To walk into a greenhouse lettuce operation is to experience a Northwest springtime, preserved under glass. The air feels cool to mild and fairly humid. The sound of trickling water is continuous. And the rich, green smell of growing plants fills the space.

Scott Pelton is the grower-owner of Fable Farms, based in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. His interest in the greenhouse growing industry was sparked while studying horticulture at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Scott's parents, 'Faye' and 'Bill,' started the business and named the facility phonetically after themselves; hence the whimsical, 'Fable Farms.' Scott left school in his fourth year to take on the day-to-day operations. He eventually purchased their stake in the company and is now full owner with his wife Maureen.

The Peltons began producing hydroponic Butter lettuce in 1981, now growing them in 100,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

"Our Butter lettuce is different from field-grown product in that it is much more tender, due to its protected growing environment and enhanced speed of growth which result in more delicate leaves," said Scott.

Fable Farms has also trialed other specialty lettuces, including red and curly leaf, but Butter lettuce has been the main produce focus. A large portion of the operation is also dedicated to growing cut flowers, including exotic Anthuriums, Gerbera and Germini daisies.

"Lettuce is actually a cool crop," said Scott. "Night-to-day heat set points are about 12 to 16 C [54 to 61 F] with humidity at 75%. And lettuce prefers diffused light, so we shade in the summertime, and produce under grow lights in the winter to ensure uninterrupted supply.

"Originally developed in Europe, we use the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) method of hydroponic growing," he said, "where the lettuce plants grow in PVC channels. The water flows 24 hours a day, providing computer controlled nutrients on demand. The enclosed environment and soil-free growing method result in reduced need for pesticides. Over the years we've modified the technique to optimize production and adapt to the varieties favored by our customers."

A typical morning in the lettuce division begins with harvesting and packing. Then, the remaining smaller plants are shuffled, and new seedlings are planted to complete the remaining growing areas, or "bays."

"Ideally, each day concludes with a full greenhouse of lettuces," Scott said. "The sequential spacing of plants is the key to efficient, high production. And when the plants have grown to the optimal size, then harvest cannot be delayed."

Because Butter lettuce grows quickly, Scott explained, it demands exacting conditions to avoid physiological problems.

"We only pack lettuces that are blemish-free. High quality and high production are absolutely essential to survival in this very competitive business. I believe the public's increasing awareness of the need for fresh, safe vegetables will only increase the demand for greenhouse-grown products."

At peak production, Fable Farms produces more than 2,000 cases of Butter lettuce weekly.

"We provide constant, year-round production of a consistently high-quality lettuce and have shipped every week, without interruption for 25 years," said Scott. "However the biggest challenge is to balance the increasing costs with improved productivity and efficiencies to remain financially viable."

Fable Farms relies on Oppenheimer's sales and logistical expertise to enable steady distribution to North American retailers. We began marketing his lettuces in May 2004.

The Peltons pack their lettuce on site - either with the root on or off, in bags or in clamshells, depending on customer preference. Lettuces packed with the root bulb intact have a longer shelf life and can be stored either refrigerated or at room temperature. The clamshells have a well at their base, so the root can rest in water, like a flower in a vase, and can survive several days on a kitchen counter.

Scott and Maureen have four children: Gary (17), Bryce (14), Gregory (11), and Claire (9). Maureen is the office manager, and the older boys help with other farm tasks during school holidays.

Scott says his business and family keep him busy, but he enjoys watching his older sons' basketball games, and tries to do a little skiing every year. He's also an avid sports fan.

More information and pictures are available at: www.fablefarms.ca