Guidelines For Constructing Your Commercial Greenhouse | Best Green Houses

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Guidelines For Constructing Your Commercial Greenhouse


The profitability of a greenhouse greatly depends on various factors that relate to the plants that

are being grown inside it. In this regard, care must be taken so as to choose the right kind of

construction for the appropriate crops. Climatic conditions of the area of installation and its

topography must also be given due consideration.

Types of greenhouses

There are various types of constructions available for greenhouses. These include detached

greenhouses which stand independent of each other. Access can however be provided by

means of a corridor linking several detached greenhouses to each other. One example of such

greenhouses is the Quonset type. These are the most common type that are constructed using

arched rafters and have solid walls for additional support. These are considered to be

appropriate for most crops.

Another type of greenhouse is commonly known as a ridge greenhouse. These are joined

through the eave by a shared gutter, thereby permitting increased productivity. Ridge type

greenhouses can be either curved or gabled. While gabled greenhouses are more suitable to be

covered by substantial sheets, curved greenhouses are more suited for lighter covering

materials such as polytene.

Setting up a greenhouse

While planning to setup a greenhouse, several factors should be taken into account. There must

be proper access to markets, utilities and transport facilities. Moreover, prospects of future

expansion must also be taken into account.

Other factors that must be taken into account before setting up a greenhouse include the crops

one is interested in growing, the growing season of that crop, growing period. Furthermore the

growing medium such as water, soil, sand, compost must also be defined. In addition, the

farming methods such as flooring, growing pots, benches etc must also be considered. Last but

not the least come the financial aspects that include marketing, productivity and the investment

required.

The commercial aspects

When setting up a greenhouse, there are various commercial aspects that must not be

overlooked. In this respect, the area used to set up a greenhouse must be around two acres for

it to be commercially viable. This requires space for vehicular traffic associated with the

employed manpower as well as transport of the product. Secondly, the greenhouse must be

located in an area where it is permitted by government regulations. Furthermore, there must be

road access to the site to ensure efficient delivery of the harvest to the market and smooth

supply of seeds, fertilizers and maintenance equipment.

It is also important that the site is located away from industrial pollution, since the product is

meant for human consumption. Industrial effluents are likely to introduce poisonous chemicals

into the product that would have adverse effect on peoples' health. Since a greenhouse

primarily traps heat from sunlight, the site must receive ample amount of sunlight, especially

during winter season.

In terms of utilities, the site must have access to water and electricity. Water is essential for the

growth of all plant forms. However, the supply must be properly tested for impurities that could

harm the crop. Electricity, on the other hand is essential for maintaining the controlled

environment inside the greenhouse, as well as to run the equipment needed to grow and

harvest the plant.

Lastly, like all other entrepreneurships, room for future expansion must be available in this case.

In this regard, careful planning is the key to success. Plan well and your business will flourish.

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