Greenhouse farming Guide for Beginners (2024)

A green house is a building where plants can grow in different seasons and climates. It has walls and a roof made of glass or plastic that let in sunlight and trap heat inside. This makes the green house warmer than the outside air, and helps the plants grow faster and healthier. Some green houses also have heaters, fans, and other devices to control the temperature and humidity. People use green houses to grow flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other plants that need special conditions. Green houses can be small or large, depending on how many plants they can hold.

Image by Ramon Perucho from Pixabay

Advantage of Green house Farming 

Some advantages of greenhouse farming are:

Increase in crop yields: Greenhouse farming can increase crop production by creating optimal conditions for plant growth and allowing more plants per square foot than open-field farming.

Minimizing production risks: Greenhouse farming can minimize production risks by protecting crops from extreme weather, pests, animals, and diseases.

Maximizing profits: Greenhouse farming can maximize profits by reducing waste, increasing yield, and growing crops all year round.

Producing crops that need special conditions: Greenhouse farming can produce crops that need special conditions or are not native to the region, such as exotic flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Some people make a living from greenhouse farming: Greenhouse farming can provide a source of income and livelihood for some people, especially in rural areas or developing countries.

Disadvantage of Green house Farming

Greenhouse farming is a method of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a glass or plastic structure. Greenhouse farming can help you produce crops all year round, protect them from harsh weather and pests, and use less land and water than traditional farming. However, greenhouse farming also has some disadvantages, such as:

High initial and operating costs: Greenhouse farming requires a lot of investment to build and maintain the greenhouse structure, equipment, and supplies. Depending on the size, type, and technology of the greenhouse, the construction cost can range from $20 to $50 per square foot. The operating cost can also be high due to the need for heating, cooling, lighting, irrigation, and pest control systems.

Lack of natural pollination: Greenhouse farming limits the exposure of the plants to the natural environment, which can affect the pollination process. Pollination is essential for the reproduction and fruiting of many plants, and it is usually done by insects, birds, or wind. However, in a greenhouse, these natural pollinators may not be able to enter or may be scarce. Therefore, greenhouse farmers may have to rely on artificial pollination methods, such as hand pollination, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. 

Risk of diseases and pests: Greenhouse farming creates a favorable environment for the growth of not only plants, but also diseases and pests. Since the greenhouse is a closed system, any disease or pest that enters can spread quickly and cause severe damage to the plants. Moreover, some diseases and pests may develop resistance to the pesticides or fungicides used in the greenhouse, making them harder to control. Therefore, greenhouse farmers have to be vigilant and careful about the sanitation and hygiene of the greenhouse, and use preventive and integrated pest management strategies. 

Environmental impact: Greenhouse farming can also have some negative impacts on the environment. For instance, greenhouse farming can consume a lot of energy, especially for heating and cooling the greenhouse, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Greenhouse farming can also generate a lot of waste, such as plastic films, pots, trays, and containers, which can pollute the soil and water. Greenhouse farming can also affect the biodiversity and ecosystem balance, by introducing exotic or invasive plants or pests to the natural environment.

These are some of the disadvantages of greenhouse farming, but they can be overcome or minimized by using appropriate techniques and practices. Greenhouse farming can still be a viable and beneficial method of agriculture, if done properly and responsibly.

Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

How to start Green House Farming?

Greenhouse farming is a way of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a glass or plastic structure. Greenhouse farming can help you produce crops all year round, protect them from harsh weather and pests, and use less land and water than traditional farming. Here are some steps to help you start greenhouse farming:

Step 1: Planning and designing the greenhouse. You need to decide what type and size of greenhouse you want, depending on your budget, space, and crops. There are different types of greenhouses, such as open-air, automatic, indoor solar, and others. You can also build your own greenhouse or buy a ready-made one.

Step 2: Material selection. You need to choose the materials for your greenhouse frame, walls, and roof. The things that people use a lot are wood, metal, plastic, and glass. You should consider the durability, cost, and insulation of the materials.

