just hanging in the air without feeding cycles at least 45 minutes out of the hour. Aero stands for Air and this applies to HPA and LPA systems.
However, it is proven that due to the size of the droplets when 50 µm or less in diameter, an HPA system requires less water and less nutrients than an LPA system. In fact, 50 µm in diameter is the optimum size for root absorption and this is why less is required to produce the same results.
Scientific comparative tests have proven that crops grown on Tower Garden aeroponic systems feature a superior nutrient density and show an increase in antioxidant and phenolic values. Furthermore, aeroponics delivers on average 35% increase in crop yield and 40% water savings in comparison to conventional hydroponics.
In a commercial Tower Farm, the feeding cycles are programmed to be on for 3 minutes, and off for 12 minutes, 24 hours per day. In other terms, the system is only on 12 minutes per hour (4×3 minutes). The plants’ roots are just hanging in the air without water nor nutrients for 48 minutes per hour!
Whether speaking about the residential model of the Tower Garden, or whether referring to Tower Garden technology used in a commercial Tower Farm, these towers are truly aeroponic towers!
Now, someone could argue that a Tower Garden is also a hydroponic tower… Oh well, we will not start a discussion on hydroponics versus aeroponics… We will not debate on the subject of alleged “true aeroponics” being misconceived by the notion of HPA versus LPA: the quality of crops, whether grown on a HPA or a LPA system are the same and far superior to regular conventional hydroponics.
Tower Garden has been manufacturing hundreds of thousands of aeroponic towers for over one decade. Tower Garden technology was the first aeroponic tower on the market (back then named Future Growing). Tower Garden is the pioneer of aeroponic tower technology and commercial Tower Farm systems.
23. What is the Tower Garden made from?
Tower Garden is made from the safest high-end UV-stabilized, BPA-free, food-grade PC/ABS proprietary plastic formula.
The high-quality resins used by Tower Garden are compliant with both U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for food contact and European guidelines for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Our resin material is also completely opaque — Keeping light out, inhibiting algae growth.
The PC/ABS which has been engineered for the manufacturing of Tower Garden has been successfully tested for chemical leaching all the way to the nanoparticle.
Although technically our proprietary PC/ABS is considered to be plastic, Tower Garden is the only soilless-food growing-system which has been approved for LEED projects (LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). In fact, Tower Garden has been approved for LEED projects due to the durability of the material used to build the towers, in conjunction with the low energy and high crop yield of our technology.
When it comes to agriculture, whether organic or nonorganic, whether soil-based or soilless, nutrients are stored in plastic containers; Hoses used for irrigation systems are petroleum derived; Tractors are fuel powered; Crops are stored in plastic containers after harvests, etc. Furthermore, organic agriculture uses tons of plastic mulch made from wasteful plastic material (which quality is far inferior to the material used to make our towers).
Our PC/ABS proprietary formula is the safest plastic ever engineered for agricultural-related equipment.
Some Tower Farms have been using the same towers for the last 10 years. The longevity of a Tower Garden is unparalleled in the hydroponics- aeroponics industry. No one in our industry uses a PC/ABS material as safe, as thick, and as durable whether used indoors or outdoors.
Greenhouse FAQs
24. What are the recommended greenhouse key specifications and components for a Tower Farm?
Climate-controlled greenhouse specification general guidelines:
– A-frame greenhouse is the best for vertical farming with aeroponic towers.
– It is recommended that the greenhouse structure run north to south.
– Aeroponic tower row’s layout should also run north to south.
– Full sun exposure and/or supplemental lighting is required for year-round production.
– Supplemental lights are necessary for days without sunlight. Although high-pressure sodium lights are cheaper, LED lights are more energy efficient and, therefore, more cost-effective in the long run. They also provide a better light solution from a photon and diffusion perspective.
– Oversized fans and pads evaporative cooling system: Cooling pads with motorized vents on the north end and two-phase exhaust fans on the south side.
– Circulation fans, also known as horizontal airflow (HAF) fans, must be featured in the middle of the greenhouse. Their primary function is to evenly distribute air within the greenhouse to maintain a consistent temperature, ensure uniform humidity distribution, and eradicate the formation of microclimates around plants. This constant air movement is crucial for preventing disease and promoting healthy plant growth.
