Hydroponic here, hydroponic everywhere

There's been a rash of hydroponic offerings sprouting up around the bay and our friends at ModernLime.com have just added another to the list:

"If you live in the Tampa bay area, I found a great local farm where you can pick your own veggies for a great price.  Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm is in Tampa, Florida at 5416 W. Linebaugh Ave.  Although the farm is only 2 acres, there are lots of plants!  They all grow hydroponically - in special irrigation systems, not directly out of the ground.  And although the owner said he is not certified organic, the produce is not sprayed with harsh chemicals."

Recently Chris Sherman wrote about a hydroponic place out in Ruskin. A Carrollwood farm also seems to have embraced the soil-free method.

But be forewarned, though all these farms are local, not all are organic.

--Catriona Stuart, Times staff writer