Kew Gardens Pineapple project

A crate containing freshly cut pineapple tops, suitable for planting.

Introducing a new approach to fruit farming in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where many people typically import indigenous fruits like pineapples, originally from South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay. At Kew Gardens Farm, we have conducted research and successfully cultivated pineapples in this tropical region. We are proud to announce that, with time, fertilizers, and the use of pineapple toppers/suckers, along with consistent watering, we can establish a local pineapple orchard.

Advancing Sustainability Through Recycling and Farm Collaboration

At Kew Gardens Farm, we are committed to advancing the principles of recycling and sustainable agriculture to optimize yield potential. Our collaboration with a prominent grocery store on the island facilitates the collection and repurposing of discarded produce from their produce department, thereby contributing to waste reduction and sustainable practices.

As illustrated in the accompanying visual data, our daily collection of pineapple tops averages between 15 to 35 units, culminating in a weekly total ranging from 110 to 150 units. This data indicates a significant opportunity for scaling up our operations and enhancing our sustainability efforts.

Findings and Predictions

The middle image depicts a trash bin filled with organic scraps and seeds. In our sustainable farming practices, we meticulously separate valuable seeds for future cultivation, while the residual plant material and waste are directed to compost bins for subsequent use as organic fertilizer. This closed-loop system not only minimizes waste but also enriches our soil, promoting healthier crop yields.

Furthermore, the right image showcases successfully cultivated pineapple tops in a raised bed, which is equipped with an irrigation system designed to optimize watering efficiency and promote healthy growth.

Projected Collection and Yield

Based on our current average collection rate, we can project the following annual totals for pineapple tops:

• Daily collection: 15 to 35 tops

• Weekly collection: 110 to 150 tops

• Annual collection (based on 52 weeks):

  • Minimum: 5,720 tops (110 tops/week x 52 weeks)

  • Maximum: 7,800 tops (150 tops/week x 52 weeks)

Given this data, we anticipate that over the course of a year, our efforts could yield between 5,720 to 7,800 pineapple tops for cultivation. This projection underscores the potential for significant contributions to both local food systems and sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our ongoing commitment to recycling and sustainable farming at Kew Gardens Farm not only addresses waste management challenges but also enhances agricultural productivity. By continuing to refine our processes and expand our partnerships,

we aim to maximize our impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Germination process: as shown we would start the toppers germinating in water for 3 weeks until the roots would develop.

A 20x8 foot raised bed thriving with over 150 pineapple toppers, carefully propagated in rows for future relocation on the island of North Caicos. The bed is enriched with a custom soil mix of 50% topsoil, 40% horse manure, and 10% preserved shredded coals, ensuring optimal growth for these new sprouts.