Production Plan for Hydroponic Tunnels
(1 ha – Phokeng)
1. Introduction
The Foundation will operate four (30m x 10m) hydroponic tunnels on its 1-hectare plot in
Phokeng, North West Province. The tunnels will be used to intensify production and ensure
year-round supply of fresh vegetables. Each tunnel is allocated a specific crop to diversify
production and manage risk.
2. Tunnel Allocation
Tunnel Crop Rationale
Tunnel 1 Spinach High demand, fast-growing,
suitable for hydroponics.
Tunnel 2 Cabbage Staple vegetable, steady
market demand.
Tunnel 3 Onion Essential household staple,
good shelf life.
Tunnel 4 Peppers High-value crop, good
returns under protected
farming.
3. Production Details per Tunnel
3.1 Spinach Tunnel (30m x 10m)
• Planting density: ~25 plants/m² (approx. 7,500 plants per cycle).
• Crop cycle: 6–8 weeks.
• Expected yield: 1.5–2 kg/m² per cycle (~4.5–6 tons per cycle).
• Harvesting: Continuous, cut-and-come-again system.
3.2 Cabbage Tunnel (30m x 10m)
• Planting density: 4–5 plants/m² (approx. 1,200–1,500 heads).
• Crop cycle: 10–12 weeks.
• Expected yield: 2–2.5 kg per head (~3–4 tons per cycle).
• Harvesting: Once per cycle, selective harvesting possible.
3.3 Onion Tunnel (30m x 10m)
• Planting density: 70–80 plants/m² (approx. 20,000–22,000 bulbs).
• Crop cycle: 14–16 weeks.
• Expected yield: 1.5–2 kg/m² (~4.5–6 tons per cycle).
• Harvesting: Single harvest after maturity.
3.4 Pepper Tunnel (30m x 10m)
• Planting density: 4 plants/m² (approx. 1,200 plants).
• Crop cycle: 16–20 weeks with staggered harvests.
• Expected yield: 6–8 kg/plant (~7–9 tons per cycle).
• Harvesting: Multiple pickings over 2–3 months.
4. Monthly Production Schedule (Oct 2025 – Sept 2026)
The following schedule outlines planting, growth, and harvesting activities for each crop in
the four tunnels over a 12-month period.
Month Activities
Oct 2025 Spinach – planting cycle 1; Cabbage –
planting cycle 1; Onion – planting cycle 1;
Peppers – planting cycle 1
Nov 2025 Spinach – harvest cycle 1; replant cycle 2;
Cabbage – growing; Onion – growing;
Peppers – growing
Dec 2025 Spinach – harvest cycle 2; Cabbage –
growing; Onion – growing; Peppers –
flowering
Jan 2026 Spinach – replant cycle 3; Cabbage –
harvest cycle 1; Onion – growing; Peppers –
harvest begins
Feb 2026 Spinach – harvest cycle 3; replant cycle 4;
Cabbage – replant cycle 2; Onion – growing;
Peppers – harvest continues
Mar 2026 Spinach – harvest cycle 4; Cabbage –
growing; Onion – harvest cycle 1; Peppers –
harvest continues
Apr 2026 Spinach – replant cycle 5; Cabbage –
growing; Onion – replant cycle 2; Peppers –
final harvest, replant cycle 2
May 2026 Spinach – harvest cycle 5; Cabbage –
harvest cycle 2; Onion – growing; Peppers –
growing
Jun 2026 Spinach – replant cycle 6; Cabbage –
replant cycle 3; Onion – growing; Peppers –
flowering
Jul 2026 Spinach – harvest cycle 6; Cabbage –
growing; Onion – harvest cycle 2; Peppers –
harvest begins
Aug 2026 Spinach – replant cycle 7; Cabbage –
harvest cycle 3; Onion – replant cycle 3;
Peppers – harvest continues
Sept 2026 Spinach – harvest cycle 7; Cabbage –
growing; Onion – growing; Peppers – final
harvest cycle 2
