Garden Fresh Vegetables

O'Neill, Nebraska

Garden Fresh Vegetables, an approximately 50 full-time employee operation located in north central Nebraska was organized in 2008.  Marv Fritz, Operations Manager at Garden Fresh Vegetables, led a group of investors to establish this company that operates a 10-acre greenhouse, using hydroponics to produce tomatoes and cucumbers.  The company’s produce is ripened naturally, not by artificial or chemical means.

Growing vegetables hydroponically does not mean they are grown in water.  Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions rather than soil.  Garden Fresh Vegetable’s plants are rooted in an insulation medium called rockwool. Rockwool is used for its ability to hold large quantities of water, and at the same time, maintain a high percentage of air.  This aids root growth and nutrient uptake.  The fibrous nature of rockwool also provides a good mechanical structure to hold the plant stable.  Via an irrigation and dripper system, the plants are able to receive all of the necessary water and nutrients in each block of rockwool.

Interesting facts about Garden Fresh Vegetables:

  • The company helps to reduce global warming by consuming carbon dioxide, not releasing it into the atmosphere.
  • Every aspect of the greenhouse is monitored and can be controlled by a main computer, including temperature, humidity, sunlight quantity, carbon  dioxide levels, irrigation timing and quantities.
  • There are approximately 800,000 square feet (18 acres) of glass in the roof, and 53,000 square feet in the sidewalls.
  • There are no genetic modifications to the plants.  They are grown naturally from seed. 
  • Beneficial insects are used to control harmful insects.  Bumblebees are used for pollination.  All leach water is reclaimed.  Runoff from the roof is contained in holding ponds on either side of the greenhouse.
  • Hydroponics saves an incredible amount of water; it uses as little as 1/20 the amount as a regular farm to produce the same amount of food.

Garden Fresh Vegetables prides itself in producing consistent, high-quality fresh produce.  By focusing on quality, customer service and efficient production, managers and owners believe a long-term, strong demand for the produce can be successfully sustained.

Please visit www.gardenfreshvegetables.com for more information.