175: Advanced Aeroponics & Why Vertical Farming’s Future Lies in Glasshouses

Author: Harry Duran
Published: Fri 12 Sep 2025
Episode Link: https://vertical-farming-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/175-advanced-aeroponics-why-vertical-farmings-future-lies-in-glasshouses

Are you curious about the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture? I recently caught up with Charlie Guy, CEO of Let Us Grow, to discuss the fascinating world of advanced aeroponics and its potential to revolutionize greenhouse farming.

Charlie shared insights on Let Us Grow's journey from vertical farming to focusing on aeroponics technology for greenhouses. He explained how their advanced aeroponics system offers significant advantages over traditional hydroponic methods, including increased yields, improved plant health, and reduced water usage. Charlie also touched on the company's expansion into global markets and their efforts to educate both industry professionals and the public about the benefits of controlled environment agriculture.

We delved into the challenges faced by the vertical farming industry and how Let Us Grow has adapted to changing market conditions. Charlie emphasized the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlighted their partnerships with established greenhouse builders and system integrators. He also discussed their community outreach efforts, such as the Bristol Basil Company initiative, which demonstrates the potential of local food production using advanced growing techniques.

Throughout our conversation, Charlie provided valuable insights into the future of controlled environment agriculture and the role of aeroponics in creating more sustainable and resilient food systems. If you're interested in the intersection of technology and agriculture, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge world of advanced growing methods.

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Key Takeaways

5:07 Shifting focus to glasshouses and partnerships

11:40 Biking to GreenTech conference and industry events

16:44 Building relationships with government agencies

20:21 Bristol Basil Company and local food initiatives

28:12 BBC Radio 4 feature on sustainable growing

34:57 Challenges of running a company in this environment

39:06 Future plans and global expansion goals

44:01 Closing thoughts on collaboration in indoor farming

Tweetable Quotes

"We've taken the rolling bench architecture widely used in the greenhouse industry and integrated our advanced aeroponics technology into it. This means we can partner with numerous Dutch large greenhouse builders to deliver these systems, providing the smarts while they handle the delivery."

"There's no point in doing vertical farming unless it's powered by renewable energy. It doesn't make sense from an environmental standpoint to burn fossil fuels to convert them into electrons to power lights to grow plants when the sun is free."

"We're showing you can turn disused greenhouses into productive grows that are profitable and give back to your local food community. You can achieve many of the same outcomes as vertical farming with a slightly lower tech structure like a greenhouse, while still growing the best produce year-round with the least water."