Step 3: Preparing the foundation. You need to prepare the ground where you will install your greenhouse. You should clear the area of any weeds, rocks, or debris. You should also level the ground and make sure it is well-drained. You may need to dig a trench and lay a concrete or gravel base for your greenhouse frame.

Step 4: Constructing the frame. You need to assemble the frame of your greenhouse according to the instructions or design. You should make sure the frame is sturdy and stable. You may need to use nails, screws, bolts, or brackets to join the parts of the frame.

Step 5: Attaching the walls and roof. You need to cover the frame of your greenhouse with the chosen material for the walls and roof. You should make sure the material is tight and secure. You may need to use clips, staples, tape, or glue to attach the material to the frame.

Step 6: Creation of ventilation openings. You need to create some openings in your greenhouse walls or roof to allow air circulation and temperature control. You can use windows, doors, vents, or fans for this purpose. You should make sure the openings can be opened and closed as needed. 

Step 7: Designing the interiors of the greenhouse. You need to arrange the inside of your greenhouse according to your crops and preferences. You can use benches, shelves, pots, trays, or beds to hold your plants. You can also use hooks, wires, or trellises to support your plants. You should make sure the plants have enough space, light, and water. 

Step 8: Installing a water mechanism. You need to provide a water source and a watering system for your greenhouse plants. You can use a hose, a sprinkler, a drip irrigation, or a misting system for this purpose. You should make sure the water is clean and adequate for your plants. 

Step 9: Maintaining your greenhouse. You need to take care of your greenhouse and your plants regularly. You should monitor the temperature, humidity, and light levels in your greenhouse and adjust them as needed. You should also water, fertilize, prune, weed, and pest control your plants. You should also clean and repair your greenhouse as needed.

Point To Consider Before Selecting A Greenhouse Site

If you want to start a greenhouse, you need to choose a suitable site for it. A good site can make your greenhouse more productive, efficient, and enjoyable. Here are some points to consider before selecting a greenhouse site:

Sunlight: Your greenhouse should receive enough sunlight for the plants you want to grow. Ideally, it should have at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. You should also consider the orientation of your greenhouse, which affects how much light it gets in different seasons. For year-round growing, it is recommended to align the ridge of the greenhouse in an east-west direction. For summer-only growing, a north-south orientation may be better. 

Shade: You should avoid placing your greenhouse near large trees or buildings that can cast shade on your greenhouse. Shade can reduce the amount of light and heat reaching your plants, and cause problems such as algae growth, leaf drop, and poor flowering. Shade can also make your greenhouse more vulnerable to frost and snow damage. Additionally, trees can drop leaves, branches, and insects on your greenhouse, which can clog the gutters, damage the structure, and contaminate the plants. 

Wind: You should protect your greenhouse from strong winds, which can damage the greenhouse structure, lower the temperature, and increase the heating costs. You can use natural or artificial windbreaks, such as hedges, fences, or walls, to reduce the wind speed and turbulence around your greenhouse. However, you should not block the airflow completely, as some ventilation is needed to prevent overheating and humidity problems. You should also leave some space between the windbreak and the greenhouse, to avoid creating a shaded area.

Water: You should have a reliable and clean water source for your greenhouse, as water is essential for plant growth and evaporative cooling. You should also have a good drainage system, to prevent waterlogging and flooding in your greenhouse. You should test the quality of your water, and check for factors such as pH, salinity, hardness, and contaminants. You may need to adjust the water quality by adding acids, bases, or filters, depending on the needs of your plants and the type of your greenhouse. 

Electricity: You may need electricity for your greenhouse, to power the lights, heaters, fans, pumps, and other devices that control the climate and irrigation in your greenhouse. You should have a safe and stable electrical connection, and use proper wiring and grounding to prevent fire and shock hazards. You should also use energy-efficient appliances and timers, to reduce the electricity consumption and costs of your greenhouse.