– Length – must not exceed 36 m between fans and pads.
– Central computer system featuring integrated alarms, a weather station, and climate sensors: The central computer serves as the greenhouse’s brain, processing data from various sensors that continuously measure temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity. This real-time data allows for the automatic adjustment of environmental conditions to meet the plants’ specific needs, ensuring optimal growth.
– Gutter-connected greenhouse with sidewalls ranging from 4.5 m to 6m in height (depending on the size of the aeroponic towers used in the greenhouse)
– Concrete flooring is recommended for added insulation. Floor slope should be 1.25 cm per 3.5 m for optimal tower operation and be covered with white epoxy coating, increasing light diffusion.
– Recommended 10 mm thick single-layer polycarbonate around the greenhouse and a 6 to 8 mm thick diffused corrugated polycarbonate roof:
Please note that single-layer diffused material helps cool the greenhouse better than clear options by reducing direct solar gain and spreading light more effectively into the crops’ canopy. Twin wall panels tend to alter the red spectrum of light, making colored vegetables such as red lettuce darker than they typically should be.
– Should a CS3 A-frame be out of your budget, you may consider a double poly-film arched climate-controlled greenhouse. Although it is also an excellent option that will lower the overall cost, the only main drawback is that you will need to replace the double polyethylene roof about every 4 years to maintain light levels vs. the A-Frame polycarbonate being a material with a 15-year lifespan operating optimally.
– Seedling propagation must always be featured on the north end, near the cooling pads.
25. What is the ideal temperature for a Tower Farm featured inside a greenhouse?
It is recommended to have a differential temperature with cooler temperatures at night than in the daytime.
26. What is the luminosity requirement of a greenhouse?
27. What is the average price of greenhouse?
The price of a greenhouse depends also on climate conditions and whether or not it requires anti-seismic additional structure or for areas prone to earthquakes. The price also varies based on the quality of the greenhouse amenities (atomizers, fans, cooling pads, electrical setup, off-the-grid equipment, insect screens etc.).
28. Does Agrotonomy Corp. provide greenhouse services?
This service consists of consulting with the client in regards to his/her greenhouse needs. After we define together what type of greenhouse is required, we contact our network of greenhouse manufacturers to outsource the best-customized quotations on behalf of the client and assist him/her throughout the purchasing process. We work with greenhouse manufacturers in the USA, Spain, Turkey, and China.
When it comes to greenhouses ramifications, it took us years to perfect our knowledge and expertise as well as develop the most strategic relationships and alliances with leading greenhouse manufacturers worldwide.… Our greenhouse consultation service saves money to the customer: we know what type of greenhouse is needed, what the components and prices should be, and greenhouse manufacturers are not playing games with us… the fee we charge for our greenhouse consultation & purchasing service is always offset by the savings we negotiate on behalf of our customers
We are not just a greenhouse consultancy and brokerage firm: we are first and foremost greenhouse farmers ourselves.
We define the most appropriate greenhouse components needed for the project (insect screening, automated air vents, atomizers, humidity control equipment, wet walls, heating system, off-the-grid options, choice of polycarbonate grade, glass, and other materials, etc.).
A greenhouse proposal always includes the structure which is built by the manufacturer, however the fans, the atomizers/foggers, the CO2 regulators, the heaters, the wet walls etc. are usually built by other manufacturers. Greenhouse manufacturers build the structure and outsource most of the parts and components from other manufacturers.
At Agrotonomy Corp., when working with our network of greenhouse manufacturers, we know which brand we want for each item. In other terms, we might work with a greenhouse manufacturer in China and choose a climate control system from the Netherlands.
This greenhouse consultation and purchasing service is from start to finish (from consulting with the client to actually purchasing the greenhouse and working out the building process logistics). Agrotonomy Corp. is not responsible for the building process of the greenhouse.
Agrotonomy Corp. opens up its network of greenhouse manufacturers and starts working on quotations only after full payment has been issued.