Wendy Loh doesn’t like to get her hands dirty, but she still manages to harvest an array of organic vegetables on her 11th-floor lanai that overlooks Makiki and Waikiki.
Her Tower Garden doesn’t require soil, instead using a vertical aeroponic method of growing plants without soil. Her kale and tomato plants thrive, and she also grows Manoa lettuce, basil, bok choy, Swiss chard, cilantro and cucumbers. The 5-foot-tall tower, made of food-grade plastic, can accommodate up to 20 plants in a 3-by-3-foot area.
The complete system with seeds costs about $600. “It’s a perfect setup for busy people,” said Loh, who lives at the Maunaihi Place condominium.
She is enjoying the health benefits of having a ready source of fresh produce just steps from her kitchen. “I enjoy blending my kale every morning as I make a smoothie with avocados and other goodies,” Loh said. “I want to grow things that help me save money. I grow about $150 to $200 worth of veggies monthly. There’s a medicine chest right here on my balcony.”
Loh retired in 2009 after 20 years of running her chocolate factory, Kona Paradise Candies. She still keeps busy, serving on the boards of numerous organizations. With so little care required, the Tower Garden is a good fit for her lifestyle.
The concept was developed in space by NASA and refined at Disney’s Epcot Center by inventor Tim Blank. The Tower Garden system has a 20-gallon reservoir for storing water mixed with a special Tower Tonic solution. A small pump pushes the mixture to the top of the tower through a hose. From there it drips over the plant roots and collects oxygen. The process is continually repeated.
Full sun is best. Maintenance involves checking water and pH levels about twice a week, trimming plant roots if necessary and a monthly filter cleaning.
Loh’s daughter, Angela, 23, sells the systems and grows broccolini, quinoa and edible flowers in her own Tower Garden.
“This is my first attempt at gardening. Things have grown in abundance,” Angela Loh said. “I cut some fresh veggies for my noodles … (and) pick things as I need something. It makes you feel accomplished.”
For more information, visit www.towergarden.com or contact Angela Loh via phone at 256-7909 or email at aloh008@yahoo.com.
“Garden Party” spotlights unique and exceptional gardens. Contact us at features@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.
