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Hydroponic Farm Touts Healthy Value In Tight Times

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

Abigail Balfour,8, picks tomatoes at Urban Oasis hydroponic farms.

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By MICHELE SAGER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 16, 2009

TAMPA - A farm in the city offers lower-cost alternatives to retail organic food stores, but even here they're feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

Trade has been slower than expected since Urban Oasis hydroponic farms opened in April at 5416 W. Linebaugh Ave.

Still, owner Dave Hume calls business strong and value in tight times is part of the reason.

"The organic stores can be so expensive," said customer Paulette Balfour, who also welcomes the produce here as a healthier choice. "I like to be able to come out and pick my own produce and know that it's fresh and pesticide free."

Balfour brought her daughter for a recent visit. Together, they scanned plants for remaining tomatoes.

Said Hume, "Traffic is down but there is still a big demand for organic, hydroponic foods even in this economy."

The farm started changing out crops this week, preparing for the new growing season. In the coming months, customers can expect to see cucumbers, zucchini, okra and eggplant.

Lettuce and tomatoes are the most popular farm crops, Hume said.

"Once people taste our tomatoes and experience the difference, they often can't go back to grocery store tomatoes," he said.

"People also are surprised at how long our produce lasts. Our lettuce can last up to month where grocery store lettuce is often three weeks old by the time you get it."

Because the hydroponic farm uses a tower system, more plants can fit on the 2-acre spot. Plus, the plants need less soil and water.

The set up also makes it easy for people with wheelchair and strollers to visit the farm.

The farm is open to the public 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.urbanoasisfarm.com or call (813) 293-3276.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523.

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