Rooms 2 Grow

Customized Shipping Container Farming

At Rooms2Grow, our company specializes in customized shipping container farming solutions tailored to meet the unique goals of our clients, whether they are restaurants seeking fresh herbs or entrepreneurs launching vertical farms. Our Canadian custom-made shipping containers are designed for optimal space utilization and functionality, featuring advanced hydroponic technology for year-round crop production. We collaborate closely with our clients to create customized systems that include everything from layout and equipment selection to climate control, all while prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability. By choosing Rooms2Grow, you’re not just investing in a farming solution; you’re embracing a custom-tailored approach to sustainable agriculture that transforms your vision into reality.

Benefits of Shipping Container Farming

The landscape of agriculture has drastically changed, with the number of farms in the US and Canada dropping by nearly 70% since the 1930s. The average meal now travels approximately 1,500 miles from farm to plate, contributing to significant environmental and economic challenges. The long-distance transportation of food consumes vast quantities of fuel and generates considerable emissions, with air freight being particularly damaging—producing 50 times more pollutants than sea shipping. This reliance on fast, polluting transport methods not only affects air quality but also forces produce to be harvested unripe, leading to processing that includes preservatives and irradiation to extend shelf life.

Key Advantages of Shipping Container Farming:

  • Decentralization of Food Production: By utilizing shipping containers, we can decentralize food production, reducing reliance on distant farms and transportation networks. This mitigates risks associated with natural disasters that disrupt food supplies and reduces vulnerability to foodborne illnesses linked to centralized systems.
  • Sustainability and Reduced Emissions: Container farms operate in a closed-loop system, significantly lowering carbon footprints. They utilize energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional farming and food transport methods.
  • Year-Round Production: Shipping container farms allow for year-round cultivation regardless of external climate conditions. This consistency helps meet the increasing demand for fresh produce and reduces the pressure on seasonal agricultural practices.
  • Space Efficiency: A single vertical container farm can produce the equivalent of 2.5 acres of traditional farmland annually. Their modular and stackable design maximizes space efficiency, enabling urban areas, rooftops, and underutilized land to be transformed into productive agricultural sites.
  • Local Food Supply: Growing food locally decreases transportation needs, leading to fresher produce with a longer shelf life. This enhances food security and supports local economies.
  • Community Engagement and Education: Container farms can serve as educational tools for schools and communities, promoting awareness of sustainable practices and healthy eating. They provide opportunities for job training in agriculture and technology.
  • Flexibility in Operation: Container farms can be operated by individuals or small businesses, allowing for a diverse range of uses—from standalone enterprises to extensions of existing farms and restaurants. This adaptability supports entrepreneurial ventures and innovation in local food systems.
  • Resource Efficiency: These farms use significantly less water than traditional farming methods, thanks to advanced hydroponics and aeroponics systems. This efficiency is crucial in areas facing water scarcity.
  • Reduced Chemical Use: By growing food in a controlled environment, container farms can minimize or eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides, contributing to healthier food production.
  • Economic Opportunities: Shipping container farming can stimulate local economies by creating jobs and providing fresh produce to communities, reducing reliance on industrial agriculture and its associated risks.

In summary, shipping container farming not only addresses the challenges posed by long-distance food transportation and centralized agricultural systems but also offers sustainable, efficient, and community-focused solutions. It’s time to embrace this innovative approach to agriculture, harnessing its potential to create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Getting Started With Rooms2Grow

With our customizable container farming solutions, the possibilities are endless. Each plant type brings its own set of requirements and advantages, making hydroponic farming a versatile and rewarding option for both home gardeners and commercial growers. From the rapid growth of microgreens to the aesthetic and culinary value of flowers, our fully customized systems are designed to optimize growth and yield. Let Rooms2Grow help you design the perfect setup to realize your agricultural dreams and cultivate a more sustainable future.

Types of Plants To Grow

At Rooms2Grow, our custom shipping container farming solutions allow for a diverse range of plants to be cultivated, each offering unique benefits and requirements. Here’s a closer look at some popular plant categories and the specific setups, advantages, and considerations for growing them in our hydroponic systems.

Leafy Greens

Examples: Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard

Setup and Advantages: Leafy greens are ideal for hydroponic systems due to their short growth cycles, typically ranging from 30 to 45 days from seed to harvest. They thrive in cooler temperatures (60°F to 70°F) and can grow well in both nutrient film techniques (NFT) and deep water culture (DWC) systems. By utilizing adjustable lighting that mimics natural sunlight, you can optimize photosynthesis, leading to vibrant colors and enhanced flavors. The controlled environment not only ensures a steady supply throughout the year but also allows for consistent growth and quality. Harvesting can be done multiple times per plant, further maximizing your yield and minimizing waste.

Herbs

Examples: Basil, cilantro, mint, parsley

Setup and Advantages: Herbs are perfect candidates for container farming due to their compact size and rapid growth cycles, which can range from 3 to 8 weeks. They prefer warm temperatures (65°F to 75°F) and thrive in systems that allow for good airflow. Hydroponic systems provide precise nutrient delivery, enhancing the potency of flavors and aromas. You can customize lighting and humidity levels to cater to each herb's specific needs; for instance, basil requires higher light intensity compared to cilantro. Growing herbs on-site not only provides the freshest ingredients but also allows for the cultivation of specialty varieties that can command premium prices in local markets.

Fruiting Plants

Examples: Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, cucumbers

Setup and Advantages: Fruiting plants require more robust support structures and specific nutrient regimes to flourish. They typically have longer growth cycles, often taking 60 to 120 days from seed to harvest, depending on the variety. These plants thrive in warm temperatures (70°F to 80°F) and require higher intensity lighting with specific light spectrums to encourage flowering and fruit set. Our container systems can be equipped with vertical growing solutions, optimizing space while allowing for adequate light penetration and airflow. The controlled environment significantly reduces pest exposure and can enhance fruit quality, resulting in sweeter and more flavorful produce. The ability to produce fresh fruits year-round also opens new market opportunities, giving growers a competitive edge.

Microgreens

Examples: Arugula, radish greens, sunflower shoots, pea shoots

Setup and Advantages: Microgreens are exceptionally quick-growing and can be harvested in as little as 7 to 21 days, making them highly appealing for container farming. They thrive in a variety of growing systems, including soil and hydroponics, but hydroponic methods can enhance flavor and nutrient density. Microgreens require consistent moisture and moderate lighting, making them ideal for indoor growing. Their high market value, coupled with low startup costs and minimal space requirements, makes them perfect for new growers. Additionally, their rapid turnover allows for multiple harvests within a short period, providing a fast return on investment.

Flowers

Examples: Edible flowers, herbs like nasturtium, and ornamental varieties

Setup and Advantages: Growing flowers in our container farms enhances both aesthetics and marketability. Flowers can be cultivated for culinary use, such as edible flowers like nasturtium and calendula, which add visual appeal and flavor to dishes. Many flowering plants require specific light and nutrient conditions to thrive, often needing longer photoperiods to promote blooming. Our systems can be tailored to meet these needs, ensuring vibrant blooms that attract beneficial insects. The dual benefit of growing ornamental varieties alongside edible ones allows growers to diversify their offerings and tap into various markets, from local restaurants to florists. This not only increases profitability but also enhances the ecological balance within the growing environment.