The increasing demand for fresh vegetables and fruits throughout the year, regardless of the short growing season, is the main reason behind the rising popularity of Greenhouse Vertical Farming.
According to a USDA report, vertical farming in controlled climatic conditions within a greenhouse has the potential to capture 50% of the leafy green vegetable market within the next decade. In addition to year-round crop availability, the optimized use of space, no transportation costs, and minimal waste of perishable goods contribute to the growing adoption of Greenhouse Vertical Farming.
If you’re considering implementing Greenhouse Vertical Farming and have some doubts that need clarification, this article is for you.
Please read it till the end for a complete guide on greenhouse vertical farming.
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Here, you’ll find answers to all your burning questions about Greenhouse Vertical Farming.
What Is A Greenhouse?
A greenhouse is a house structure that is typically made of transparent glass or plastic. So that it can trap heat and moisture to create suitable weather for some plants.
The Science behind a greenhouse is very simple. It allows sunlight to enter through the transparent glass and heat up the surface. And maintain that heat through the day and night.
It is mainly used to grow plants in a controlled environment. Especially if you live in an area with a very cold winter then you can build a greenhouse in your backyard to grow heat-loving plants.
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.”
What Is Greenhouse Vertical Farming?
Greenhouse Vertical Farming is a new-age farming concept where irrespective of the geographical constraints, crops are produced in an artificially controlled environment viz. controlled soil conditions, removing the climatic disruption and optimizing the uses of space by framing extensive vertical racks.
How To Start Vertical Farming In A Greenhouse?
To get started with your greenhouse vertical farming adventure, here’s a list of items you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds!
Items Required
Wooden Racks:
These will be the building blocks of your vertical farm. Stack them up to create layers for your plants to grow vertically. The natural look of wood adds a touch of rustic charm to your greenhouse.
Steel Shelves:
If you prefer a sleek and modern look, steel shelves are a great option. They provide sturdy support for your plants as they reach for the sky in your vertical setup.
Containers / Pots:
Choose some flowering containers or pots to house your plants. This way, you can easily move them around and arrange them in the most efficient way possible.
Watering Cans:
Proper watering is crucial for the success of your greenhouse vertical farming. Invest in watering cans or sprayers that have measurement indications, so you can ensure your plants get just the right amount of water they need.
PVC Pipes:
You’ll need PVC pipes for setting up an efficient watering system. These pipes will help distribute water to your plants and drain away any excess. It’s all about maintaining that perfect balance!
Trays:
Make your life easier by using trays with handles. They allow you to easily move your plant containers from one spot to another, making rearrangements and maintenance a breeze.
Artificial Light System:
Even during the nighttime, your plants need their daily dose of sunlight. Install an artificial light system with LED lights to mimic the sun’s rays and provide your plants with the light they crave.
Temperature Control System:
Keep your greenhouse at the ideal temperature for your plants’ growth and well-being. Invest in a temperature control system that ensures a comfortable and nurturing environment.
With these items on hand, you’re ready to embark on your greenhouse vertical farming journey. Get creative, experiment with different plant varieties, and enjoy the benefits of growing your own lush green oasis, right at home!
The Technology Behind Greenhouse Vertical Farming
The main goal of greenhouse vertical farming is to grow plants year-round, even those that are typically seasonal. Say goodbye to limited growing seasons!
- Vertical growing is a game-changer because it allows us to grow more plants in a smaller space. Don’t worry about running out of room!
- Creating the perfect climate for our plants is a breeze with the magic of automation. We can fine-tune the temperature, humidity, and other factors to create ideal conditions for their growth.
- One fantastic perk of this modern farming method is its water-saving superpowers. In the greenhouse vertical system, we provide water directly to the plant’s roots, reducing water wastage significantly.
- Thanks to automation, any excess water that the plants don’t absorb is cleverly condensed and returned to the reservoir. This means we can reuse that water again and again, reducing wastage by a whopping 99% compared to traditional field farming.
- Who needs the sun when we have artificial LED lights? These smart lights mimic the sun’s rays during the nighttime, ensuring our plants get the light they need to thrive, no matter the time of day.
- With greenhouse vertical farming, we’re revolutionizing the way we grow plants. We’re maximizing space, conserving water, and creating the perfect environment for our green friends. It’s a win-win for us and Mother Nature!
Obstacles To Start Greenhouse Vertical Farming
Technology-Driven Approach:
Greenhouse vertical farming heavily relies on technology and automation to create the ideal climatic conditions and implement the vertically stacked farming process.
Automated equipment like coolers, heaters, air blowers, solar systems, and LED lights are essential for maintaining the controlled environment required for optimal plant growth.
Skilled Workforce:
The success of greenhouse vertical farming depends on a skilled labor force.
Unlike traditional farming, this advanced method requires knowledgeable individuals who can operate and maintain the technology-intensive systems involved in the process.
Initial Investment:
Establishing a greenhouse vertical farm involves significant start-up costs.
From constructing suitable facilities to installing automated equipment and hiring skilled labor, the initial investment can be substantial.
Additionally, there are recurring costs such as electricity charges, servicing, replacements, and labor salaries that contribute to the overall expenses.
Limited Natural Pollination:
The closed and controlled environment of greenhouse vertical farming eliminates the possibility of natural pollination.
While this approach helps prevent pest attacks, bugs, and bacterial contamination, it requires alternative methods such as artificial pollination to ensure successful plant reproduction.
Suitability for Small Plants:
Greenhouse vertical farming is best suited for small plants due to space limitations.
Long, field-growing plants may not thrive in this system.
However, it excels in growing compact and leafy vegetables, herbs, and certain fruits, making it ideal for specific crops.
Best Crops For Vertical Farming In Greenhouse
Vegetables:
When it comes to greenhouse vertical farming, small leafy vegetables steal the show!
