Wholly Water Farms Newsletter

Issue #6 — June 2025

A Note from Sara

June in Florida means long days, heavy rain, and the kind of heat that makes you rethink everything about outdoor gardening. And honestly, that is exactly why I fell in love with controlled environment agriculture. When the thermometer hits 95 and the humidity makes it feel like 110, it is a beautiful thing to step into a climate-controlled grow room where trays of microgreens are thriving under LED lights at a comfortable 72 degrees.

This month I am sharing what I have learned about CEA, a beginner-friendly mushroom growing guide, and the foundations for turning a microgreens hobby into a real business. Summer is when indoor growers shine.

From the Blog

Controlled Environment Agriculture Explained

CEA is a broad term that covers everything from greenhouses to vertical farms to our own indoor microgreen operation. This post explains the principles behind growing in a controlled environment, the technology involved, and why this approach is becoming increasingly important for food security, especially in a state like Florida where weather can be wildly unpredictable.

Growing Oyster Mushrooms at Home

Oyster mushrooms are a fantastic entry point for anyone curious about mushroom cultivation. They grow fast, tolerate a range of conditions, and taste wonderful. This step-by-step guide covers substrate preparation, inoculation, fruiting conditions, and harvesting. You do not need a laboratory. A spare closet and some patience will do.

Microgreens Business Plan Basics

Thinking about selling your microgreens? This post covers the essential elements of a microgreens business plan, from startup costs and pricing strategy to finding customers and understanding local regulations. I share what I wish I had known when I first started selling, including the mistakes that cost me time and money early on.

Seasonal Growing Tip

Managing Pest Pressure in the Summer Garden

Summer in Florida brings an explosion of insect activity, and not all of it is welcome. Rather than reaching for harsh chemicals, try a layered approach. Plant basil, marigolds, and nasturtiums among your vegetables as companion plants to repel common pests. For aphids and whiteflies, a diluted neem oil spray applied in the early morning or late evening works well without harming beneficial insects. Speaking of which, encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps by planting small-flowered herbs like dill and fennel. A healthy garden ecosystem manages most pest problems on its own.

Florida Agriculture Spotlight

The Florida Aquaculture Association is a valuable resource for anyone interested in fish farming, aquaponics, or water-based agriculture in our state. They offer summer educational programs, workshops, and networking events that connect small-scale growers with industry professionals. Whether you are running a backyard tilapia system or considering a commercial aquaponics operation, their programs are worth exploring. Florida's warm climate gives us a natural advantage in aquaculture, and this organization helps growers make the most of it.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is a permit needed to sell microgreens in Florida?

A: It depends on how and where you sell. Under Florida's Cottage Food Law, you can sell certain homemade food products directly to consumers without a license, but microgreens may fall under different guidelines depending on your county. If you plan to sell to restaurants or retailers, you will likely need a food establishment permit. Contact your county health department for specific requirements. It is always better to ask first.

Six months in, and I am more excited about this newsletter than ever. Thank you for reading, for growing, and for being part of the Wholly Water Farms community. I will see you in July.

Gratefully yours,
Sara Johnson
President, Wholly Water Farms, Inc.

Wholly Water Farms, Inc. • Florida

whollywaterfarms.com

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