Soil: You should choose a site with fertile and well-drained soil for your greenhouse, as soil quality affects the health and yield of your plants. You should also prepare the soil before planting, by adding compost, manure, or fertilizers, to improve the soil structure, drainage, and nutrient levels. You should also test the soil pH, and adjust it if needed, to suit the preferences of your plants. You should also avoid planting in areas with soil-borne diseases, pests, or weeds, which can harm your plants and spread to your greenhouse.

Space: You should have enough space for your greenhouse, and leave some room for expansion, maintenance, and access. You should also consider the size and shape of your greenhouse, and how it fits with the landscape and the aesthetics of your garden. You should also comply with the local zoning and building codes, and obtain the necessary permits and approvals, before installing your greenhouse. 

Convenience: You should choose a site that is close to your house and other facilities, such as a tool shed, a compost bin, or a potting bench. This will make it easier for you to visit your greenhouse regularly, and perform the tasks such as watering, ventilation, harvesting, and cleaning. It will also make it more enjoyable and rewarding to spend time in your greenhouse, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

How much does it cost to start a greenhouse farm?

The cost of starting a greenhouse farm depends on many factors, such as the size, location, type, and technology of the greenhouse. According to some sources, the average construction cost of a greenhouse can range from $20 to $50 per square foot. Additionally, there are other costs involved, such as equipment, seeds, labor, water, electricity, fertilizer, pest control, and marketing. These costs can vary widely depending on the scale and intensity of the operation.

For example, the labor cost can range from $120 to $360 per month per worker, and the energy cost can range from $120 to $600 per month. Therefore, the total cost of starting a greenhouse farm can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Which Crop Is Suitable For Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming is a method of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a glass or plastic structure. Greenhouse farming can help you produce crops all year round, protect them from harsh weather and pests, and use less land and water than traditional farming. However, not all crops are suitable for greenhouse farming. You need to consider the space, light, temperature, humidity, and soil requirements of each crop, as well as the market demand and profitability.

Some of the best crops suitable for greenhouse farming are:

Cucumbers: Cucumbers are a great crop to plant and sell from your greenhouse. They grow well vertically, saving space, and produce over a long period of time. They also have a high demand and a good price in the market. 

String beans: These are one of the easiest crops to grow. They also grow vertically and take up very little space. If you plant every 1 or 2 weeks, you will get consistent yield. They are also nutritious and versatile, and can be sold fresh or processed.

Chili peppers: Chili peppers are another crop that grows well vertically and has a high demand and value. They come in many varieties, colors, and flavors, and can be used for cooking, seasoning, or medicinal purposes. They also have a long shelf life and can be dried, canned, or frozen.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are easy to grow and there are hundreds of tomato varieties to choose from. They are also one of the most popular and profitable crops for greenhouse farming. They can be sold fresh, canned, or processed into sauces, ketchup, or juice. They also have many health benefits and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Spinach: Spinach is a wonderful money-making crop. It grows fast, has a high yield, and can be harvested multiple times. It is also very nutritious and can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be sold fresh, frozen, or processed into salads, soups, or smoothies. It also has a high demand and a good price in the market.

Lettuce: Lettuce is another fast-growing and high-yielding crop. It can be grown in any season and harvested throughout the year. It is also very versatile and can be used for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or garnishes. It can be sold fresh, bagged, or processed into ready-to-eat products. It also has a high demand and a good price in the market.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a unique and profitable crop for greenhouse farming. They do not need soil, sunlight, or much space to grow. They only need a moist and dark environment, and a substrate such as straw, wood, or compost. They can be harvested in a few weeks and can be sold fresh, dried, or canned. They also have many health benefits and are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Strawberries: Strawberries are a delicious and popular crop for greenhouse farming. They can be grown in any season and harvested throughout the year. They can be sold fresh, frozen, or processed into jams, pies, or ice cream. They also have many health benefits and are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.

Image by john tompson from Pixabay

Herbs: Herbs are a great crop for greenhouse farming. They can be grown in small pots or containers, and can be harvested multiple times. They can be sold fresh, dried, or processed into oils, teas, or spices. They also have many uses and benefits, such as culinary, medicinal, or aromatic.

