FAQ | Lettuce Evolve!

What can you grow?

Our system allows for a wide variety of plants to be grown. Here are a few examples:

VEGETABLES (such as leafy greens, tomatoes, cabbage, chilies, capsicum, and broccoli)
ROOT CROPS (such as onions, potatoes, and beets)
FRUITS (such as blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon)
HERBS (such as coriander, thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, or chives)
ORNAMENTAL PLANTS (such as flowers, ferns, and vines)

How many plants will fit in the system?

Our naming system is based on the number of lettuce plants each system will hold, so, the “55p” system will fit 55 Lettuce plants, depending on the variety. So, to give some examples, here are approximate numbers, depending on the types/varieties used:

Lettuce: 55
Strawberries: 40
Tomatoes: 28
Bell peppers: 32
Basil: 55
Chives: 55

Again, these are approximate numbers and your results may vary!

What kind of yield can I expect?

Yield will depend on many factors. For example, while the Lettuce Evolve platform is insulated to provide superior temperature sensitivity, indoors or out, variations in temperature would have *some* effect on growth rates. Similarly, natural or artificial light levels, and changes in same can also have an effect. Of course, many other things can affect plant growth as well. Some plants, like Lettuce, can have leaves harvested multiple times. That said, in good overall conditions, using the above plant examples, we would expect to see each plant yield approximately (per month, in the 55p system):

Lettuce: 4lbs
Strawberries: 0.5lbs
Tomatoes: 3lbs
Bell peppers: 1lb
Basil: 1lb
Chives: 1lb (similar to other spices)

Again, these are approximate numbers and your results may vary!

What kind of fish can you use?

Many types of fresh water fish can be used. We prefer to use goldfish or koi/carp in the home system as they are hardier fish and as a result provide more nutrients to the plants. Other types may be used but you may need to increase the quantity of fish. In the commercial system you can also use edible fish such as tilapia, catfish, or perch.

How big are the different systems?

LE-55P-STD: 55 Plant Standard Model (23.5″ x 34.5″ x 58″)
LE-55P-ART: 55 Plant Artisan Model (23.5″ x 34.5″ x 58″)
LE-68P-STD: 68 Plant Standard Model (23.5″ x 34.5″ x 67″)
LE-68P-ART: 68 Plant Artisan Model (23.5″ x 34.5″ x 67″)
LE-82P-STD: 82 Plant Standard Model (23.5″x34.5″x”x76″)
LE-82P-ART: 82 Plant Artisan Model (23.5″x34.5″x”x76″)
LE-360P-STD: 360 Plant Commercial Wall Model (4″x8″)

How many plants can I grow?

Our systems can hold 55, 68, and 82 plants, and our commercial wall version can hold up to 360 plants!

What is included with the systems?

Systems include planter boxes, an insulated aquarium, the grow media, the pump, irrigation bar, aeration bar, self-cleaning active bio filter, and internal plumbing

What kind of maintenance is required?

The fish require daily feeding. The plants will need to be pruned and harvested. Beyond this, there is a water parameter test which should be conducted to ensure that the water is good for the plants and for the fish. The results of the water test will determine any further action to be taken.

Can you plant seeds or do you hav to use seedlings?

You can absolutely use seeds but obviously the production time would take a bit longer as you are starting from scratch.

Can you plant trees in the system?

Fruit trees can be grown aquaponically, however, a different design (which we could provide) would be needed to accommodate that.

What is Aquaponics?

Aquaponics is a method of growing using fish and plants together which replicates nature: The fish create waste, which is then used to provide nutrition to the plants. By filtering out the waste the plants provide clean water back to the fish. Using aquaponics allows you to save 98% more water than traditional growing methods.

How fast do the plants grow?

The plants grow up to 3x faster than traditional farming. This is because nutrients are getting delivered directly to the roots. The plants no longer have to use energy searching through the soil to find food.

Do you use soil in your system?

We don’t use soil in our systems. The grow media is an expanded clay. Expanded clay provides a chemically neutral foundation for the system, so it doesn’t affect the fish or the plants. Another benefit of not using soil is that it reduces pest activity.

Can a system be wall mounted?

Yes!

Where are the systems made?

Lettuce Evolve systems are proudly Made in the USA!

lettuce evolve FAQ