2020 Greenery International - Product Brochure
2020 Greenery International - Product Brochure
3 The Greenery™
5 Climate Control
9 LED Arrays
13 Nursery Station
20 Cultivation Area
41 Operational Requirements
44 Specifications
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The Greenery represents a new category onto itself, a distillation of an idea into a core, governing concept.
With the opportunity for countless unique applications, the Greenery cannot be confined to just one
category: greenhouse, nursery, laboratory...none can capture the Greenery’s full potential.
The Greenery is a vertical hydroponic farm that thrives within an insulated,
custom-built shipping container. It is possible to walk past without realizing
that the unassuming green and white container houses a verdant world
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where the weather is always warm and the sun never sets. Unlike traditional
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farms, the plants in the Greenery grow vertically indoors without soil:
The plants obtain all their nutrition from water and their light energy from
powerful LEDs. This independence from land, climate, and season allows
the Greenery to bring the power of food production anywhere in the world–
its modular design means it can easily traverse the globe by land and sea
before arriving at its new home.
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The Greenery’s climate control components work together to recreate an ideal spring
day, everyday. As a result, plants can thrive inside the container regardless of the
external environment–harsh climates, tight urban centers, and extreme weather
conditions have no effect on the plants growing inside.
A. Insulation
The Greenery’s shell has a Department of Energy Insulation rating
of R-28. This means the Greenery can maintain an average internal
temperature of 21.1°C, ranging from -40°C - 55°C and a variety
of inclement weather conditions. For locations that experience
temperatures below -12°C, a winterization add-on for the HVAC unit
is required.
B. Climate Control
The 36,000 BTU Bard HVAC unit automatically cools the Greenery
based on farmhand® programming. An integrated Commercial
Room Ventilator (CRV-F) improves the indoor air quality by
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A
C. Dehumidifier
Integrated within the Bard unit, the Greenery’s dehumidifier
maintains optimal in-farm humidity levels. Condensate is captured A.
and recirculated back into the water tanks at up to 1.88 gallons/
hour, decreasing the farms overall water consumption.
D. Airflow Ducts
Two fans power on-panel air ducts to distribute cool, CO2 -enriched
air evenly through varied-sized holes in the anti-microbial material,
creating uniform airflow in the entire container.
E. CO2 Regulator
B. C D. E.
A precision regulator with a safety shut-off feature provides plants
with the CO2 needed for photosynthesis. CO2 is fed directly into the
airflow ducts and permeates into the main cultivation area.
Air Flow
The Greenery’s fans stabilize internal temperatures and
prevent stale air, which can lead to mold and mildew.
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Healthy, robust, and flavorful plants start with the perfect light source. For this reason,
Freight Farms engineered custom LED arrays that encourage plants to grow strong
without sunlight.
Color Balance
The Greenery LED boards emit only select wavelengths of red and blue light, colors that the plants are able
to absorb most easily for photosynthesis. LED diodes of each color are balanced in ratios that complement
different phases of plant development. While the default is a blended red-and-blue light, operators also have
the option to isolate lighting colors to encourage the expression of specific plant characteristics.
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Red light (650 nm) is essential for stem and leaf growth. When plants Blue light (450 nm) helps develop thick stems and dark green foliage.
sense more red light, they release a hormone that keeps chlorophyll The plant’s blue light receptor triggers ‘apical dominance’ in plants–a
from breaking down, yielding large, healthy plants. plant characteristic where the main stem is larger than side stems–
yielding shorter and bushier plants with complex stem structures. This
is particularly important for seedlings to develop strong stems.
Nursery LED
Each seedling trough receives strong, consistent light on an automated schedule. The Nursery Area LED
arrays feature a 4:1 ratio of red and blue light. The higher proportion of blue like encourages strong root and
stem growth in young plants.
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Directional arrays ensure the plants soak up as much photosynthetic energy as possible, allowing the
operator to set up customized lighting zones that remain fully independent. The maturing plants in the
Cultivation Area receive a 5:1 ratio of red to blue light. The higher proportion of red light drives greater
leaf development.
