At Nayara Bocas Del Toro, we’re committed to offering our guests the freshest, most flavorful produce. Currently, we source our fresh produce from local farmers, a method that has served us well. However, we are now aiming to take things a step further by growing much of our own vegetables and fruits.

This will allow us to serve produce shortly after harvest, delivering ultimate freshness and taste. Plus, growing organically means no chemicals—just pure, natural goodness.

In many places, growing vegetables and fruits is relatively straightforward. However, at Nayara Bocas Del Toro, located on a mangrove island in a rainforest climate, we face several challenges, including salty soil, extreme heat and humidity, torrential rainstorms, and high costs for water and electricity.

Initially, we sought help from agricultural professionals, but their proposals didn’t fully meet our needs. After brainstorming, we decided to build the greenhouse ourselves.

Greenhouse Structure

We selected a location for the greenhouse and vegetable gardens that allows quick access to the kitchens and offers guests the opportunity to tour the gardens.

Nayara Bocas del Toro Property Map

The structure is being built using termite-treated wood, with a polycarbonate roof stronger than traditional plastic film. The sloped roof will collect rainwater, which will be stored in one or two tanks. The greenhouse will be 10 feet high on the lower side and 13 feet on the higher side, providing ample space for comfortable work. Along the pathways, we’ll add planters with aromatic herbs and edible flowers for an inviting touch. A sturdy floor will support seed trays and hydroponic structures.

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Ventilation System

To maintain airflow, the greenhouse sides will be enclosed with wood up to five feet, with netting above. Solar-powered fans with battery backups will ensure ventilation during hot days, creating a comfortable, productive environment for the plants.

Water System

Rainwater collected from the greenhouse roof will flow into an external reserve tank, used for nutrient tanks and equipment cleaning. Each type of plant will have its own reserve tank with a tailored nutrient mixture. A small, energy-efficient water pump (150 watt-hours) will be installed, along with three aquarium pumps (30 watts each) for the hydroponic system.

Electric System

The electricity required will be minimal, mainly for the main water pump and hydroponic pumps. A BLUETTI 200 Max battery system with solar panels will provide a sustainable, independent power source. Standing fans will also be connected to this system for humidity control.

Hydroponic System

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution instead. This technique is ideal for our environment. Some vegetables we are considering growing include tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, cilantro, mint, and strawberries. Other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, watermelon, pumpkin, winged beans, and pineapples will be grown outside the greenhouse.

The hydroponic setup will include 3-inch PVC tubing with elbows and fittings. Clay balls and rock wool will serve as the plant substrate, with reusable mesh pots and mineral nutrient solutions. A pH and EC tester will be essential for maintaining nutrient balance. We will test both in-line and tower systems to determine which works best. For example, taller plants like tomatoes thrive in tower systems, while lettuce and herbs may prefer in-line setups. Vine vegetables like zucchini and pumpkin will grow on high supports, keeping fruits suspended for easy picking and avoiding soil contact.

Benefits of Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponic farming offers several advantages:

• Water Conservation: Recirculates and reuses water, drastically reducing waste.
• Space Efficiency: Ideal for limited spaces.
• Higher Yields: Consistent nutrients lead to faster growth and greater harvests.
• Controlled Environment: Optimized growth conditions with fewer pests and diseases.
• Year-Round Production: Independent of weather, ensuring a steady supply.
• Reduced Pesticide Use: Safer, cleaner produce.
• Nutrient Optimization: Direct delivery of the ideal nutrient mix to plant roots.
• Faster Growth: Plants focus on growth rather than searching for nutrients in the soil.

Fruit Tree Orchard

We are considering several fruit varieties, including breadfruit, avocado, mango, lime, lemon, banana, and java apple. Unfortunately, the fruit trees will not grow in our salt-laden mangrove soil, so we have decided to use wooden pots.

The large wooden pots (32″ high by 40″ wide) will house the fruit trees, filled with custom soil blends for each type. These pots will be slightly raised to prevent contact with mangrove soil. In wetter areas, we’ll build up the soil using organic garden waste, a natural and effective method that has worked well in other parts of the island.

We’ll begin by relocating mature fruit trees that we currently have in pots and sourcing additional varieties from a specialized nursery, including rare options. Input from the bar, kitchen, and pastry chefs has helped us prioritize which fruits to grow. Trellises near pathways will support fruiting vines like passion fruit and melon, creating shaded, inviting walkways with hanging fruits.

Irrigation System

A simple, low-maintenance drip irrigation system will manage water for the fruit trees. Connected to a reservoir and controlled by a battery-operated programmer, solenoid valves will ensure consistent watering while conserving water. The system will automatically pause during rainy days.

Conclusion

While hydroponic systems can produce vegetables nearly year-round, fruit trees won’t bear fruit constantly. Our goal is to create a beautiful, functional space where guests can explore our plantations, complemented by pathways integrated with the island’s natural environment. We will also preserve areas for local wildlife, like frogs, to coexist harmoniously with our growing spaces.

By blending innovation with sustainability, this project will elevate the guest experience while supporting our commitment to fresh, organic produce.