Growing Today, Feeding Tomorrow
The Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm, the nation's only hydroponic operation affiliated with a Meals on Wheels program, will produce 20,000 pounds of leafy greens and herbs every year!
Welcome to the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm!
A key component of our Meals on Wheels campus, the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm grows crops without soil — thereby using only 20% of the space of a typical growing operation and a fraction of the amount of water to create an identical amount of produce.
Our farm will produce 20,000 pounds of leafy greens and herbs each year, allowing Meals on Wheels to enhance the quality of the meals we prepare and deliver to thousands of older Iowans and military veterans every day. We'll also expand our reach to benefit Iowans through the distribution of our products beyond the Meals on Wheels operation.
Farm-Fresh Greens for Sale
We take requests for leafy greens and herbs! If you're interested in a particular blend or variety, please reach out to us.
The Growing Cycle
Seedlings are then transplanted, with their roots submerged in a nutrient-rich solution.
The water solution is continuously recirculated, ensuring that the plants receive the right amount of nutrients, oxygen, and water.
The hydroponic system is closely monitored to ensure that the pH level of the water is appropriate for the plants, and that the nutrient solution is properly balanced.
When they have reached maturity, the plants are harvested.
The hydroponic system is cleaned and prepared for the next crop.
Reach Out to Us
Meet Our Hydroponic Farmer
Aaron Thormodsen earned his degree in plant science and has designed and managed comprehensive greenhouse and hydroponic systems throughout the country! He has also worked as a horticulturist and an aeroponic farmer with 23 crops in his hydroponic repertoire. Farmer Aaron's experience, expertise, and passion make him the perfect person to grow the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm to increase access to healthy, nutritional greens in Central Iowa.
Explore our latest blog posts.
Explore our latest posts to learn more about how the Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm supports Meals on Wheels and other community initiatives.
Join our volunteer team, nourish the community.
Opportunities are available for YOU to volunteer at our hydroponic farm located in Des Moines.
No experience is necessary, hours are flexible, and the work is educational and fun! Sign up today to get started.