O’Hare Airport’s Aeroponic Garden: Fresh Greens at 30,000 Feet! 🌿✈️

Travelers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport aren’t just picking up snacks—they’re experiencing a farm-to-terminal revolution! Nearly three years ago, the Chicago Department of Aviation decided to take “going green” to a whole new level—literally.

Welcome to the future of urban gardening, right in the middle of an airport!

In the rotunda between Terminals 2 and 3, you’ll find 26 aeroponic towers standing tall in the world’s first-ever airport aeroponic garden. This 928-square-foot green oasis is the result of a collaboration between the Aviation Department and HMSHost, the company behind many of the airport’s restaurants.

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Fresh Food, Grown on the Spot

The produce grown in this futuristic vertical garden doesn’t travel far—just a few feet, in fact! It’s served up in O’Hare’s airport restaurants like Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Sushi & Seafood, Blackhawks Restaurant, and Tuscany. Talk about fresh!

“There is nothing fresher than picking it off the tower and putting it in the sandwiches and pasta you’ll eat here,” said Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino. And she’s right! 🌱

Some of the first crops grown in the garden included:

• Bibb lettuce 🥬
• Habanero peppers 🌶
• Edible flowers 🌸
• Thyme, oregano, and basil 🌿
• Green beans

The process is similar to hydroponics. Seeds start in nutrient-rich volcanic rock cubes before being transferred to eight-foot-tall aeroponic towers, where they’re fed a fertilized water solution. Some plants mature in just four weeks, allowing for up to 13 different crops a year! 🚀

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A Green Oasis in a Busy Airport

The aeroponic garden isn’t just about fresh food—it’s also a peaceful green escape for weary travelers. The lush greenery is surrounded by a glass railing (sorry, no DIY harvesting here!), offering a rare slice of nature in the heart of a bustling airport.

Whether you’re waiting for your next flight or grabbing a meal, the garden provides a relaxing, eco-friendly vibe that sets O’Hare apart from other airports.

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O’Hare Farmers Market: A Fresh Take on Airport Shopping 🛍🌿

O’Hare didn’t stop at the aeroponic garden. It’s also home to the world’s first airport Farmers Market! Located right beneath the garden, the market kiosk sells fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and thyme, all grown just a level above. How’s that for hyper-local?

O’Hare’s aeroponic garden and farmers market represent the future of sustainable, local living—and it’s happening right before your eyes in one of the busiest airports in the world.

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A Taste of the Future 🌱✈️

If you’re passing through Chicago O’Hare, don’t just settle for a pre-packaged snack. Look for dishes made with fresh produce grown right above your head! It’s a unique way to experience urban gardening while enjoying a meal you can feel great about.

The next time you fly, you might just find that the future of fresh food is closer than you think—possibly growing in a tower right next to you!

Looking to start your own Tower Garden Farm.  Contact us to learn more.