Kentucky growers expand with hydroponic tomatoes

Matt and Jerry Wyatt of Heartland Hydroponics in Benton, Ky., have switched to hydroponic vegetable production as a way of extending their growing season. Working with the Univ. of Ky. Coop. Ext. Service, the Wyatts decided to switch to hydroponic tomato production after touring some hydroponic greenhouse operations in Mississippi. The Wyatts are currently growing about 6,000 tomato plants in about 1 acre of greenhouse space. They have implemented an integrated pest management program using beneficial insects and they also use bumble bees to pollinate the plants. Their products are sold under the Rebecca Grace label at Whole Foods, Value Market and Kroger stores in Louisville. Their produce is also sold locally to restaurants, school systems and to the public through a vegetable stand on their farm. The Wyatts plan to expand production into different varieties and types of fruits and vegetables. Currently, they are experimenting with growing different varieties of tomatoes as well as lettuce and cucumbers.