Article Six
AEROTOWER by Lewis Innovations
by Peri Hayes
Paul Lewis, creator of the featured AEROTOWER, discusses
his inspiration: “I have always loved gardening, a passion
passed on by my beloved grandmother, Marie Lester.” Paul
has incredible experience in this field — his previous produce
garden containing six areas, each 50 ft by 100 ft. With an honour
box situated roadside, Paul sold by the quart box and every
item cost $1.00. “Over the last 10 years being permanently
disabled,” Paul earnestly shares, “I was really looking for an
opportunity to start a business to give me something to do
and provide an extra bit of income. It had to be something that
I could physically do, that I was interested in and would enjoy.”
Upon learning of the vertical gardening using aeroponics concept last spring through his darling wife, Paul began conducting his own research: “The more I read about the aeroponic technique, the more intrigued I became: no bending; no need to get down on your knees; no weeding; no thinning; less plant diseases; over 30% higher yields; plants often grown in less than half the time. Not only that, but higher nutrient value and much better tasting — all in a very small footprint.”
“I started to build a four-tower unit that would hold over 136 plants — what a learning experience! I tried over ten different pumps and almost as many timers before I found ones that I was happy with. The goal was to plant as much of a variety as I could to try out this system and to see how the different vegetables did. I was absolutely amazed with the results.”
The units are constructed of PVC pipe and the base is the reservoir for the closed-loop system, containing a pump that is controlled by a timer. Paul offers, “I currently have my system turn the pump on for a minute, then off for six. The pump gets the nutrient-enriched water up to the top of the unit, then the water drips down inside each tower — this will wet the roots. The roots then hang in the air for six minutes while they absorb oxygen and nitrogen from the air. This is what causes aeroponically-grown plants to thrive. The water then drains back into the reservoir, ready for the next time.” Paul’s selection ranges from The Solo, a single-tower unit for 34 plants, to The Quartet with four towers which hold 136 plants. Moreover, his Smart AEROTOWER entails a motion sensor, speaker and water control valve.
As Paul recalls, “While working on the first unit, I was thinking about how this system had the potential to benefit many people; people who have not been able to garden because of mobility issues like me, people with little backyards, people with poor growing soil, people with balconies, people who are concerned about skyrocketing store prices, people who are concerned about what has been used to grow the food they are eating!”
Delightedly, Paul details his participation as a vendor at the St. Thomas Horton Farmers’ Market in September: “I listen carefully to the feedback, and it has resulted in a few design changes. One comment that I heard quite a bit was that the single-tower unit was too large for a single person or an older couple. That got me thinking that perhaps I should build a ‘Mini’, using the same technology. This gave birth to an additional four models.”
Paul has begun locally presenting his AEROTOWER in full production: “The first that I am excited to announce is on the patio at Lockwood Books. These kind folks have offered to let me set up a demonstration unit. This one will be filled with fresh herbs. Imagine going there, picking a few leaves of almost 20 different herbs, making yourself a fresh herbal tea, then sitting down at a bistro table and reading a book!”
Carrying starter kits and various parts, Paul also supplies the ‘Travelling Base’, which can significantly extend the growing season. With a priority to support his community, Paul warmly invites, “If you have a question or an issue, who better to talk to than the person who developed the system and knows it inside and out?”
With worldwide shipping, further information is available on the aerotower.ca website and the facebook.com/ groups/449026471268448 Facebook page. Alternatively, Paul can be contacted with inquiries about revolutionizing your garden by phoning 519-639-0403. Moreover, visit Paul’s YouTube channel to review his educational AEROTOWER demonstrations.
