Filled Perlite Growing Bag. The
Perlite Grow Bag System is the
newest and perhaps simplest
growing method available for
hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers,
peppers, and more.
Perlite Grow Bag System is the
newest and perhaps simplest
growing method available for
hydroponic tomatoes, cucumbers,
peppers, and more.
Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing, Inc.
Manufactures commercial greenhouses and
distributes greenhouse equipment. While we work
mainly with commercial growers; retail garden
centers and institutional greenhouses also require
the quality and expertise for which Stuppy is
famous. Each of these groups is concerned with
doing two things:
1) protecting their plants from the weather (cold,
heat, rain, wind, snow)
2) controlling the environment around those
plants so that they produce an optimum return.
Naturally, they want to do this as efficiently and
economically as possible.
What Stuppy does for these customers is
manufacture System 2000®, Rainbow® Plus,
ProLine and PowerHouse® Greenhouses—strong,
efficient structures—to house their plants and
provide them the appropriate equipment to control
their environment. “Appropriate” means the right
amount of reliable equipment, because we know
that if the heat goes out on a cold, winter day, the
plants just won't understand.
Special emphasis is placed on the speed with
which Stuppy responds to growers' needs and on
the innovative ways we can respond with practical
solutions to special grower problems. We are
always flexible and ready to respond because the
growers' plants are living things which cannot
wait on delays
Manufactures commercial greenhouses and
distributes greenhouse equipment. While we work
mainly with commercial growers; retail garden
centers and institutional greenhouses also require
the quality and expertise for which Stuppy is
famous. Each of these groups is concerned with
doing two things:
1) protecting their plants from the weather (cold,
heat, rain, wind, snow)
2) controlling the environment around those
plants so that they produce an optimum return.
Naturally, they want to do this as efficiently and
economically as possible.
What Stuppy does for these customers is
manufacture System 2000®, Rainbow® Plus,
ProLine and PowerHouse® Greenhouses—strong,
efficient structures—to house their plants and
provide them the appropriate equipment to control
their environment. “Appropriate” means the right
amount of reliable equipment, because we know
that if the heat goes out on a cold, winter day, the
plants just won't understand.
Special emphasis is placed on the speed with
which Stuppy responds to growers' needs and on
the innovative ways we can respond with practical
solutions to special grower problems. We are
always flexible and ready to respond because the
growers' plants are living things which cannot
wait on delays
Designed especially for High School and College
horticulture classes. ATLAS GREENHOUSE
SYSTEMS,INC. The Educator™
horticulture classes. ATLAS GREENHOUSE
SYSTEMS,INC. The Educator™
University of California - Poly-Tech, San Luis Obispo, CA
"If you operate a greenhouse for profit, you need this book."
The Growing Edge Magazine
"Excellent how-to-guide. A gold mine of information.
Well-organized--a truly readable and comprehensive book that
presents valuable up-to-date information."
Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses Magazine - Nov.- Dec. 2000,
issue
Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business is written for the
beginner or serious home gardener who wants to start a profitable
home-based business growing plants in a greenhouse, or for
educators looking for specialized classroom projects. It is also
valuable text for existing commercial growers, if only to revisit
some of the basics from time to time. Divided into 11 sections,
Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business will tell you
everything you want to know to get started in a greenhouse
business. The book covers all major growing systems including
hydroponics, organics, and good old-fashioned soil cultivation. It
includes a basic plan to build a solar greenhouse, and information
on soil and fertilizer mixes, insect and disease control, marketing,
and guidelines to organize your greenhouse business. The section
on "Selling, Marketing, and Economics" is especially useful for new
comers to greenhouse production. Gone are the days of growing
plants on speculation and hoping to find a market before the crop is
harvested. The first step in any successful horticulture business is
to identify your market, and to grow what the market wants. This
section offers some valuable insights into how to go about that. The
text explores the marketing process and includes developing sales
concepts and marketing strategies, as well as establishing a
realistic budget. I can't think of another text that says it better.
There are also special treatments for marketing hydroponic and
organic products, as opposed to soil-grown products. The section
on "Greenhouses" is succinct. The author leaves no stone unturned
in his endeavor to cover every aspect of greenhouse production.
Topics include environmental control, choosing the right
greenhouse covering, operating costs and cash flow, ideas to
improve your greenhouse, and much, much more. This section also
includes a basic solar greenhouse plan, including a detailed
inventory of materials (imperial measurements). The section on
"Specialized Projects with Excellent Profit Potential" examines the
major soil-less culture growing systems that are used in today's
modern greenhouse, with a focus on greenhouse tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers, tropical fruits, and ornamental plants. There is also a
special treatment for school greenhouse programs. There are few
greenhouse texts that go beyond the hardware of a greenhouse
business. This text does. The section on "Guidelines to Organizing
Your Business" is about turning into actions. According to the
author, people don't plan to fail they just fail to plan. In this section,
apart from highlighting the need for good planning, the author
explains the basic steps for organizing your greenhouse business.
