The crops at Thanet Earth will all be grown hydroponically. This is a common method of large-scale production which involves setting the roots of the plants in a fibrous material like Rockwool insulation, rather than soil.
The baby plants are produced from seed in a specialist growing nursery. They're then transplanted into their own containers and brought to their glasshouse at Thanet Earth.
Everything's very closely monitored and we adjust the liquid feed as required, using things like the amount of external light, the temperature, and any pest or disease worries as assessment factors.
Everything in the glasshouses is computer controlled – from the blinds in the ceilings to opening the windows, the liquid feed make-up, the heating, lighting and carbon dioxide levels.