Think about delicious options like lettuce, chard, rocket, cabbage, kale, and juicy tomatoes.
These veggies thrive in the vertical growing system, making them perfect candidates for your greenhouse garden.
Herbs:
Herbs are another fantastic addition to your greenhouse vertical farm. Their compact size makes them a great fit for vertical growing.
Get ready to add a burst of flavor to your dishes with aromatic herbs like basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and refreshing lemon balm.
Fruits:
Who doesn’t love fresh, homegrown fruits?
In the world of vertical farming in greenhouses, you can grow delightful fruits like cantaloupe, strawberries, and even pumpkins!
Just imagine the joy of plucking your own sweet strawberries or carving your own spooky pumpkins—all from the comfort of your vertical greenhouse.
You have a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs to choose from. It’s time to get creative and start growing. Whether you’re a salad lover, a fruit enthusiast, or an herb aficionado, there’s something for everyone!
Benefits Of Greenhouse Vertical Farming
Greenhouse vertical farming brings numerous advantages to the table. It’s a promising approach that aligns with our growing need for sustainable and accessible food production. Some of the well-known benefits are explained below.
Ensuring Food Security:
With the world population on the rise and the demand for food increasing, vertical farming emerges as a futuristic solution to provide food security.
Climate Independent Agriculture:
Using vertical farming techniques inside a greenhouse, you can choose plants irrespective of the climate of your region. This way you can have continuous supply of veggies, herbs, and fruits throughout the year.
Controlled Weather:
With a greenhouse, you have greater control over the growing environment.
You can adjust temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create optimal conditions for different types of plants.
This flexibility is especially beneficial in regions with unpredictable climatic conditions.
Compensating for Infertile Lands:
Traditional farming heavily relies on fertile land, leaving infertile lands unused.
Greenhouse vertical farming, on the other hand, utilizes soil treated with organic compounds and nutrients, or even nutrient-rich liquids without soil.
This compensates for the shortcomings of infertile lands and expands the possibilities of crop production.
Optimal Space Utilization:
As urbanization expands and farming-suitable land becomes scarce, greenhouse vertical farming offers a solution by growing crops in vertically stacked layers within a closed building.
This efficient use of limited space ensures that we make the most of the available land, even in urban areas.
Water Conservation:
Greenhouse vertical farming minimizes water usage, meeting the specific needs of plants without excess watering.
By installing a water reservoir and proper draining systems, water is conserved and can be reused, reducing wastage and promoting sustainable practices.
Precise Crop Management:
The closed surveillance of greenhouse vertical farming allows for better control over crops.
It minimizes the risk of pests, bugs, and bacterial contamination, as continuous monitoring enables immediate detection and prompt action.
With reduced reliance on inorganic chemicals, this modern farming approach promotes chemical-free and organic crop production.
Reduced pesticide use:
Controlled environments in vertical farms require continuous monitoring and minimize the risk of pests and diseases.
It reduces the use of chemical pesticides.
Integrated pest management techniques, such as the use of biological controls, can be implemented more effectively in a controlled environment.
This ensures healthier and safer produce.
Cost-effective Transport:
Unlike traditional farming, where crops need to be transported from rural areas to urban markets, greenhouse vertical farms are often located in urban areas themselves.
This minimizes transport costs, making the supply chain more efficient and reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
Reducing Crop Wastage:
Perishable crops often suffer losses during transportation.
With greenhouse vertical farms situated in urban areas, the proximity to the market minimizes the possibility of wasting perishable goods. This means fresher produce for consumers and less food waste overall.
Innovation And Technology Integration:
Vertical farming is mostly dependent on high-level technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation.
Best Practices For Greenhouse Vertical Farming
Hygiene Maintenance:
Maintaining hygiene is crucial in greenhouse vertical farming due to the controlled environment and technological dependence.
Soil mixes containing peat moss, coco coir, and vermicompost are used, while some plants grow in nutrient-rich solutions without soil.
Proper hygiene practices ensure the safety and health of the plants.
Care for Seedlings:
Seedlings require attentive care and continuous monitoring once they germinate.
Along with providing water and nutrients, maintaining ideal climatic conditions within the greenhouse is essential for their growth.
Sufficient humidity, air circulation, lighting, and temperature contribute to the healthy development of the seedlings.
Avoiding Inorganic Chemicals:
Minimizing the use of inorganic chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers is recommended.
If necessary, opt for less toxic chemicals with a short residual life and specificity to the targeted pests.
Utilizing beneficial plants for natural pest control can also be an effective solution. Disease prevention is vital, involving prompt identification and removal of infected plants, using sterilized seeds, and keeping farming equipment clean and sanitized.
Providing Ideal Climatic Conditions:
Creating and maintaining ideal climatic conditions is paramount in greenhouse vertical farming.
Understand the specific climatic requirements of your plants and ensure they receive optimal heat, cold, humidity, and watering levels. This attention to detail contributes to the overall success of the farming system.
By practicing good hygiene, providing care to seedlings, avoiding inorganic chemicals whenever possible, and ensuring ideal climatic conditions, greenhouse vertical farming can thrive, offering a sustainable and controlled environment for plant growth.
Conclusion and Take Away!
Despite the technology intensiveness, skilled labor requirements, initial investment, limited natural pollination, and suitability for certain plant types, greenhouse vertical farming offers unique advantages in terms of controlled environments, efficient space utilization, and year-round crop production.
I hope you enjoyed this article. If you have any questions let me know in the comment section below.
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If you’re curious about other cool farming methods or the best veggies and herbs for your home garden, check out my other articles in the “Related” posts section below and the “Recent Posts” section.
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- Reference:
- Source 1: USDA
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.
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