These include on sight considerations such as obtaining zoning
ordinances and building permits, and types of financing, right down
to Workers Compensation. Another section on "Delivery, Collecting,
& Using Computers", is a practical guide for those processes. The
author covers everything including packing and labeling, box
construction, and how to start with a small business computer. The
author provides a practical explanation of the World Wide Web and
its importance for communication, to quickly find or exchange
technical and market information, or to develop new markets. The
author also includes a lists of useful websites. This book is
published in the Unites States, for a North American readership but
its wealth of information gives it international appeal. If you are
thinking of starting a greenhouse business, then this book is for you
wherever you are. It is full of tips, ideas and resources, and
generously illustrated.
Hobby Greenhouse Association - Bedford, MA
"The presentaion is very readable and easy to understand. There is
a list of plants to grow for the highest profits and information on
the best ways to grow them."
The Herbal Connection - Silver Springs, MD
"This is an indispensible book if you're getting started in
greenhouse production. There are plans to build a simple double
poly roof solar greenhouse; and information on soil mixes, safe
insect control, hydroponics, marketing, and the general business of
greenhouse production. Well worth the price."
"If you operate a greenhouse for profit, you need this book."
The Growing Edge Magazine
"Excellent how-to-guide. A gold mine of information.
Well-organized--a truly readable and comprehensive book that
presents valuable up-to-date information."
Practical Hydroponics and Greenhouses Magazine - Nov.- Dec. 2000,
issue
Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business is written for the
beginner or serious home gardener who wants to start a profitable
home-based business growing plants in a greenhouse, or for
educators looking for specialized classroom projects. It is also
valuable text for existing commercial growers, if only to revisit
some of the basics from time to time. Divided into 11 sections,
Secrets to a Successful Greenhouse and Business will tell you
everything you want to know to get started in a greenhouse
business. The book covers all major growing systems including
hydroponics, organics, and good old-fashioned soil cultivation. It
includes a basic plan to build a solar greenhouse, and information
on soil and fertilizer mixes, insect and disease control, marketing,
and guidelines to organize your greenhouse business. The section
on "Selling, Marketing, and Economics" is especially useful for new
comers to greenhouse production. Gone are the days of growing
plants on speculation and hoping to find a market before the crop is
harvested. The first step in any successful horticulture business is
to identify your market, and to grow what the market wants. This
section offers some valuable insights into how to go about that. The
text explores the marketing process and includes developing sales
concepts and marketing strategies, as well as establishing a
realistic budget. I can't think of another text that says it better.
There are also special treatments for marketing hydroponic and
organic products, as opposed to soil-grown products. The section
on "Greenhouses" is succinct. The author leaves no stone unturned
in his endeavor to cover every aspect of greenhouse production.
Topics include environmental control, choosing the right
greenhouse covering, operating costs and cash flow, ideas to
improve your greenhouse, and much, much more. This section also
includes a basic solar greenhouse plan, including a detailed
inventory of materials (imperial measurements). The section on
"Specialized Projects with Excellent Profit Potential" examines the
major soil-less culture growing systems that are used in today's
modern greenhouse, with a focus on greenhouse tomatoes, peppers,
cucumbers, tropical fruits, and ornamental plants. There is also a
special treatment for school greenhouse programs. There are few
greenhouse texts that go beyond the hardware of a greenhouse
business. This text does. The section on "Guidelines to Organizing
Your Business" is about turning into actions. According to the
author, people don't plan to fail they just fail to plan. In this section,
apart from highlighting the need for good planning, the author
explains the basic steps for organizing your greenhouse business.
These include on sight considerations such as obtaining zoning
ordinances and building permits, and types of financing, right down
to Workers Compensation. Another section on "Delivery, Collecting,
& Using Computers", is a practical guide for those processes. The
author covers everything including packing and labeling, box
construction, and how to start with a small business computer. The
author provides a practical explanation of the World Wide Web and
its importance for communication, to quickly find or exchange
technical and market information, or to develop new markets. The
author also includes a lists of useful websites. This book is
published in the Unites States, for a North American readership but
its wealth of information gives it international appeal. If you are
thinking of starting a greenhouse business, then this book is for you
wherever you are. It is full of tips, ideas and resources, and
generously illustrated.