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A series of sensors and pumps maintain perfect water conditions The Seedling Tank is vertically integrated into the left side of the Nursery Station to maximize the length
for the plants germinating in the table’s two troughs. Controlled with of the worktop and seedling troughs. Easy push-to-open doors give the operator immediate access to the
farmhand®, the cyclical system senses and equalizes nutrient levels, tank’s interior for refilling, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
3. Seedling Troughs
The dual-irrigated, full-width seedling troughs work using ebb and flow irrigation. Water pumps fill the
troughs with nutrient-rich water, saturating the seedling roots to help the plants grow. The troughs can be
controlled individually, and can multitask as germination, seedling, and microgreen shelves.
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D. Drainage Basin
The Greenery’s drainage basin acts as a designated spot for
saturated grow plugs, discarded leaves, and other refuse. The
removable catch basin with stainless steel drip tray contains the
B C D
mess and keeps the work surface sparkling clean.
Digital Farmer Toolbelt
A. Grow Controller
The grow controller is linked directly to farmhand®, compiling and
transferring sensor data directly to the app. Additionally, the grow
controller functions as an in-farm control panel: operators can
turn components on and off as they perform farming, cleaning, or
maintenance activities.
B. Camera
Keep a watchful eye on the Greenery with a farmhand-connected
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camera. Use the camera for added security, or stitch the photos
B. C.
together to create time-lapses. Easily add additional cameras,
available for purchase on farmhand® Shop.
C. Farmhand®
Available for iOS and desktop, farmhand® allows the operator to
remotely monitor and control the farm from anywhere in the world,
ensuring all of the Greenery’s internal components are functioning
correctly.
Designed for growing and nourishing large plants, the cultivation area features
water-efficient drip irrigation hydroponics, high-capacity plant panels, and an
innovative mobile rack system. Combined, these components create a lush
20.4 square-meter production space.
88 Plant Panels
440 combined growing channels
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The lightweight and sturdy removable panels are shaped from food-safe, high-impact polystyrene. All five channels are
paired with a reticulated foam growing medium and an anti-drip wicking strip, which gives plants a structure on which to
grow while making sure moisture remains at the root.
30.5 cm 1 2 3 4 5
88 Plant Panels 93,898 cm / 938.8 m
Up to 8,800 plant sites Total linear planting space
213.4 cm
BUILT F RO M
The Greenery’s vertical plant panels can house more than 8,000 living plants at once,
creating a dense canopy of fresh crops. Four rows of panels combine to create more than
800 meters of linear growing space.
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Cultivation Techniques
Operators can leverage different planting techniques to maximize their
Greenery’s growing potential. Freight Farms’ recommended planting techniques
include row planting, linear planting, and intercropping. These methods create
2,900-8,800 plant sites by combining crops with their optimal planting patterns.
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Plant sites per channel 10-15 Plant sites per channel 15-20 Plant sites per channel Large crops: 10-15
Small crops: 17-20
Total farm plant sites 2,600-3,900 Total farm plant sites 6,600 - 8,800
Recommended crops* Large crops: Lettuces, kale, mizuna, Swiss chard Recommended crops* Small trim crops: Arugula, watercrest, mustard greens Total farm plant sites 5,600-7,900
Herbs: Basil, parsely, cilantro, thyme Recommended pairings* Large crops: Lettuces, kale, mizuna, Swiss chard
+
Root vegetables: Radishes, turnips, carrots, beets
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The Water Cycle
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3. Plant Panel
Reticulated foam nestled in rigid plant channels holds crops in place as gravity pulls water down the cloth
wicking strip along the length of the plant panel, giving the roots direct access to water.
4. Gutters
Recirculation gutters move with each row and drain unused water back into the main tank, where pH and
nutrients are rebalanced and the water is recycled.
Flexible irrigation in the main tank connects pumps to rows, allowing
water to flow uninterrupted regardless of the row’s position.
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Cultivation Area Features
A. 416.4 Liter Tank
The main cultivation tank is situated along the floor at the rear of
the Greenery. Sensors inside the tank provide automatic water-level
management by triggering smart valves to open and refill water to
the proper level. Five aerator tubes and corresponding air stones
constantly oxygenate the water and mix nutrients evenly throughout.
