Trends in Hydroponic Specialty Crops

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Hydroponic Greenhouse Datil Pepper Production

Chris Barnes, Deep Creek Farms, Hastings, Florida

Barnes Farm 5-generation farming family, Hastings, FL Over 1200 acres of cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe and

cucumber Reasons for interest in diversifying

Deep Creek Farm Largest hydroponic greenhouse datil pepper operation in the

world at present History of how it started and why: - UF/IFAS involvement – Dr. Dan Cantliffe - Reduced pesticide use food safety - Niches in greenhouse production (i.e., Ruskin, FL) - Datil-do-it - Endorphin Farms - Firehouse subs

Greenhouse Structure 6,000 square feet, Gutter Connect Ridge-vent roof, passively-ventilated UV polyethylene film, 50-mesh insect screen Black and white ground cover Auto-climate control

February 1

3-gallon black polyethylene pots Pine bark media Barnes-UF datil pepper variety Seeded in December, transplanted in February

February 11

Fertigation System

¾” polypipe, 1 gph emitters Dosatron proportional injectors Automated Nutrient solution Millers 16-4-13

February 11

February 25

Pros and Cons Trellising system

March 11

Size of pots

Beginning of fruit set – March 18

March 26

March 26

April 15

April 15

April 29

April 29

April 29

May 13

Manual harvest Five to six harvests Starting in June, ending in December 200-220 pepper per lb

May 13

Potential growth 12-13 feet Height pruned to 7 feet

May 13

May 13

Marketing Movement of product Advertisement and local awareness: - agri-tourism - field trips - commercials - YouTube

Words of Wisdom Challenges Lessons learned Take-home message: specialty niche considerations