Hobby Greenhouse Association - Bedford, MA
"The presentaion is very readable and easy to understand. There is
a list of plants to grow for the highest profits and information on
the best ways to grow them."
The Herbal Connection - Silver Springs, MD
"This is an indispensible book if you're getting started in
greenhouse production. There are plans to build a simple double
poly roof solar greenhouse; and information on soil mixes, safe
insect control, hydroponics, marketing, and the general business of
greenhouse production. Well worth the price."
Give Your Place that Tropical Look with Banana Plants.
Ice Cream Bananas trees with a hint of Vanilla taste in its bananas,
Dwarf Red Banana trees that have a hint of Peach tasting bananas, the
Apple Banana tree has a taste of a Sweet Apple, Rose Banana trees
have a Lemony flavor. We have all the banana fruit flavors, grow them
inside or outside. We charge only $4.90 for all the banana plants you
want per shipment and its for priority mail with confromation in the
U.S.A. from GreenEarth Inc.
Dwarf Red Banana trees that have a hint of Peach tasting bananas, the
Apple Banana tree has a taste of a Sweet Apple, Rose Banana trees
have a Lemony flavor. We have all the banana fruit flavors, grow them
inside or outside. We charge only $4.90 for all the banana plants you
want per shipment and its for priority mail with confromation in the
U.S.A. from GreenEarth Inc.
Dwarf Red Banana Plant
How big a greenhouse do I need?
You can start with a small greenhouse and grow to a large one, but most serious
growers build a 30'x48' or a 30'x96' like the Greenhouse picture here. It is the
cheapest one to build that I am aware of and can be built for under $1400.00.
Plans are in the book along with many other types and designs.
What type is best?
There is no best greenhouse, your preference should determine the style and
quality you should buy. Can you afford a real nice $10,000. or $15,000 or do you
want to start with the smallest investment possible? Starting small is a most
successful and smart way.
How much can I make?
On a 30'x96' greenhouse one can make from $20,000.00 to 75,000.00
yearly---$10,000.00 on a 30'x48'---$5,000.00 on a 15'x24'
Why is a double poly roof the best?
Two layers, with a foot of air, make a tight, inexpensive roof and saves 50% in
heating cost.
How hard is it to become successful in the greenhouse business?
Real easy if you like gardening, if not don't think about it. I think its the best
business in the world with a true connection to all life.
What do I grow?
There are several different plants to grow. Many are easy, (start with these).
Some take a little more time, but are fun to watch and grow. They sure are
worth the time.
How much does it cost to grow one plant?
It cost around .25 to grow a 6" pot from seeds for a couple of months ---a little
more, .30 to .50 if using a cutting. These would sell, when grown, for $2.00 to
5.00 wholesale.
Can I build a greenhouse suitable for commercial growing?
Sure can, a greenhouse plan in the book is the cheapest and easiest that I could
build ( I drew these plans), and it has performed perfectly. It has curtains that
can be raised and lowered for ventilation and heating.
Do you offer any help?
Yes, I will be glad to help locate buyers, find supplies, pick a greenhouse or give
advise, just write, call or email me.
How do I find a buyer?
I show you how to get a buyer for all you can grow. Just make a few calls or
send out a flyer; buyers can't get enough well grown plants of many kinds. The
author will lend free assistance to anyone who needs in finding buyers.
JOBS to do in a Greenhouse Business.
Buy and read books.
Decide where to build greenhouse.
Buy pots, soil, fertilizer, seeds, plant tags.
Build Greenhouse, install roof covering.
Fill pots with soil, fetilizer, seeds and stick tags.
Install automatic watering sprinklers or drip system run daily.
Inspect daily, call buyers arrange delivery 2nd week.
Release beneficial insects if neccessary.
Sleeve plants when ready, pack boxes and ship to buyer.
Collect payment, around $25,000.00 per greenhouse full of 10,000 -
6" pots.
You can start with a small greenhouse and grow to a large one, but most serious
growers build a 30'x48' or a 30'x96' like the Greenhouse picture here. It is the
cheapest one to build that I am aware of and can be built for under $1400.00.
Plans are in the book along with many other types and designs.
What type is best?
There is no best greenhouse, your preference should determine the style and
quality you should buy. Can you afford a real nice $10,000. or $15,000 or do you
want to start with the smallest investment possible? Starting small is a most
successful and smart way.
How much can I make?
On a 30'x96' greenhouse one can make from $20,000.00 to 75,000.00
yearly---$10,000.00 on a 30'x48'---$5,000.00 on a 15'x24'
Why is a double poly roof the best?
Two layers, with a foot of air, make a tight, inexpensive roof and saves 50% in
heating cost.
