What kind of site preparation do I need for my farmpod placement, before arrival?

FarmPod can be placed on any relatively level solid surface; this includes packed gravel, parking lots, four corner footings (shipping containers hold all their weight in the corners), or a concrete slab.

Do I need a crane to place my FarmPod?

Cranes are not required for most deliveries, but if you’d like to put your Pod in a hard to reach location, you will need a crane.

I’m worried about the quality of my water, can FP still use this Water?

Yes, we have built in Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration systems, to ensure that only the purest water makes it to the fish and plants in our vertical farm.

Can I put my FarmPod on a roof?

A FarmPod weighs 10+tonnes, so we only recommend placing FarmPods on roofs,  if your commercial structure can support this. (Most residential structures do not support this weight.)

What are the optimal growing conditions for my FarmPod?

The great thing about FarmPod is that we can grow in most environments; hot, cold, summer and winter. By controlling the environment in the Pod, the consumer does not have to worry about regulating things like temperature, humidity, and ventilation. 

What type of extreme growing conditions can the farmpod withstand? 

We have successfully operated pods from -5F (-20C) all the way up to 105F (26C), but we are partnering with other technologies to create solutions that expand our optimal growing zones in the future.

How many hours a week does it take to maintain a FarmPod?

Since FarmPod does most of the work for you, it only requires 5 hours a week to operate. This time is mostly spent planting your seeds and harvesting your produce. Long periods of singing to your plants, is optional.

What fish can I raise in my FarmPod?

While technically you can raise most fresh water fish, some fish work better than others. We suggest you start with catfish, barramundi, or tilapia. In colder environments, trout and perch are great choices. For our vegetarian friends who don’t plan to eat the fish, decorative koi and goldfish are great alternatives as well. 

What support options are available to help me grow successfully with my FarmPod?

FarmPods are automated, so with minimal training you can be a successful farmer with your FarmPod. However, we aim to ensure your success, so every FarmPod purchase includes six months of free phone support during your FarmPod installation, planting, harvesting, general operation and remote monitoring. You also have the ability to monitor your FarmPod online, for free, forever. Additional support options are available, whether it be the occasional phone call or your own dedicated farmer to operate the FarmPod for you- and everything in between.  

What if I have technical difficulties with my FarmPod?

Many technical issues can quickly be resolved from our remote support staff. If there is a component that fails, we have designed FarmPod to be easily serviced in the field and with simple plug-and-play components. If your pod is placed in an extremely remote environment, we are happy to offer those spare parts shipped with your pod,  to keep in case of emergency.

How do I keep my FarmPod clean?

The FarmPod runs automated standard cleaning cycles, but certain filters and components can be easily cleaned by spraying them with a hose, including the solids filtration system and grow towers. Some components like Reverse Osmosis filters are simply replaced when needed. 

How do I keep pests out of my FarmPod?

Since FarmPod has a closed controlled environment, most pests do not affect farming procedures. If a little assistance is needed, this is generally done by the release of beneficial  predatory insects or chemical free solutions like neem oil. However, because the FarmPod keeps the plants incredibly healthy, they are typically able to ward off pests without your assistance.

Can I grow root vegetables inside the FarmPod?

No, the vertical grow towers do not support root vegetables. However, they are great for an external, FarmPod irrigated, garden bed outside. (This additional irrigation option will be available soon!)

Do plants really grow faster in a FarmPod?

In our experience, yes, because nutrients are directly delivered to the roots, the plants can spend all their energy producing food. 

WHat plants grow best in a farmpod?

  Take a look at some of our favorite things to grow in FarmPod, along with their Market Value and Ease of Growth Ratings here.

How do I prepare my FarmPod for extreme weather events?

We have designed the FarmPod to withstand substantial inclement weather. From living in a hurricane zone ourselves, we quickly added the ability to disassemble the components that could be affected by a storm. 

If I want to grow hot peppers, will they be hot since the plants are never stressed?

The normal rule is that plants need stress in order to get their full heat potential, however in our many years of R&D, we have found our peppers are significantly hotter than the ones we find in the market.  (We are still investigating how this is possible.) 

How long does it take to set up a FarmPod**?

Generally it takes three days for two mildly handy people, one if you’re a genius. 

How long until I get my first harvest?

After your FarmPod is set up, there is an 11 day cycle for your system to build its own healthy biome, during this time you will start seeding your grow plugs. Your first harvest will generally be 3-4 weeks after your system has finished cycling and your plants are moved from the plugs into the towers. 

How long does it take until I can grow fruiting plants (i.e. strawberries, flowers, peppers)?

We suggest that for your first 2-3 crops you stick to leafy greens. They require less nutrients and this helps your FarmPod build up a substantial nutrient load. After an average of 2-3 months you can expand your growing variety and capacity. 

How much is a commercial quantity?

A FarmPod grows dramatically different amounts of produce, depending on the variety of produce grown. We are happy to work with you throughout this process to help meet your growing goals.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE A RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

It depends on the cost of produce in your area, but generally the FarmPod pays for itself within two years. In areas where the cost of produce is relatively high, like Hawaii or the USVI, we find that the return on investment comes much sooner. However, we believe the real ROI is having quality and security in your food system.

I heard rumors that your team is working on a Caprese pod, have you perfected your mozzarella trees yet?

While we can grow almost anything in the pod, we have not yet perfected the mozzarella tree.

How do I reserve my very own FarmPod?

Each order request first requires a $1000.USD Pre-Order Deposit, to hold your place on the order list. If you wish to cancel your FarmPod Order Request, this deposit is 100% refundable, minus transaction fees. This deposit does not guarantee the shipment or delivery of your FarmPod and exact pricing of your FarmPod unit will depend on option package selected and the current price of your package at the time of manufacturing. Ready to order now? Click here.

For all other relevant inquires, comments or concerns about your FarmPod please feel free to reach us at: letsgrow@farminapod.com