Our bet is that if you've made it this far, you already might know a thing or two about growing plants. But what about growing indoors? If, like us before we embarked on our own agricultural journey many years ago, you were under the impression that farmers wore sun hats and plaid and toiled in the sun in the summer, you're in for a heck of a surprise. Wondering why? Well, let's get into the weeds with indoor agriculture...

How do we change perception, we aren't farming in the 1940's and I'm positive most of us aren't dressing like it @FreshAirFarmer #ontag pic.twitter.com/Y7QMPGXyfN

— Rick Van Laecke (@Rick_VanLaecke) December 29, 2017

Indoor agriculture is an alternative way to farm, leveraging technology and controlled environments to grow crops inside. This could be as small as growing a basil plant in the window sill, to massive grow operations in enormous warehouses located in your backyard. As traditional farming faces challenges from climate change, limited land, a strain on traditionally abundant resources (water being one of them - hydroponics uses 90% water than traditional agriculture) and growing population demands, indoor agriculture offers a resilient, scalable solution. In this article, we'll wander into what indoor agriculture is, why it's growing to new heights, and how it can future-proof all of us as our world rapidly evolves.

What is Indoor Agriculture?

Put simply - indoor agriculture refers to growing crops in an enclosed space like greenhouses, warehouses, shipping containers, specialized vertical farms or, frankly, anywhere there is a roof and enclosed space below that roof. This approach uses technology (either modern or pre-modern) to regulate factors like temperature (with heating and cooling), humidity (humidifiers and dehumidifiers), and light, creating ideal conditions for plant growth year-round.

By moving agriculture indoors, growers can bypass the challenges of outdoor farming such as unpredictable weather, pesky pests, and land limitations.

Unlike traditional agriculture, where crops are subject to the vagaries of the environment like storms, snow, and heat, indoor agriculture is all about control. By optimizing every aspect of the growing environment, from light and water to nutrients and airflow, farmers can produce crops more efficiently, making it far more cost effective to grow.

Indoor agriculture encompasses several growing techniques, including:

• Hydroponics: Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution, eliminating the need for soil (and the technology we generally leverage at Just Vertical).

• Aeroponics: Roots are suspended in the air and periodically misted with a nutrient solution, maximizing oxygen uptake and growth efficiency. Very similar to hydroponics without a permanent growing medium.

• Aquaponics: Combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics in a closed-loop system where fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help purify the water for the fish.

A Brief History of Indoor Farming

Indoor farming isn't new. In fact, it's quite old. The origins of growing plants indoors date back to ancient Rome and Greece, where early greenhouses, known as specularia, used sheets of mica or transparent stone to protect plants from the cold while allowing sunlight to enter. Although the focus would have predominantly been house and ornamental plants, who's to say the early Romans were not also growing fresh produce indoors?

During the 16th century, Europeans began constructing "orangeries" to cultivate citrus trees year-round, leading to the development of modern greenhouses, which began to pop up around the industrial revolution. Modern greenhouses have continued to grow in usage since their original adoption around the mid-19th century in western Netherlands.

In the 20th century, indoor farming evolved further with the advent of hydroponics (which, funnily enough, is considered even older than growing indoors). During World War II, hydroponic farming was used in remote locations (and, in particular, the Pacific where there is extremely limited arable land) to supply troops with fresh vegetables.

This technology eventually made its way into the commercial sector, paving the way for the controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) we know today.

The 21st century brought about rapid advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and climate control systems, making indoor farming more accessible, efficient, and scalable. One specific example of technology advancement facilitating indoor growing is in LED lighting technology which, when operating, is 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. The ease and accessibility of lighting in particular has seen a shift in indoor growing from greenhouses (reliant on natural sunlight) to more diverse, adaptable indoor growing in spaces where natural light is not necessarily available.

In the last 10 years, the proliferation of warehouse grown produce has also increased dramatically as the efficiency in lighting technology has made setups far more cost effective. In particular, organizations like Plenty Farms and Bowery have proved that growing produce indoors is economically viable relative to traditional agriculture.

The Benefits of Indoor Agriculture

Indoor agriculture offers a range of compelling benefits that make it an attractive solution for modern farming:

1. Year-Round Production: With controlled environments, crops can be grown continuously, eliminating seasonal restrictions.

2. Pest and Disease Control: By growing indoors, exposure to pests and diseases is minimized, reducing the need for pesticides.

3. Optimized Growing Conditions: Precise control over temperature, humidity, light, and nutrients leads to healthier plants and higher yields.

4. Resource Efficiency: Advanced systems like hydroponics and aeroponics use up to 90% less water compared to traditional farming.

5. Space Maximization: Vertical farming allows for the stacking of crops, significantly increasing yield per square foot.

6. Sustainability: Reduced transportation, lower water usage, and fewer inputs make indoor farming an environmentally friendly option.

