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An ant farm for root vegetables

The Root Vue Farm may take its cue from an ant farm, but it provides for a different type of resident.

Brian Krepshaw
Brian is the author of two culinary based books published via his imprint Storkburger Press. A lifelong Californian, he has been consistently exposed to some of the best food in the world. With a deep appreciation for the kitchen, he is always on the lookout for that perfect appliance that combines style and grace with the ever-popular ability to save time.
Brian Krepshaw
No ants allowed.
No ants allowed. ThinkGeek

A lot goes on behind the scenes in the nonstop effort to bring produce to our plates. Before we even lay eyes on our dinner as we hunt it among the grocery store aisles, it must be picked, sorted, transported, weighed, and priced. But before even that, before the myriad middlemen have had their say about it, the food in question must first be grown. In the case of vegetables, specifically root vegetables, rarely is this process seen. Everybody knows that the magic of restocked shelves has to start from a seed, but that growing period that occurs immediately after is usually under wraps--even to the farmer.

Illuminating the growing process of root vegetables, the Root Vue Farm gives us a peek of the goings-on underground. Looking remarkably like an ant farm, (sans ants, thankfully) the family-friendly, food-friendly, fun factory is a great way to teach kids about how food is grown. Since root vegetables aren't meant to be gawked at as they are growing--by the sun or by curious eyes--a light shield is provided to supply the necessary privacy. Unlike other pesky pets, like the aforementioned ants, the gadget automatically feeds the garden, providing for a self-watering system via included water wicks. And when it is all said and done, and the included carrot, radish, and onion seeds have grown to fruition, the bounty of the harvest can be enjoyed without a trip to the jungle that can be the supermarket.