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.
Labels:
Commercial,
Constructing,
Greenhouse,
Guidelines
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