Summer season production in Florida is challenging to say the least with the sub-tropical sun, heat, and humidity playing havoc on our crops. The increase of insect populations during the summer months is another hurdle that makes it extremely difficult for produce farming in Florida to be successful. In fact, most vegetable crop production comes to a screeching halt in May due to these factors and more. Ecotone Farm is a hydroponic lettuce and leafy green farm located in Fellsmere, at the northern tip of Indian River County and is subject to the same climatic conditions as most of Florida. However, with our nearly 4,000 square feet of climate controlled greenhouse (CCGH) production we are able to continue to grow our hydroponic lettuce varieties throughout most of the summer months.
Ecotone Farm has been producing hydroponic lettuce and leafy greens since 2012 and has been growing in our CCGH since summer of 2014. We currently produce Bibb, green oakleaf, red oakleaf, red lola rosa, and romaine varieties of lettuce. We sell to our local clients in the greater Vero Beach area including restaurants and country clubs. We also package and sell to our wholesale distributors with our fleet of refrigerated box truck and van.
Typically, in the late summer season around mid-August when the heat and humidity gets too high, our hydroponic lettuce varieties start to show signs of distress and our summer season production finally comes to an end. We take this opportunity to prepare our farm for the coming season, which includes getting through the unpredictable peak hurricane season.
Ecotone Farm is currently working on expanding its product line into herbs and are preparing to introduce them into the market by mid-July. Please follow us on our website at www.ecotonefarm.net as we are continually providing information and blogging on the local produce industry, our sustainability efforts, and upcoming products and events.