Riverside Arts Market - Jacksonville, FL

The farm for Bacon’s Select Produce is located on ten acres about five miles east of Jacksonville International Airport, where Fred and his son Frederick operate their single greenhouse. All produce is grown hydroponically – without sand or soil -- and without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The main crops are lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach – along with several other vegetables and herbs.

In 1957, at age twenty-three, Fred immigrated to America from the UK -- eventually settling in Jacksonville, where he and his wife have lived for the past 34 years. Having been raised on a farm in England and then working as a machinist after arriving in the US, Fred eventually started his own direct tool sales business, from which he retired in 2005. Now in retirement and having returned to farming, Fred feels that he has come full circle.

The farm started nearly a year ago, when Fred’s family suggested that he acquire a hobby. From that point, Fred and his son constructed a 17’x 82’ greenhouse and installed several hydroponic growing systems – some of which they designed and built themselves. In addition to the soil-less approach to growing, Fred “employs” hundreds of ladybugs and parasitic wasps as a natural solution to pests. Fred says, “We are new to this and the ‘hobby’ is a lot of serious work – but it is very enjoyable as we meet new people, learn new sustainable growing techniques, and reap the benefits each Saturday at RAM.”

Bacon’s Select Produce

1617 Vernice Road
Jacksonville, FL 32226

904-757-5774

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