Maintaining a clean farm is critical to the success of your Freight Farm. Not only does it help ensure the health of your plants, but it also keeps your operation running smoothly, reducing the risk of pests, bacteria, and algae. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential cleaning tasks that should be part of your daily routine.

Start with Your Nursery Table

Your nursery table is where the growth process begins, and it can easily accumulate debris and plant matter throughout the day. Keeping this area clear is key to preventing the buildup of pests and bacteria.
Here’s how to clean it:

Daily wipe-down: Remove dirt and debris, and wash the surface with detergent soap and water.
Sanitize: Use a plant-safe sanitizer, such as ZeroTol 2.0, and allow it to evaporate completely before the next use.

Organize and Clean Your Tools

Efficiency starts with organization! Store your tools in easy-to-reach places to save time and minimize clutter.
After every use:

Clean thoroughly: Wash and rinse tools with soap and water.
Sanitize: Just like with your nursery table, use a plant-safe sanitizer to ensure your tools stay free of microbial growth.

Maintain Your Nursery Trays

Empty trays are a breeding ground for algae if left unchecked. Before each new planting, ensure that your trays are free of plant debris:

Clear the trays: Remove old roots and leaves.
Sanitize thoroughly: Spray with a plant-safe sanitizer before placing them back on the nursery table.

Don’t Forget the Gutters

Gutters are essential for collecting and recycling water in your Freight Farm. However, where water and light meet, algae can form.
To avoid this:

Wipe regularly: Clean the gutters when panels are removed, wiping away any algae or buildup.
Use a stiff brush: For deep cleaning, scrub gutters toward the water tank when turning over the water supply to flush out algae.

Clean the Gutter Screens and Drain Covers

Your farm is designed to reuse water efficiently, but it’s important to prevent blockages.
Each day, you should:

Clear debris: Clean the 10 gutter screens and drain covers, removing any plant matter that may have collected.
Sanitize and clean: Wipe them down and wash them with a bucket of water and sanitizer to keep your system flowing smoothly.

Plant Panel Care

After each harvest, take the time to clean your plant panels. This step is crucial to maintaining a healthy growing environment:

Clear debris: Remove all leftover roots and plant material.
Scrub thoroughly: A stiff-bristled brush may be needed depending on the crop. Finish by sanitizing the panels.

Daily Filter Cleaning

Filters are another vital part of your farm’s ecosystem. To ensure proper water flow and system efficiency, clean the following each day:

Gutter screens, pump filters, and irrigation filters: Clean them using water and sanitizer in a 5-gallon bucket.

Keep Floors and Surfaces Clear

Pests love to hide in debris, so make sure to sweep, mop, or vacuum the floors daily. Removing trash and fallen plant matter ensures that your farm stays hygienic.

Farm-Specific Clothing

Treat your farm like a commercial kitchen! Everyone entering the farm should wear farm-specific clothing, such as shoe covers, lab coats, or coveralls. This minimizes the risk of contaminants entering the growing environment.

The Clean Farm Advantage

Consistent cleaning in your Freight Farm not only promotes healthier plants but also reduces operational disruptions, ensuring maximum yield and profitability. With these best practices, you’ll maintain a pristine environment, helping your plants – and your business – thrive. Contact us to learn more about the Greenery™ container farm.

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