- groHERE uses climate-controlled vertical farming to grow strawberries year-round in Edmonton.
- Advanced technologies, including custom grow towers and dimmable LED lights, optimize growth.
- The company’s sustainable practices focus on local production to improve flavor and nutritional value.
grHERE, based in Edmonton, Alberta, is revolutionizing strawberry production by utilizing advanced vertical farming techniques in a fully climate-controlled facility. This system enables them to produce fresh strawberries throughout the year, even in harsh Canadian winters.
Their approach includes custom-engineered grow towers, automated pollination, and sophisticated LED lighting to ensure optimal plant health and yield. With a focus on sustainability, they are addressing the challenges of long-distance strawberry imports, which often result in flavor and nutritional loss.
GroHERE: Redefining the Future of Strawberry Farming Through Vertical Systems
By moving into a facility originally designed for cannabis cultivation, groHERE was able to leverage an advanced climate control system, reducing the time and cost associated with setting up their operations. They overcame challenges in temperature and light management to create ideal conditions for everbearing strawberry varieties. Additionally, the company’s improved fertigation system and walk-in coolers help preserve the quality of their harvest, making them a pioneering force in local strawberry production.
The company’s transition from cannabis cultivation to strawberries was not without challenges. The existing cannabis-growing facility had to be modified to meet the unique needs of strawberries, which require cooler conditions and longer light durations. For instance, cooling systems were adjusted to maintain the optimal temperature for strawberries during the night, while a custom fertigation system was installed to provide the appropriate nutrient mix for the plants.
groHERE also installed innovative lighting systems to ensure that each plant receives the exact amount of light it needs at every stage of growth. By utilizing the P.L. Light Systems’ TriPlane Linear LED, they are able to reduce heat and save energy, allowing for closer placement of grow towers. The precise dimming control offered by this system helps maintain the right Daily Light Integral (DLI) for the plants, improving their overall health and productivity.
In addition to the advanced lighting and growing systems, groHERE’s facility also includes a walk-in cooler for post-harvest storage, preserving the strawberries at a precise temperature of 0°C (32°F). This allows for the delivery of fresh, high-quality berries to local markets, reducing reliance on imports and offering consumers a better alternative to the typical out-of-season fruit available.
By utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, groHERE is reshaping strawberry cultivation, ensuring a future of fresher, healthier, and locally grown produce.
“We aim to grow as many high-quality strawberries as we can, as close as we can to the people who love them.” – groHERE CEO
