Persuasive Research: Soil vs. Tower Garden®

The University of Mississippi compared product yield of crops grown in aeroponic growing systems and in soil. Researchers found the yields of plants grown with an aeroponic garden were more than 30% bigger on average. Here’s the breakdown by crop:

Gorgeous red chard. So easy to grow in towers.

Basil — 19% increase
Chard – 8% increase
Red kale – 65% increase
Parsley – 21% increase
Bell pepper – 53% increase
Cherry tomatoes – 35% increase
Cucumber – 7% increase
Squash – 50% increase

The study also measured total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants in the produce grown. It turns out aeroponic and soil methods yield produce with comparable nutritional value.

Let’s talk BASIL!

My experience has been that an aeroponic tower is the ultimate way to grow basil. For the past several years I have had enough basil to create pesto for the entire winter. With consistent watering, no bending, and no weeding, an early harvest is almost always the result.

I use walnuts, olive oil, and basil. Follow your basic recipe and if you add cheese to your pesto, it’s best to add that after you have thawed the frozen pesto.

Blend your ingredients and spoon into an ice cube tray. When frozen, remove cubes and store in zip lock bags in freezer. I have found they are still usable after 6 to 8 months.

And when you have a successful growing season with lots of tomatoes and basil, here is a soup recipe … this one looks great! Creamy tomato-basil soup.

Gwen O’Neill has been a gardener for over 40 years and has always been a passionate cook. Her own health challenges led her to experiencing a variety of healing modalities. After finding that her health improved with eating more whole food and improving her nutrition using a real, whole food based supplement called Juice Plus, she committed to sharing this experience with others. The Tower Garden by Juice Plus makes it easy to grow produce right outside your kitchen door.