Inside a Container Growing Fresh Greens: Innovative Farm in Huntsville Takes Sustainable Agriculture to the Next Level

Fresh Simple Greens, founded by two brothers in Huntsville, is a farm that grows lettuce and herbs year-round inside six 40-foot white shipping containers. As you drive east on state route 39 through Huntsville, you’ll see an unassuming cluster of containers that sit side by side and resemble storage units. Despite the lack of signage, a small gravel parking area next to rough pasture land gives a hint of what’s inside.

Entering one of the containers marked “2”, Cooper Griffiths, 25, lets out a sweet, floral aroma from the interior under the red hue of LED lights that act as artificial sunlight. Inside, dozens of leafy bundles grow from a wall, making it feel like a constant science project for Cooper. After two-and-a-half years in business, orders are increasing from satisfied customers who appreciate the crisp, fresh taste of their lettuce.

The idea for Fresh Simple Greens to venture into growing full-size vegetables came from a group brainstorm session involving Porter, Cooper, and their dad. After a year of research and planning, the business was incorporated in December 2021. They acquired seven acres of agricultural land in Huntsville, a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van for deliveries, and six climate-controlled containers from Boston-based company Freight Farms.

According to Freight Farm’s website, each container requires only about five gallons of water a day and can produce the equivalent of 2.5 acres of produce. This innovative farming approach has allowed Fresh Simple Greens to expand their reach to include grocery stores that now purchase their herbs alongside direct customers. With its commitment to sustainability and freshness, Fresh Simple Greens is quickly becoming one of the most popular farms in Huntsville.