Greenhouse farming has become a popular and alternative method of farming these days.
According to the North America Commercial Greenhouse Market Outlook report, the market value reached 9.2 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to grow at more than 8% CAGR from 2022 to 2027. The increasing demand for seasonal fruits, ornamental flowers, and exotic vegetables is driving the popularity of greenhouse farming.
In greenhouse farming, crops are grown in a controlled environment, allowing farmers to achieve higher yields with reduced or no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Continuous monitoring plays a crucial role in optimizing production.
Nowadays, greenhouse farming is not limited to commercial use only. Many households are also interested in building their own greenhouses in their kitchen gardens. Besides providing seasonal crops directly to the kitchen, a small and organized greenhouse adds beauty to your garden and offers a new hobby option.
In this article, I will address some commonly asked questions about greenhouse farming.
I hope it will help clarify any doubts you may have.
Feel free to explore this complete article on greenhouse farming.
What Is A Greenhouse?
A greenhouse, also known as a glasshouse or hothouse, is a house made of transparent material like glass or plastic. It is designed for growing non-regional plants in controlled climatic conditions.
The primary goal of a greenhouse is to shield specific plants from weather conditions that are either too cold or too warm for their growth.
Inside the greenhouse, the temperature is typically warmer than outside. This is because sunlight, in the form of solar radiation, enters through the transparent walls and roof, and gets absorbed by the floor and other materials inside.
Traits Of A Good Greenhouse For Farming
A good greenhouse should have certain traits to ensure optimal plant growth and cultivation. Here are some important features to consider:
Proper Ventilation
It is crucial for greenhouse farming. It helps regulate temperature and humidity, creating an ideal environment for plants.
Adequate airflow also prevents the formation of plant pathogens and promotes essential processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and pollination.
Installation Of Automation System
Installing an automation system is essential for a well-functioning farm-grade greenhouse.
Depending on your region and the plants you want to grow, you may need to incorporate heating or cooling mechanisms.
This ensures that your plants thrive even in unfavorable external conditions.
Additionally, a proper lighting system can be implemented to supplement sunlight during nighttime hours.
CO2 Enrichment
It can significantly benefit greenhouse plants.
Increasing the concentration of CO2 enhances plant growth and stimulates the production of secondary metabolites.
This enrichment also reduces water usage and minimizes water loss through evaporation.
By considering these characteristics, you can create a greenhouse that provides the ideal conditions for plant growth, allowing you to cultivate a wide variety of plants throughout the year.
Types of Greenhouses
There are various types of greenhouses available for installation in your home. You can select one based on your budget, convenience, utility, and desired results.
If you want to learn more about the different types of greenhouses, check out the article “Types of Greenhouses.”
Factors To Be Considered For Building A Greenhouse
Establishing a greenhouse in your kitchen garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering a few important factors and planning carefully, you can provide your beloved plants with an alternative method of growth.
Choose A Suitable Area
Choose a suitable area in your kitchen garden for the greenhouse.
Make sure you have a flat floor where you can arrange pots and racks to accommodate your plants.
Additionally, select the sunniest spot available, as direct sunlight is crucial for the greenhouse’s functioning.
Calculate The Estimated Cost
It’s essential to calculate the estimated costs before setting up your greenhouse. This includes the building and installation costs, such as automation systems for different climates and LED lights.
Don’t forget to consider recurring expenses like electricity bills, servicing, and machinery depreciation.
Arrangements For Proper Drainage
Proper drainage arrangements are vital in a greenhouse.
Standing water can lead to harmful fungi, mosquitoes, and other insects that can jeopardize plant health.
Ensure your greenhouse has a well-designed drainage system to prevent any water accumulation.
Installation Of Water Storage System
Consider installing a water storage system to save and reuse excess water. This not only helps reduce wastage but also allows you to store rainwater for future use in your greenhouse.
Easy To Access
Convenience is key when it comes to accessing your greenhouse. Since continuous monitoring and care are necessary, make sure it is easily accessible from your home.
Maintenance Of Hygiene
Maintaining hygiene is crucial in a closed environment like a greenhouse.
Wear protective gear like face masks, gloves, and appropriate clothing while tending to your plants.
Keep the greenhouse instruments clean and sterilized to minimize the risk of contamination.
By taking these small but important factors into account, you can establish a successful greenhouse in your kitchen garden, providing your plants with an optimal environment for growth and cultivation.
Precautions To Be Taken For Greenhouse Farming
When it comes to building and maintaining your greenhouse, it’s important to take certain precautions. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Soil Mixing Is Important
Soil mixing is a critical step in greenhouse gardening.
Ensure proper hygiene and safety by wearing a face mask, gloves, and protective clothing.
The soil mix should have adequate ventilation to provide oxygen to the plant roots.
Protect the soil mix from rain, heat, wind, and high temperatures.
Store it in a dry and cool place to maintain its quality, but avoid long-term storage as it can affect its integrity.
Seedlings require continuous care and monitoring.
Continuous Caring Of The Seedlings
Seedlings require continuous care and monitoring.
Provide them with sufficient water, nutrients, and the ideal climatic conditions in the greenhouse.
Maintaining proper humidity, air circulation, light, and temperature is crucial for their growth.
Neglecting their needs can make them vulnerable to diseases, pests, and bacterial contamination.
Be Cautious At The Time Watering
Be cautious when watering your plants. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water.
