Running a Vertical Farm: A Beginner's Guide

Overview

A book that walks you through the fundamentals of vertical farming in about three hours. Everything you need in your first one to two weeks on the floor, condensed into one volume.

• Format: PDF (60 pages)
• Price: Free

About This Book

After more than ten years working at more than ten vertical farms, I found myself asking the same question every time someone new joined: What do I tell them first? This book is my answer, put into writing.

From the basics of crop management and how the equipment works, to the realities of running a facility day to day — it gives you the full picture of vertical farming in a single read.

The concept is “broad and shallow.” Before getting into technical details, I wanted readers to grasp the overall picture and develop a shared vocabulary. My goal was to help people new to vertical farming follow what’s being said on the floor from day one.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 | The Future and Outlook of Vertical Farms

• Knowing the “Now” of Vertical Farming
• Why Do Vertical Farms Fall Into the Red?
• The Reality of a Profitable Vertical Farm
• Vertical Farm: What Is the Decisive Difference from Open-Field Farming and Protected Cultivation?
• The Three Roles of a Vertical Farm Manager

Chapter 2 | The Basics of Crop Management

• What Are the Key Points in Choosing the Best Crops for a Vertical Farm?
• Using LED Lighting
• Light
• Hydroponics Systems
• Temperature Control
• Humidity Control
• Using CO2
• Managing Air Conditioning and Airflow
• Handling Fertilizers
• Nutrient Solution Management
• Tipburn
• Legginess

Chapter 3 | Practicing Farm Operations Management

• Creating a Production Plan
• Seeding
• Propagation
• Transplanting & Final Planting
• Harvest & Trimming
• Work After Harvest
• Employee Management and Education
• Thorough Hygiene Management
• Data Analysis

Who This Is For

• Anyone just starting out in vertical farming
• People considering a career move into vertical farming
• Business owners or investors exploring entry into the vertical farming sector
• Anyone looking for the first book to hand to a new team member