How hard is it to become successful in the greenhouse business?
Real easy if you like gardening, if not don't think about it. I think its the best
business in the world with a true connection to all life.
What do I grow?
There are several different plants to grow. Many are easy, (start with these).
Some take a little more time, but are fun to watch and grow. They sure are
worth the time.
How much does it cost to grow one plant?
It cost around .25 to grow a 6" pot from seeds for a couple of months ---a little
more, .30 to .50 if using a cutting. These would sell, when grown, for $2.00 to
5.00 wholesale.
Can I build a greenhouse suitable for commercial growing?
Sure can, a greenhouse plan in the book is the cheapest and easiest that I could
build ( I drew these plans), and it has performed perfectly. It has curtains that
can be raised and lowered for ventilation and heating.
Do you offer any help?
Yes, I will be glad to help locate buyers, find supplies, pick a greenhouse or give
advise, just write, call or email me.
How do I find a buyer?
I show you how to get a buyer for all you can grow. Just make a few calls or
send out a flyer; buyers can't get enough well grown plants of many kinds. The
author will lend free assistance to anyone who needs in finding buyers.
JOBS to do in a Greenhouse Business.
Buy and read books.
Decide where to build greenhouse.
Buy pots, soil, fertilizer, seeds, plant tags.
Build Greenhouse, install roof covering.
Fill pots with soil, fetilizer, seeds and stick tags.
Install automatic watering sprinklers or drip system run daily.
Inspect daily, call buyers arrange delivery 2nd week.
Release beneficial insects if neccessary.
Sleeve plants when ready, pack boxes and ship to buyer.
Collect payment, around $25,000.00 per greenhouse full of 10,000 -
6" pots.
Greenhouse Tomatoes
Current Situation from the Mississippi State
University Extension Service
The greenhouse tomato industry in Mississippi and
other parts of the U.S. has experienced
unprecedented greenhouse growth over the past
few years. Mississippi number of commercial
greenhouse growers has increased 700 percent
growth over 10 years. Their most common
greenhouse sizes are 24 X 96 and 30 X 96 feet.
When more than one greenhouse is used, they are
generally connected at the gutter, referred to as
"gutter-connected greenhouse bays." Most
greenhouse businesses are small, averaging 2.4
greenhouse bays.
The national greenhouse tomato industry has also
been growing rapidly, but this is a more recent
trend. From 1998 to this year, there has been
about a 40 percent growth in greenhouse tomato
acreage in the United States, now at about 850
acres. Leading states are Arizona, Colorado, Texas,
Pennsylvania, New York, California, Ohio,
Tennessee, Mississippi, New Jersey, North
Carolina, and Florida.
Current Situation from the Mississippi State
University Extension Service
The greenhouse tomato industry in Mississippi and
other parts of the U.S. has experienced
unprecedented greenhouse growth over the past
few years. Mississippi number of commercial
greenhouse growers has increased 700 percent
growth over 10 years. Their most common
greenhouse sizes are 24 X 96 and 30 X 96 feet.
When more than one greenhouse is used, they are
generally connected at the gutter, referred to as
"gutter-connected greenhouse bays." Most
greenhouse businesses are small, averaging 2.4
greenhouse bays.
The national greenhouse tomato industry has also
been growing rapidly, but this is a more recent
trend. From 1998 to this year, there has been
about a 40 percent growth in greenhouse tomato
acreage in the United States, now at about 850
acres. Leading states are Arizona, Colorado, Texas,
Pennsylvania, New York, California, Ohio,
Tennessee, Mississippi, New Jersey, North
Carolina, and Florida.
Greenhouses, Greenhouse Supplies and Greenhouse Information Melbourne, Florida info@Greenhouse.net
Selling from the Greenhouse
Your greenhouse is a setting in your landscape
that is a center of attention. The commercial
greenhouse is very similar in nature, the hub of
attention as customers come to your
greenhouse to find what you have been
growing and reviewing the types of plants that
you are raising. A commercial greenhouse,
even if it has started for private use, should be
easy to get to, in order to be successful in
attracting customers inside of the greenhouse.
Your greenhouse is a setting in your landscape
that is a center of attention. The commercial
greenhouse is very similar in nature, the hub of
attention as customers come to your
greenhouse to find what you have been
growing and reviewing the types of plants that
you are raising. A commercial greenhouse,
even if it has started for private use, should be
easy to get to, in order to be successful in
attracting customers inside of the greenhouse.
Planning and Building a greenhouse
Building a greenhouse does not need to be expensive or
time-consuming. The final choice of the type of
greenhouse will depend on the growing space desired,
home architecture, available sites, and costs. The
greenhouse must, however, provide the proper
environment for growing plants.
