Arugula, Swiss chard, kale, basil, and mint? Quite a diet. Hydroponics will only ever be a fringe contributor to our vegetable needs. Let me know when root crops can be produced hydroponically........or tree fruits......or legumes........or corn......or the cabbage/broccoli/ cauliflower group..........or......

Growing veggies on the land under power lines or on vacant lots is much more promising. Community gardens on unused city property make so much sense. Who needs a manicured lawn? Replace it with a vegetable garden. Asparagus would be an elegant choice - tasty spears for 6 weeks or so in the spring then lovely, wispy green fern shapes until winter. Raspberries will grow in almost anything and will spread like the plague if allowed to do so.