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B. Work Lights
LED work lights run along the top and bottom of the rows,
illuminating the space for operators as they work in the farm. The
work lights emit a white light that is simultaneously gentle on the
eyes and bright enough for in-depth cleaning and plant care.
C. Removable Ducting A
D. Floor Ducting
A powerful HVAC unit located on the exterior back wall of the
Greenery connects with ducting along the floor to channel cool air to
B C D
the front of the farm, maintaining a uniform temperature throughout
the Greenery.
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Easy Adjustment
Transition the standardized row position into an open
workspace by shifting frame-mounted LED arrays and plant
panels along overhead tracks. LED ARRAY
PLANT PANEL
B - F. Customizable Spacing
Row widths can be easily adjusted to allow for in-row transplanting, harvesting, cleaning, and
maintenance. Additionally, row widths can be shifted and fixed to meet the spacing needs of
different plant varieties. For example, herbs grow small and close together, while vining crops
need room to expand. The Greenery is able to accommodate both simultaneously.
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B. Tracks
Eight anodized aluminum tracks are set perpendicular to the
Greenery’s frames and are the structures that allow the frames to be
shifted laterally to create more direct plant access or custom row
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C. Carriages
A total of 24 carriages connect the Greenery’s frames to the
A. B.
overhead tracks. The carriages work in conjunction with the
rack and pinion system to adjust row widths. Made of anodized
aluminum and steel with rubber-coated wheels, the carriages
glide noiselessly.
Thanks to its flexible growing space, the Greenery can be molded to meet any
need. It is the perfect platform for starting a successful business, creating an
innovative classroom, shaping a food security or rehabilitation program, or
sowing the seeds of a community garden. The options are endless.
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Hundreds of Varieties
The Greenery can produce over 500 types of lettuces, herbs, leafy greens, and small root
vegetables at a commercial scale. Operators are also able to grow fruiting and vine plants,
such as berries, small peppers, tomatoes, and more–a capability not often feasible in other
vertical farm systems.
Recipes for Success
Greenery operators can grow unique, flavorful, and high quality plants using
standardized Freight Farms ‘recipes’–combinations of light and water schedules with
temperature, pH, CO2, and nutrient levels that create perfect growing environments for
a variety of crops, all controlled with the farmhand® app.
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Specialty Crops
Grow uncommon and non-native crops that are difficult to find in
the standard marketplace.
Flavor Profile
Finely-tune the inside environment to boost plant’s natural flavor
characteristics.
Consistent Production
Untether crops from their typical growing season and grow a
consistent quality and quantity year-round in the protected indoor
environment.
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Seeding
The plant’s life cycle begins when seeds are planted in peat moss grow plugs. The peat-
moss itself does not provide the seed with nutrients. Instead, the pH-balanced plug acts
as a sponge for absorbing nutrient-rich water and–as the seedling matures–containing
and supporting the plant’s developing root structure.
Germination
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To activate germination, the seeds and plugs require a one-time soak in nutrient-rich
water, after which they are covered with a humidity dome and left to grow. After a
week, the seeds become sprouts, characterized by small roots, short stems, and a few
immature leaves.
Seedling Growth
Over two weeks, the sprouts develop into seedlings–taller, sturdier plants with a secure
root system. During this time, seedlings need consistent access to water and light:
The young plants are automatically given nutrient-rich water and direct light based on
farmhand® programming to develop strong stems that support the plant’s weight later
in its life cycle.
Transplanting
Seedlings are transplanted into the main cultivation area where they grow vertically
for the first time. The roots (still in the peat-moss grow plug) are wedged into the the
plant panel’s stiff foam, which provides firm support and access to nutrient-rich water.
The plants face outwards towards the LED arrays, exposing the leaves to the strong
directional light and encouraging them to grow.
Greenery’s cultivation area. During this time, leaves acquire their rich green, purple,
or red color and identifying flavor. When the time comes, the plants can be harvested
(removing the entire plant, including roots) or trimmed (cutting mature leaves while the
roots and small leaves remain).