Flowers: Flowers are a beautiful and profitable crop for greenhouse farming. They can be grown in any season and harvested throughout the year. They can be sold fresh, dried, or processed into bouquets, wreaths, or potpourri. They also have many uses and benefits, such as ornamental, medicinal, or edible.

Image by Thorsten Frenzel from Pixabay

These are some of the best crops suitable for greenhouse farming, but there are many more to choose from. You can also try some unusual greenhouse crops, such as grapes, melons, peas, sweet corn, leeks, baby carrots, broccoli, pumpkins, garlic, ginseng, bamboo, and citrus fruits. The key is to do your research, plan ahead, and experiment with different crops to find the ones that work best for you and your greenhouse.

Types of Greenhouse Farming

Greenhouse farming is a method of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a glass or plastic structure. Greenhouse farming can help you produce crops all year round, protect them from harsh weather and pests, and use less land and water than traditional farming. However, not all greenhouses are the same. There are different types of greenhouses based on their shape, structure, and technology. Here are some of the common types of greenhouses:

Gable greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a triangular roof that slopes down on both sides. It is usually attached to another building, such as a house or a barn. It can be made of wood, metal, or plastic. It is easy to build and maintain, but it may not provide enough ventilation or light for some plants.

Flat arch greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a flat roof that curves slightly at the edges. It is usually freestanding and made of metal or plastic. It is cheap and simple to construct, but it may not withstand strong winds or snow. It also has limited headroom and may require additional support for hanging plants. 

Raised dome greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a dome-shaped roof that rises above the ground. It is usually freestanding and made of plastic or fiberglass. It is durable and can resist wind and snow. It also provides good ventilation and light for the plants. However, it is expensive and difficult to build and heat.

Sawtooth greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a series of parallel roofs that slope downward in one direction. It is usually freestanding and made of metal or plastic. It is designed to maximize the exposure to the sun and allow natural ventilation. It is suitable for large-scale production and tropical plants. However, it may require more materials and labor to construct and maintain. 

Skillion greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a single-sloped roof that is attached to a taller wall. It is usually attached to another building, such as a house or a shed. It is easy and cheap to build and can use the existing wall for insulation and support. However, it may not provide enough light or ventilation for some plants, and it may have drainage problems.

Tunnel greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has a semi-circular or semi-elliptical roof that covers a long and narrow area. It is usually freestanding and made of plastic or polyethylene. It is flexible and portable and can be moved or extended as needed. It is also low-cost and easy to install and remove. However, it may not be very stable or durable, and it may have poor ventilation and temperature contro.

Double span/multi span greenhouse: This type of greenhouse has two or more parallel roofs that are connected by gutters. It is usually freestanding and made of metal or plastic. It is spacious and can accommodate a large number of plants. It can also be customized and modified according to the needs and preferences of the farmer. However, it is costly and complex to build and operate, and it may require more heating and cooling systems.

These are some of the common types of greenhouses, but there are many more to choose from. You can also combine different types of greenhouses to create your own hybrid design. The key is to choose the type of greenhouse that suits your budget, space, climate, and crops. 

Conclusion 

Green house farming is a method of growing plants in a controlled environment, such as a glass or plastic structure. It has advantages such as increasing crop yields, minimizing production risks, maximizing profits, and producing crops that need special conditions. However, it also has disadvantages such as high initial and operating costs, lack of natural pollination, and the risk of diseases and pests. 

Greenhouse farming requires a lot of investment to build and maintain the greenhouse structure, equipment, and supplies, and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. It can also affect the biodiversity and ecosystem balance by introducing exotic or invasive plants or pests to the natural environment.

Overall, greenhouse farming can still be a viable and beneficial method of agriculture if done properly and responsibly. To start green house farming, people need to plan, plan, and use appropriate techniques and practices. They also need to choose the right materials and equipment such as solar panels, windows, and automatic air conditioning.

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