Natural light Growing Centre reaps first harvest

Following the inevitable COVID-19 delays earlier this year, the greenhouse was planted up in mid-August, and despite some technical teething troubles, the crop of more than 1100 plants has flourished.

The cucumbers, a variety that grows fruits between eight and 10cm long, have clearly done well in the natural light environment. This crop has been planted into a rockwool substrate, but the plan is to trial other growing media in the future.

As you can see, everything looks very healthy, and we are reliably informed that the baby-cucumbers taste as good as they look. Not bad for 2-3 weeks’ work!

This crop was planted as a validation crop to test all the systems at the NLG. While there is no major science work being done at the moment, it will be used to test whether or not the NLG conditions will mean it is possible to extend the usual growing season.

The NLG is the result of a partnership between CHAP, RIPE, and Warwick University. To find out more, visit the NLG capability page.

If you have any questions about working with CHAP, please send us an email using the enquiries form at the bottom of our homepage.