Erin May is a woman turning a stall in her garage into a year-round fresh vegetable operation. It took some convincing from her husband Justin, but Erin has turned this garage space on their 20-acre farm into the main operation of Wholesome Living Acres.
Instead of farming the traditional way of their rural neighbors in Browerville, Minnesota, the May family this looking up and farming vertically thanks to aeroponic gardening towers. These handy tools allow them to grow heads of lettuce and other herbs and greens with no soil. A far-out concept that seems like something out of a sci-fi film. Seeds are started in trays, then transferred to Rockwool cubes and placed in the tower to finish out their growing cycle, taking just weeks to form a full head of lettuce. Because there is no soil there is also no weeding, and when harvested the product stays fresher longer due to the root system still being intact.
Once harvested, Erin and the family have been selling at local farmers’ markets in Long Prairie and Sauk Centre, as well as offering some drop-off options in the surrounding towns.
And the family element is a huge part of this operation. The tower farm itself started with just one tower to feed the Mays and their kids. Erin had some health issues during pregnancy and after evaluating the situation and doing research, she purchased a tower garden for her family, knowing they needed more vegetables in their diets. One successfull garden for their family has turned into a garage stall full, and a thriving business. And with the kids being homeschooled by Erin she is using the farm as a teaching tool.
Looking ahead to the future Erin is hoping to add more towers, and expand into the restaurant space and have her goods featured in locations that specialize in farm-to-table cooking. With this being their first full year, they are learning as they grow, and the community response has been fantastic. Learn more about Wholesome Living Acres on The Small Town Tourist Podcast.
Website: www.wholesomelivingacres.com
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