Vertical Roots Canada is a thriving vertical farm founded by Mike and Becky Newhook in Edmonton, Alberta. Their story began long before the first seed was planted—during a visit to friends in the Philippines, where they learned about aquaponics and sustainable growing methods. Inspired by what they saw, the Newhooks’ brought that knowledge home and just before the pandemic, began testing hydroponics in a small 500 sq. ft. room.

That first pilot sold out almost immediately, proving the demand for locally grown greens. Scaling came next, but slowly and intentionally. “Walk, don’t run” became their guiding rule. Each expansion introduced new processes, improved airflow, and standardized systems designed to make their farms efficient, repeatable, and easy to replicate.

vertical farm

Keep it Simple, Make it Repeatable

Vertical Roots Canada designs for real-world operators, not lab conditions. Their farms use deep water culture with practical, durable hardware and oversized HVAC systems where it counts. Clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) keep results consistent week after week.

The goal is simple: a turnkey model that allows new farmers to plug in, follow the playbook, and bring fresh, locally grown produce to their communities.

It’s not about finding someone who knows what to do when it works, it’s about knowing what to do when it doesn’t.

A Collaboration That Shaped the 60W Tube Light

Our partnership with Vertical Roots Canada began when we sent them a set of Aelius 20W Tube Lights. At the time, we wanted the chance to put our fixtures in the hands of growers delivering real impact across the country. Mike and Becky loved the concept but quickly realized the 20W Tube wouldn’t provide the canopy intensity needed for their commercial setup.

That feedback sparked a true collaboration. Together, we developed a fixture tailored for their vertical farm setup: one with even canopy coverage, low heat output, quick installation, and optimized spectra for leafy greens in all stages.

The result? The Aelius 60W Tube, created from real-world testing and refined in real farms.

Why This Matters?

Canada needs resilient, local suppliers more than ever. Vertical Roots Canada’s model proves that community-scale vertical farms can be profitable, sustainable, and rooted in purpose, not speculation.

Smaller farms win through freshness, education, and trust. Vertical Roots Canada has shown this by successfully expanding into St. Paul and Leduc, Alberta, serving multiple communities up to two hours outside Edmonton.

Watch the Webinar

Missed the session? Watch the full webinar on YouTube.

Thinking About Starting a Vertical Farm?

Vertical Roots Canada helps new farmers from room design to weekly production. If you’re exploring a local greens business or considering a transition from another crop, learn more about their model and how it’s helping shape the future of local food, check out their website.