Farming Vegetables Underground in the Tunnels of London
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Photo credit: Facebook/Growing Underground
Zero Carbon Foods have created London’s first underground farm within the depths of a Second World War air raid shelter. The 2.5 acre site, which is leased from Transport of London, has been producing crops such as peashoots, microradishes and mustard redleaf for the last 18 months during its trial period. Now the company is looking to expand its subterranean herbs, shoots, miniature vegetables, edible flowers and other delicacies to Britain’s high-end restaurants and food stores. Without access to the sun, the crops are grown through an integrated hydroponics system using low energy LED lights and enjoy a stable temperature of 16°C all year round, meaning that production can continue throughout the year. The project will be carbon neutral with additional energy sourced from renewable sources. Special filters are installed to keep the tunnels free of pests, eliminating the need for pesticides.
Link: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/urban-farming-goes-underground-in-london/
Date and Source: 4 February 2014, Smart Planet