New Farming Method in Taft Says Goodbye to Dirt

by Reyna Harvey, Eyewitness News

Sunday, April 16th, 2017

New farming method in Taft says goodbye to dirt. (KBAK/KBFX)

TAFT, Calif. (KBAK/KFBX) — A new and innovative way of growing food without using dirt has carved a niche here in Kern County.

The process is called Aquaponics, and it gives you the ability to grow thousands of plants in a small space.

Sheri Rightmer says she was able to ditch the gardening tools once she started Up Cycle Aquaponics.

"I love the fact that I don't have to weed anymore in the garden, I don't have to bend over, everything is pretty much at waste level," says Rightmer.

Since no soil is used and the roots are exposed, this gives the plants direct access to minerals.

Sheri says the process is innovative and efficient, "It uses 95 percent less water than regular agriculture, it grows three times faster, three times larger and nine times less space."

Housed in a temperature-controlled space so they grow year round with over one thousands plants, Sheri hopes this venue will inspire others to get a green thumb.

For more information you can visitupcycleaquaponics.com.