Commercial Greenhouse Planning and Design: An Easy-to-Follow Guide
Commercial Greenhouse Planning
Building a commercial greenhouse requires planning. Generally, you’ll focus more on site location, but it’s also crucial to consider future expansion needs and opportunities.
You can make many decisions while you go, but others need to be finalized before construction starts. Here are a few things to consider when locating the greenhouse spot:
- Investment capital
- Plants/crops to grow
- Seasonal or year-round cultivation
- Growing media (soilless mix, compost, soil, water/propagation, etc.)
- Greenhouse accessories
- Space
- Eventual expansion concerns
Choosing a Site for Your Greenhouse
A good arrangement is to plan where the greenhouse will be, as well as your outdoor production areas. Consider these factors:
The Surrounding Environment
Greenhouse owners must focus on their site selection needs. The plot of land should be 2 acres or more. This will include room for expansion, parking lots, and storage. Ground soil should also be taken into consideration.
If the location is near a major highway or road, this might be ideal for wholesale and retail operations. People will be more willing to stop by and browse your selection of plants.
You also have to ensure that the operation is in a place with plenty of sunlight. Without that, you can’t grow plants. Though it’s possible to use supplemental lighting, it’s better to utilize what comes naturally.
Utilities
Utilities are also important for greenhouse design. While it largely relies on sunlight as its energy source, you’ll need a water supply and electricity.
Many factors will determine how much water you require, such as the type of plants grown, irrigation systems, and location/climate.
Sometimes, you’ll need to test the water to ensure it doesn’t contain sediment, chemicals, and irregular pH levels.
Common Greenhouse Plan Types
Here are a few common greenhouse styles to consider:
Retractable-roof Greenhouse
A retractable-roof greenhouse is quite popular with plant growers. It has an openable top, which helps with air flow and the ventilation rate. Plus, you’ll see increased light levels because the sun can easily shine through.
Uneven-span Greenhouse
Generally, an uneven-span option is less common than the traditional free-standing greenhouse. Often, it has pitches that aren’t even and may have a different width. Things like hoop, gable, or gothic shapes are prevalent.
Even-span Greenhouse
If you want the most common greenhouse structure, an even-span version is ideal. It features a single room and has an even-pitched roof. You can choose from various building materials, but polycarbonate is the top choice for most people.
Complementary Facilities to Consider
To go along with the new greenhouse, you may consider other facilities nearby that will serve various purposes. These include a:
Headhouse
Headhouses can be used for cultivation that doesn’t have to take place in a greenhouse. They’re ideal for:
- Potting areas
- Office space
- Equipment storage
Many times, headhouses are similar to greenhouses in that they offer light transmission, but they can also be designed like warehouses or garages.
Shadehouse
Shadehouses are similar to greenhouses, but they’re covered with a cloth material. This protects any shade-loving plants from direct heat and sunlight.
Insights for Greenhouse Interiors
After buying a greenhouse from RGC, it’s important to consider what you’ll have inside, such as:
Benches
You’ll find portable and stationary benches, which provide the ideal place to sit. However, they change the floor plan and flow within the space.
Some people use benches to hold the plants, but they can also be ideal for research, plug growing, and more.
Tables
Tables can also hold plants for various purposes, but they have a larger surface. In fact, they’re often wider, longer, and taller, so it’s easy to display products.
Racks
Racks are another versatile solution for growing and displaying plants. With shelves like these, you can maximize your greenhouse space. Floor-to-ceiling storage is possible now.
If you purchase a three-tier rack, you have triple the amount of space compared to a bench of the same size. However, these shelves aren’t as common in retail applications because most business owners want open floor plans.
Flooring
Greenhouses are used as different systems based on the person’s needs. Therefore, it’s important to consider the flooring options available. You’ll find:
- Concrete slab flooring
- Vinyl flooring
- Brick flooring
Advantages of Greenhouse Cultivation
There are many advantages of putting in a greenhouse or bay, such as:
Energy Efficiency
The biggest benefit of using a greenhouse to grow plants is that it’s energy efficient. This is good for the environment and can help you save money, as well.
You’ll have to consider greenhouse heat during winter months if you work year-round, and it’s important to have the right heating system in place. Likewise, you must focus on appropriate ventilation equipment to keep plants happy.
Environmental Control
Whether you have extensive greenhouse operations or a simple system, it’s often better to use the structure instead of doing everything outdoors. In fact, you’ll have more control over things like irrigation, air circulation, humidity, and temperature.
More Space
When you have a greenhouse, it’s easy to maximize the space within. They are often larger and have high ceilings. Therefore, you can “zone” your plants/crops, ensuring that everything has its own area in which to grow.
Thriving Plants
Some plants adapt well to growing in a greenhouse environment. You’ll likely see high yields and decent profits if you can work with them.
How RGC Can Assist
RGC offers greenhouse construction services, as well as many others. Our team is with you every step of the way and can assist with:
- Commercial greenhouse design, construction, and site preparation
- Excavations
- Drainage systems for greenhouses
- Grading (construction)
Are you ready to build the best greenhouse? It’s important to plan a core area, understand building codes in your city, and use a reputable company. Contact us to get started on your next project today.
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from RGC https://ruthvengreenhouse.com/commercial-greenhouse-planning/
via Ruthven Greenhouse Construction
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