~ This is a basil hydroponic farm in Escondido, Ca. A hydroponic farm is one that grows food without soil. The roots of the plant are grown usually in an artificial gel like medium that is rich in nutrients. Many organic farms use this method as a cost effective way to assure no environmental contamination from soil to plants occur. This keeps their product as pure as possible. The downside to hydroponics is it is very, very costly to start. Then once started it usually takes 5 years for organic certification. Books and logs of process, temperatures, nutrients, and pests all need to be monitored and meticulously kept track of. Oh, it smelled heavenly in this green house.