Geothermal heating in an Idaho farm has changed the way food is grown
Greenhouse tomatoes (source: flickr/ lwpkommunikacio, creative commons)
Carlo Cariaga
22 Mar 2019
By using geothermal heat, the Onsen Gardens in Buhl, Idaho provides fresh greens to nearby communities even through the winter months.
In Buhl, Idaho, James Reed has successfully harnessed geothermal heating to produce fresh vegetables all year round. Onsen Gardens, a 100% organic garden, has helped Reed run a Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program that provides fresh greens twice a month to the nearby communities.
“Being around geothermal has been a game-changer.” said Reed. When he and his wife made the move from Wood River Valley to Buhl, they set about looking for a geothermal heat source to establish their farm. A 5 1/2-acre piece of land along the 1000 springs region of the Snake River, or what is called the “Miracle Mile”, proved to be the perfect spot for what was to become the Onsen Gardens.
Through the heating provided by an artesian geothermal well, the Onsen Gardens is the only farm in Idaho that can provide fresh greens through the winter months. Reed is a firm supporter of organic agriculture and biologically-based farming, which he believes produces great-tasting and vibrantly nutritious food.
Source: Idaho News
