Get to Know CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture)

So… What Exactly Is CEA?

CEA stands for Controlled Environment Agriculture - a method of growing where conditions like temperature, light, humidity, and airflow are managed in a controlled space. It’s a way to grow smarter, not harder - giving plants the consistency they need to thrive year-round.

For many growers, CEA makes it possible to reduce risk, grow in smaller spaces, use less water, and improve crop reliability. Whether you are farming indoors, in a tunnel house, or building a vertical system, CEA is the foundation behind it all.

Where Hydroponics Comes In

One of the most common ways to grow within a controlled environment is by using hydroponics - growing plants without soil. Instead, plants are fed through water enriched with nutrients, allowing you to fine-tune what the plant receives at every stage.

Hydroponics is:

  • Efficient with water and nutrients

  • Less prone to soil-borne diseases

  • Scalable - from benchtop to commercial

  • Flexible - suited for leafy greens, herbs, and more

It’s a clean, consistent way to grow, especially when paired with a controlled environment.

A Little About NFT

At JC Agro, one of the systems we’ve been working with more recently is called NFT, or Nutrient Film Technique.

It’s a method where a thin stream of nutrient-rich water flows through slightly sloped channels - often called gullies - where plant roots sit and absorb what they need. The roots also stay well oxygenated, which helps promote healthy, even growth.

NFT systems are especially useful for growing lighter crops like:

  • Lettuce

  • Spinach

  • Basil

  • Coriander

  • And many other crops

They're efficient, relatively simple to maintain, and ideal for both home growers and those building up to something larger.

We’ve been learning as we go, refining our own systems here in Christchurch - and making the same gullies and accessories we use available for others interested in growing hydroponically.

Other Ways to Grow in CEA

While hydroponics is popular, it’s not the only way to grow within a controlled environment. Many growers use grow bags, coco slabs, or even soil-based beds inside greenhouses or covered structures, and still benefit from the principles of CEA.

Using grow bags filled with coco coir or a soil mix allows for great root development and easy control of nutrients. These methods are especially common for fruiting crops like:

  • Tomatoes

  • Cucumbers

  • Peppers

  • Eggplants

  • And even herbs and leafy greens in bag setups

At JC Agro, we also work with grow bags and coco media, especially for crops that don’t suit NFT systems. Like everything in growing, the method depends on your crop, space, and goals.

Let’s Chat

If you're exploring hydroponics or thinking about setting up a growing space - we’d love to hear from you.

Whether you're just after a bit of guidance, or you're planning something more involved, feel free to reach out using the form below. We're always open to conversations with growers, big or small.

We're still learning and building too - and we're happy to share what we know, or point you in the right direction.