Maintaining a farm is not easy given the large area to cover and the manpower needed to make it work. Through the years, scientists and other experts have made some progress such as the use of sewage, irradiation, pesticides and herbicides, to ensure that there is enough produce to cater to the market.
Even with the resources available, farmers still have to deal with weeds, diseases and the weather that could endanger the crops during harvest season. Though this has brought some relief, this is not enough since these have proven to be detrimental to public health which has prompted the farming industry to go back to the basics.
This means growing things the natural way. Aside from tilling the land using organic methods, there is another way that could still improve crop production and that is the use of commercial greenhouses.
Commercial greenhouses are enclosed buildings that are usually made up of metal, wood and glass. These structures are designed so that the farer can grow vegetables, flowers and fruits in a controlled environment. The sizes of these vary and some can be custom made according to the specifications of the farmer.
Farmers can still use soil to grow the plants inside these structures or use other methods that have also proven to work. A very good example is hydroponics farming. This technique doesn't require the use of soil but rather water to make the plant grow.
Tests have shown that this technique helps crop production significantly as the plants are able to absorb the nutrients faster from water than soil. In one experiment, tomatoes grown using the soil were only able to produce 4 tons while it was able to produce 40 tons using water.
There are many ways that hydroponics can be done. This depends on the type of plants that the producer wants to grow inside the commercial greenhouse.
Most commercial greenhouses are free standing version models. Before erecting the structures in the farmland, it is best to check how many can fit in the desired location and if there is adequate sunlight and wind to help the plants grow.
The climate changes all year round and farmers must be prepared to handle any situation. Strong lamps can be used to act as artificial sunlight to keep the plants warm especially at night. The installation of a ventilation system should give the crops oxygen and carbon dioxide. The structure can also have a timer system programmed to release water and nutrients at different times of the day.
The panels used for commercial greenhouses are vital to plant growth. This should give the crops the much needed sunlight to help it grow. Aside from glass, plastics can also be used since these appear to be stronger during winds and hailstorms. The frames of commercial greenhouses can be made of wood, metal, aluminum and plastic. The farmer has to choose the strongest to withstand different weather conditions.
Greenhouses are not only used in the United States but in Europe as well. On the other side of the Atlantic, these structures are called glass houses. Most of these are used to plant flowers and are attached to most homes.
Commercial greenhouses are expensive. The price range is from $4,000 close to $50,000. The owner of the farm and the supplier should make the proper measurements and estimates together before the installation can begin.
There are many companies that do this so it will not be hard to find. Those living in farmlands should know a lot of suppliers. Should these be a bit expensive, the person can check online to do a comparative before making the decision who to order from.
The use of commercial greenhouses allows the farmer to grow just about anything inside these structures. Since not all fruits and vegetables may produce the same quantity during harvest season, the farmer can choose what types of plants to focus on which will be good for the business.
A lot of things should be taken into consideration before getting a commercial greenhouse. By having a budget in mind and choosing one that can work well against pests, diseases and the weather, the farmer can be sure of a good harvest when the season comes.
The Quonset is the most common detached type of greenhouse for use in commercial production. These types are constructed using arched rafters that normally have end solid walls for added support. Quonset greenhouses types are appropriate for most crop varieties however the growing capacity is to a certain degree restricted close to "the side walls" which reduces productivity and efficiency.
Ridge greenhouses are joined through the eave with a shared gutter. Normally, an interior wall located underneath the gutter is absent permitting increased productivity.
Ridge greenhouses can either be curved arch or gabled. Gabled greenhouses are generally suitable for substantial coverings such as fiberglass or glass, whereas curved arch greenhouses are usually covered with much lighter materials such as polycarbonates or polyethylene. Many connected ridge greenhouses often are called "range".
Planning
This is one of the very important steps which have to be taken into careful consideration by the grower. Proper area selection with connection to labor, markets, utilities as well as future expansion really makes a lot of difference in how the business will profit and grow.
Here are basic things to consider:
? Crops that you will be growing (potted plants, Bedding plants, perennials, herbs, vegetables, etc.)
? The growing period of the crops (seasonal or year-round)
? Plants that will be grown (flats, pots, hydroponics bed, troughs, etc.)
? Growing medium (no soil, soil, mix, compost, nutrient solution, etc.)
? Growing methods (flooring, movable or fixed benches, growing bags, beds and flood)
? Annual productivity (space that is required)
? Marketing technique (retail, wholesale or both)
? Investment or capital
Here are things to be considered when constructing a commercial greenhouse:
1. Space. The area required greatly depends on your kind of business whether retail or wholesale. The minimum space must be more or less two acres so to make available parking for employees and customers, driveway access for deliveries, area for storage and also for future expansion. A wholesale venture generally will require much more because the greenhouse will be a lot more bibber and wider.
2. Zoning. These are local regulations that controls land use and encourage safety, health and the community's welfare. Note that greenhouse operations are permitted in particular zones only.
Frontage, distances of side yards, signs and also parking spaces should be specified. You should confirm with your zoning officer and ask what is required and ask regarding building codes so you will know if a permit will be needed.
3. Highway Access. Site location with regards to highways must be taken into account. For retail business, a location beside or along a high traffic road or beside a considerable residential site can greatly increase business. Wholesale business needs access to some interstate highway so to deal with heavy truck road traffic.
4. Environment. Select a location that is away from "industrial pollution".
5. Climate. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures, as in the winter plant growth is directly related the light that is received.
6. Slope. Ground slope to provide water drainage is very important. Greenhouses must be situated on gravel base, 6-12 inches above grade.
7. Water. Plants need sufficient moisture supply for optimal development and the highest production of flowers. As to how much water is required will greatly be determined by how big is the area that will be watered, weather conditions, crops grown, time of the year and "the environment control system".
Note that water that comes from "natural sources" have some amount of impurities present, and are at times harmful to plant growth. You should have the water tested for chemicals that can be present in your water system, to address the problem, if there is a problem.
8. Electricity. Your commercial greenhouse should have enough supply of electricity as well as distribution system must be provided so to supply and manage environment in the greenhouse. As early as in the designing stage of the greenhouse, you should already call on your area's electric utility regarding power availability and also call on your electrician to design the electrical layout.
9. Expansion. All throughout the development and planning stage, provisions must be considered for later expansion.
Note that before going into the business, as in any business, careful assessment should be made before a decision is made. Plan it carefully. Good Luck.
Both Jaden Sloan & Jimmy Spier are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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