Use water that is at an appropriate temperature, as cold water can be harmful to heat-loving plants.
Avoid using water with high chlorine levels, as it can be detrimental to plant growth and soil organisms.
Similarly, water treated with softeners that contain high levels of sodium should be avoided, as it depletes minerals from the water and harms plants.
Greenhouse Plant Pest-Control
Pest control is essential for greenhouse plants.
Implement proper screening measures, such as keeping doors closed, covering vents with fine screens, and installing metal screening around the perimeter to prevent insect infiltration.
Consider using beneficial plants and insects for natural pest control.
Minimize the use of inorganic pesticides and opt for less toxic options with shorter residual life and accurate specificity.
Greenhouse Plant Disease-Control
Disease prevention is crucial in greenhouse gardening.
Avoid introducing unhealthy plants and promptly remove infected ones.
Use sterilized seeds and keep greenhouse items clean and sanitized.
Avoid overwatering, maintain a clear drainage system, and be cautious of standing water, as it can lead to the growth of fungi and mosquitoes carrying diseases.
Opt for resistant varieties and certified disease-resistant seeds whenever possible.
By following these precautions, you can create a healthier and more productive greenhouse environment for your plants.
Advantages Of Greenhouse Farming
Establishing a greenhouse in your kitchen garden offers several notable advantages that contribute to its growing popularity. Let’s explore some of these benefits:
Greater Yield:
Greenhouse cultivation takes place in a controlled environment, minimizing the negative impacts of intense sunlight, high humidity, and the use of chemical fertilizers and hard water.
By mitigating these harmful factors, greenhouse farming promotes a greater yield of crops.
Compensation For Traditional Farming Limitations:
Traditional field farming faces challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions (storms, rain, earthquakes) and limited or inconsistent growing seasons for certain plants.
Additionally, crop production can be hindered by pest attacks and animal interference. Greenhouse farming addresses these limitations by providing a closed and secure environment, effectively compensating for the shortcomings of traditional farming.
Ensures Supply Of Better Quality Food:
The continuous monitoring and regular screening of plants in a greenhouse significantly reduce the occurrence of pests and bacterial contamination.
Consequently, there is a decreased reliance on chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilizers, resulting in the assurance of better quality food for consumption.
Facilitates Pollination:
Greenhouse farming allows for strategic planning, enabling the introduction of beneficial insects that encourage natural pollination within the controlled climatic conditions of the greenhouse.
Moreover, artificial pollination methods can be implemented, further enhancing the chances of successful pollination.
A Rewarding Hobby:
Establishing and maintaining a greenhouse can be a fulfilling hobby for individuals interested in gardening and plant cultivation.
It offers the opportunity to engage in a productive and enjoyable activity, nurturing plants and witnessing their growth within the confines of a personal greenhouse.
By considering these advantages, you can appreciate why establishing a greenhouse in your kitchen garden or indoors can be an enriching and beneficial endeavor.
Disadvantages Of Greenhouse Farming
While greenhouse farming offers numerous advantages, it is important to be aware of some potential disadvantages before establishing one in your kitchen garden. Let’s explore these drawbacks:
High Installation Cost:
Creating a controlled environment within a greenhouse involves significant initial expenses.
Costs can include constructing the greenhouse structure itself and installing various equipment and systems required for maintaining optimal conditions.
High Electricity Charges:
Operating a greenhouse efficiently often requires the use of equipment such as coolers, solar systems, and lights, which can result in substantial electricity consumption and subsequent charges.
It is essential to consider the long-term electricity expenses associated with running a greenhouse.
Machinery-Intensive:
Greenhouse farming heavily relies on machinery and automation systems to regulate temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors.
This reliance on equipment can increase maintenance and repair costs, as well as the complexity of managing the greenhouse.
Constant Monitoring:
Greenhouse plants require continuous monitoring to ensure they receive the appropriate conditions for growth.
This involves regularly checking temperature, humidity levels, irrigation systems, and other vital factors. Deviations from the desired conditions can have adverse effects on plant health, making constant monitoring a necessary and time-consuming task.
While these disadvantages should be taken into account, they can often be mitigated with careful planning, efficient resource management, and the adoption of appropriate automation technologies. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision about establishing a greenhouse that aligns with your goals and resources.
Conclusion and Take Away!
I hope you enjoyed the discussion on greenhouse farming. If you have any questions let me know in the comment section below.
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- Reference:
- Source 1: North America Commercial Greenhouse Market Outlook, 2027
- Source 2: https://www.usbg.gov
Misty S is the founder and lead writer at GrowOrganicGreens.com, a comprehensive gardening resource dedicated to helping people cultivate beautiful and sustainable gardens. She has a Master’s degree in Economics and specialized studies in agricultural economics, horticulture, and soil science. Drawing from her extensive knowledge and experience, Misty shares practical gardening tips on soil preparation, organic manure composting, fertilizers, plant care, and indoor gardening, making her advice accessible and helpful to gardeners of all levels.
Despite having an high-demanding 9-5 job, Misty dedicates her personal time to researching and exploring various gardening topics. Her keen interest in gardening has grown into a passion, driving her to help new gardeners and anyone interested in starting their gardening journey.
Follow Misty’s work and the latest gardening insights and updates on Pinterest. You can reach out to Misty at mistysblogging@gmail.com.