Site Supplies
Place the Greenery on a flat, unobstructed plot measuring 15.24m x 3.1m. Operators can source their supplies from any vendor or conveniently replenish
The site surface must support the farm’s 8-ton gross weight. Asphalt, them via farmhand® Shop. Everyday consumables include peat moss plugs,
trap rock, railroad ties, sonotubes, or a concrete pad are all adequate. The nutrient solutions, and cleaning supplies.
Greenery should be pitched so that the front of the farm is approximately
5.08 cm higher than the rear of the farm.
Training
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Water
The Greenery uses an average of 19 liters of water a day. The site should
have water access within 15.24 meters; alternatively, operators can
schedule regular water deliveries.
WIFI
A WiFi signal is necessary for farmhand® connectivity.Farmhand® will use
about 1 GB per month per farm.
Farm Delivery
Compared to a traditional farm or warehouse grow operation, the
Greenery’s modular design makes it easy to transport anywhere in the
world via truck, train, or boat. Freight Farms works with operators to
schedule all delivery logistics.
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GREENERY SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.9m Red LED Photosynthetic Wavelength 660nm Seedling Capacity Up to 4,608
Insulation R-28 Department of Energy Insulation Rating Blue LED Photosynthetic Wavelength 450nm Seedling Tray Capacity 16 200 or 288-cell trays
BARD Climate Control Unit LED Board Waterproof Rating IP65 Number of Seedling Troughs Two full-width seedling troughs
Air Conditioner 3 ton 36,000 BTU Max. Packaged unit with LED Diode Blended Efficiency 3.9 umol/J Worktable
integrated dehumidifier & ventilator
Nursery Station Table Dimensions 228.6 cm x 68.6 cm x 109.2cm
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Commercial Room Ventilator 1,100 CFM Table Construction TIG-welded stainless steel
Number of LED Boards 8
Moisture Reclamation 7.12 liters/hour at 24°C, 65% relative humidity
LED Boards Dimensions 106.7cm x 37.5cm x 0.16cm
A/C Efficiency Rating 11.0 EER
Hydroponics
LED Array Intensity 200 PPFD at 15cm
A/C Refrigerant R-410A Irrigation
LED Array Ratio 4:1 red / blue
A/C Certifications AHRI, ETL Circulation Pump Filtration 2 Nylon Monofilament Meshes
LED Wattage 130W per trough (RBW), 260W per station
A/C Coil Style Aluminum-finned copper Aeration System 63.2 L/min fluid oxygenator
Cultivation Area
Fans Mesh Rating 75 micron
Number of LED boards 112
Exhaust Air Speed 141 CFM Number of Peristaltic Dosing Pumps 8
Number of LED Arrays 4
Air Exchange Rate Up to 6 exchanges/hour
97.8 cm x 35 cm x 0.16 cm Peristaltic Dosing Pumps Flow Rate 50 mL/min
LED Boards Dimensions
Overhead Fan Ventilation 880 CFM
LED Array Intensity 250 PPFD at 41cm Nursery Station
Floor Ducted Fan Ventilation 700 CFM
LED Array Ratio 5:1 red / blue Hydroponic System Ebb and flow configuration
Ducted Fans Ventilation 473 CFM
LED Wattage 4404W per farm Seedling Tank Capacity 117.3 liters
Ducted Fans Diameter 20 cm
Cultivation Area
CO2 Regulator
Hydroponic System Overhead drip configuration
Regulator Precision Regulator with Heavy-Duty Solenoid Valve
Main Tank Capacity 416 liters
Plant Panel Growing Medium Inert reticulated foam Number of Controlled Inputs 8
Zones & Sensors 2 Hydro zones (pH, EC, and temperature sensors)
Total Number of Channels 440
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Rack System Load-bearing Capacity 589.7 kg max Number of Speakers 2 Dayton Audio IO525 Speakers
Frame Construction Aluminum Speaker Construction Weather resistant ABS plastic enclosure and
aluminum grills
Track Construction Anodized aluminum
Polypropylene 5-1/4” woofer
Carriage Construction Anodized aluminum, rubber-coated wheels
Metalized Mylar 1” dome tweeter
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44 Plympton St.
Boston, Massachusetts 02118