By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News
Published: July 16, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- More than 2,000 plants will be squeezed into a small space about 25 by 50 feet at a hydroponics garden being built at the nonprofit food bank, Volunteer Way.

The ever rising cost of food inspired the food bank to start growing some of its own produce, Lester Cypher, the CEO of Volunteer Way, said today.

Tomatoes, lettuce, beans, peppers and other produce can grow year round. Cypher expects the first seedlings to be planted in pots by the end of August.

	More than 2,000 plants will grow in pots at a hydroponics garden taking shape at Volunteer Way, the nonprofit food bank's CEO, Lester Cypher, said.
Photo Credit: Carl Orth/SUNCOAST NEWS

The Sheriff's Office has lent its expertise, Cypher said. The main jail in Land O' Lakes had a hydroponics garden, although a tornado destroyed it Dec. 19.

Cypher said the pilot project is being set up behind the Volunteer Way food bank on Congress Street. Within 6 months or so, the hydroponics garden will be moved to a new site on Congress north of Pine Hill Road, property that was recently donated by the Parker family.

To shade the pilot project area, a black vinyl mesh tarp will be erected, assistant CEO Martha O'Brien said.

Hydroponics requires much less water than traditional gardens, O'Brien observed. The plants grow faster. And hydroponics requires much less labor.