The success and productivity of running a greenhouse depend mainly on the kind of growing materials used. Since there are a number of designs to choose from, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of these designs. You should also choose plants suitable for the design of your greenhouse.
Kinds of Greenhouses
A detached or free-standing greenhouse is generally an independent structure a few meters away from your house. However, it can be joined by building walkways. The advantage is that you can build it as large or as small as you want.
The most common detached greenhouse for commercial use is the Quonset. This greenhouse is built using arched rafters that usually have solid end walls for additional support. Quonset greenhouses are suitable for the production of most crops but due to their limited head room and storage area, plant growth may be restricted, hence diminishing productivity and efficiency.
Ridge greenhouses are usually attached through a shared gutter. The absence of an inside wall below the gutter is an advantage as it increases efficiency. Gabled greenhouses are perfect for heavy coverings such as glass or fiberglass. Curved arch greenhouses are usually covered with much lighter substances such as polyethylene or polycarbonates. Connected ridge greenhouses are often referred to as range.
Planning
To ensure that your commercial greenhouse will be profitable, some of the factors to consider are proper area selection in relation to markets, utilities, labor, as well as future plans for expansion. You should plan the following:
Type of crops you will be growing (herbs, flowers, perennials, orchids, vegetables, potted plants, and others)
Growing period of the crops (are they seasonal or year-round?)
Plants that will be grown (to allocate the space and prepare the soil or pots)
Growing medium (soil, no soil, mix, nutrient solution, compost, fertilizer)
Growing methods (flooring, beds and flood, growing bags)
Annual productivity
Marketing strategy (wholesale, retail, or both)
Capital or investment
Here are other things to consider when building a commercial greenhouse:
1. Space. The area needed mainly depends on the type of business you are planning to get into, whether retail, wholesale, or both. Two acres is the suggested minimum space for a commercial greenhouse. Make way for parking space for your customers and employees, delivery, storage area, and future expansion plans.
2. Zoning. It is advisable to consult your zoning officer about your plans to set up a commercial greenhouse. There are certain cities that require a permit for building a greenhouse to ensure safety and the welfare of the community.
3. Highway access. For retail businesses, a location near or along a high-traffic road or near a residential site can greatly increase business. Wholesale business needs access to some interstate highway to deal with heavy road traffic.
4. Environment. Select a clean location, one that is away from industrial pollution like factories
5. Climate. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures. Some plants may be sensitive to extreme sunlight or extreme cold weather.
6. Slope. Aim for a ground slope to provide water drainage that is vital for your greenhouse. Greenhouses must be situated on gravel base, 6 to 12 inches above grade.
7. Water. Plants need sufficient humidity for optimal development and the highest production of flowers and crops. Test water that comes from natural resources. They are known to have impurities that may be harmful for your crops.
8. Electricity. Ensure that your commercial greenhouse will have enough supply of electricity. As early as in the designing stage of the greenhouse, call on your areas electricity provider regarding power availability. Also call on your electrician to help design the electrical layout.
9. Expansion. All throughout the development and planning stage, factors must be considered for later expansion plans.
Note that before setting up your greenhouse business, careful research should be made. You will be learning new things as you go along with this business venture.
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