7. Scalability: Indoor farms can be scaled up or down depending on needs, from small-scale operations to large commercial ventures.

Pro Tip: When planning an indoor farm, consider the type of crops you want to grow and the technologies that best suit your space. For example, leafy greens and herbs thrive in vertical farms, while tomatoes and cucumbers may require different setups.

Types of Indoor Agriculture

Indoor agriculture can take many forms depending on the scale and technology used.

Here are a few popular types. Note that a farm setup may have one or many of the types combined with each mentioned below. At Just Vertical, we do a combination of all these different types mentioned below:

• Vertical Farms: These utilize stacked layers of crops, maximizing space usage in warehouses or converted buildings. Vertical farms are typically equipped with LED lighting and automated irrigation systems, creating ideal conditions for growing leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens. Vertical farming technology can be used in a variety of different formats, and use cases (such as shipping containers mentioned below).

• Shipping Container Farms: Compact and mobile, container farms are ideal for urban areas or businesses with limited space. Shipping containers can be retrofitted with hydroponic systems, aeroponic systems, or aquaponic systems. They can also grow with soil. Containers generally include climate controls, allowing for year-round production in even the harshest climates. You can check out some container farms here.

• Hydroponic & Aeroponic Systems: Soilless growing techniques that rely on nutrient-rich water or mist, offering high efficiency and fast plant growth. These systems are perfect for maximizing yield in limited spaces.

• Greenhouses: Controlled-environment structures that harness natural light while adding climate controls for year-round production. Greenhouses are often hybrid systems that blend traditional and modern farming methods. Greenhouses are probably the most common type of indoor growing, and the most familiar.

Key Technologies Driving Indoor Farming

Technology is at the root (pardon the pun) of indoor agriculture's success, and in particular responsible for its rapid growth in the last 20 years. Here are some of the key innovations that have driven, and continue to drive the industry to new heights:

1. LED Lighting: Specialized grow lights mimic the sun's spectrum, providing plants with the optimal wavelengths for photosynthesis. LED lights are energy-efficient and can be customized to match different growth stages.
2. Climate Control Systems: Automated HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels to create a stable environment, regardless of external weather conditions, so you can grow in the searing heat of the American south, or the extreme cold of the Canadian north.
3. IoT Sensors: Internet of Things (IoT) devices monitor and manage environmental factors like light, temperature, and moisture in real-time, ensuring optimal growing conditions at all times.
4. Automated Irrigation and Nutrient Delivery: These systems precisely deliver water and nutrients to plants, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency.
5. AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence is being used to analyze data, predict crop yields, and fine-tune growing conditions, resulting in higher productivity and reduced operational costs.

These technologies not only improve efficiency but also make indoor farming more accessible to newcomers by simplifying operations and reducing the need for manual labor.

The Future of Indoor Farming

Indoor agriculture is at the forefront of a farming revolution.

With climate change, urbanization, and food security becoming pressing global issues, indoor farming offers a sustainable, scalable solution. The flexibility to grow crops anywhere—from dense urban centers to remote regions—positions indoor farming as a key player in future food systems.

The future of indoor farming will likely be shaped by advancements in AI, robotics, and automation. Imagine a farm where robots handle everything from planting seeds to harvesting crops, while AI algorithms optimize every aspect of growth. This vision is already becoming a reality in some of the world's leading indoor farms.

Governments and businesses alike are investing in large-scale indoor farms, integrating IoT, AI, and blockchain technologies for better management, traceability, and productivity. As indoor agriculture continues to evolve, it's clear that the future of farming will increasingly take place in our homes, in our offices, in our schools, and on our farms in shipping containers in harsh climates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is indoor agriculture?

A: Indoor agriculture involves growing crops inside controlled environments using technologies like hydroponics, vertical farming, and climate controls to optimize plant growth.

Q: How does indoor farming save water?

A: Indoor farms, especially hydroponic systems, use closed-loop watering systems that recycle water, using up to 90% less water than traditional farming.

Q: Is indoor agriculture sustainable?

A: Yes! Indoor agriculture reduces transportation needs, uses fewer resources like water and pesticides, and can be powered by renewable energy.

Q: Can indoor farms grow anything?

A: Most indoor farms focus on high-value crops like leafy greens, herbs, and berries, but the potential is expanding as technology advances.

Q: How much space do I need to start an indoor farm?

A: It depends on the scale. Small container farms require minimal space, while larger operations may need a warehouse.

The Future is Indoors

Indoor agriculture is more than just a trend—it's a practical, sustainable solution to feeding a growing population in a world of limited resources. Whether you're looking to start a small-scale setup or planning a large commercial operation, the potential of indoor farming is undeniable. Ready to dive in? Get in touch with us to explore how you can start your own indoor farming venture today.