The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, in Florida has opened the resort’s new onsite Grow House. As the first of its kind in a resort setting, the Grow House is a repurposed shipping container with the capacity to grow one acre (.4 hectares) of produce.
The Group House utilizes a hydroponic vertical growing system and consumes 90% less water than a traditional farm or garden of equal size. Every aspect of the growing process is controlled – from temperature to water PH and lighting – allowing for a 100% pesticide free product. This fully controlled environment makes it possible to grow climate sensitive crops year-round such as lettuces, which thrive in cool soils or mushrooms that require consistent humidity.
Crops currently growing in the Grow House include Bibb and romaine lettuce, cilantro, arugula, spinach, cabbage and assorted micro-greens.
“The addition of the Grow House complements our relationship with local farms and further supports our goal to provide guests with the finest and freshest ingredients,” said George Fistrovich, executive chef for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.