Location
The greenhouse should be located where it gets
maximum sunlight. The first choice of location is the
south or southeast side of a building or shade trees.
Sunlight all day is best, but morning sunlight on the east
side is sufficient for plants. Morning sunlight is most
desirable because it allows the plant's food production
process to begin early; thus growth is maximized. An
east side location captures the most November to
February sunlight. The next best sites are southwest and
west of major structures, where plants receive sunlight
later in the day. North of major structures is the least
desirable location and is good only for plants that require
little light.
Deciduous trees, such as maple and oak, can effectively
shade the greenhouse from the intense late afternoon
summer sun; however, they should not shade the
greenhouse in the morning. Deciduous trees also allow
maximum exposure to the winter sun because they shed
their leaves in the fall. Evergreen trees that have foliage
year round should not be located where they will shade
the greenhouse because they will block the less intense
winter sun. You should aim to maximize winter sun
exposure, particularly if the greenhouse is used all year.
Remember that the sun is lower in the southern sky in
winter causing long shadows to be cast by buildings and
evergreen trees on the greenhouse.
Good drainage is another requirement for the greenhouse
site. When necessary, build the greenhouse above the
surrounding ground so rainwater and irrigation water
will drain away. Other site considerations include the
light requirements of the plants to be grown; locations of
sources of heat, water, and electricity; and shelter from
winter wind. Access to the greenhouse should be
convenient for both people and utilities. A workplace for
potting plants and a storage area for greenhouse supplies
should be nearby.
Types of Greenhouses
A home greenhouse can be attached to a house or
garage, or it can be a freestanding structure. The chosen
site and personal preference can dictate the choices to be
considered. An attached greenhouse can be a half
greenhouse, a full-size structure, or an extended window
structure. There are advantages and disadvantages to
each type.
Structural Materials
A good selection of commercial greenhouse frames and
framing materials is available. The frames are made of
wood, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Build-it-yourself
greenhouse plans are usually for structures with wood or
metal pipe frames. Plastic pipe materials generally are
inadequate to meet snow and wind load requirements.
Frames can be covered with glass, rigid fiberglass, rigid
double-wall plastics, or plastic film. All have advantages
and disadvantages. Each of these materials should be
considered--it pays to shop around for ideas.
Frames
Greenhouse frames range from simple to complex,
depending on the imagination of the designer and
engineering requirements. The following are several
common frames.
Quonset
The Quonset greenhouse is a simple and efficient
construction with an electrical conduit or galvanized steel
pipe frame. The frame is circular and usually covered
with plastic sheeting. Quonset sidewall height is low,
which restricts storage space and headroom.
Gothic
The Gothic frame greenhouse construction is similar to
that of the Quonset but it has a Gothic shape. Wooden
arches may be used and joined at the ridge. The Gothic
shape allows more headroom at the sidewall than does
the Quonset greenhouse.
Rigid-frame
The rigid-frame greenhouse structure has vertical
sidewalls and rafters for a clear-span construction. There
are no columns or trusses to support the greenhouse
roof. The conventional gable roof and sidewalls allow
maximum interior space and air circulation. A good
foundation is required to support the lateral load on the
sidewalls.
Post and rafter and A-frame
The post and rafter greenhouse is a simple construction
of an embedded post and rafters, but it requires more
wood or metal than some other designs. Strong sidewall
posts and deep post embodiment are required to
withstand outward rafter forces and wind pressures. Like
the rigid frame, the post and rafter design allows more
space along the sidewalls and efficient air circulation.
The A-frame greenhouse is similar to the post and rafter
construction except that a collar beam ties the upper
parts of the greenhouse rafters together.
Greenhouse Covering
Greenhouse coverings include long-life glass, fiberglass,
rigid double-wall plastics, and poly film plastics with 1-
to 3-year lifespans. Most use the double poly film inflated
with air, saving up to 50% in heating cost. Rigid
double-wall plastics is often chosen for greenhouse ends.
Just about every greenhouse grower does many things
different from all others so experiment!
The advantages of hydroponic crops:
Superior taste, quality, appearance, uniformity, and
extended shelf life of hydroponic vegetables.
No sterilization of growing media required and plant
nutrition is easily and completely controlled within the
nutrient tanks.
No weeds, no cultivation, no soil borne diseases or
insects. Allows for uniform water availability to plants.
Closer plant spacing is possible and movable plant
channels allow greater production from equal areas for
some crops.
Less water is required and less fertilizer needed. Root
zone heating, known to benefit tomatoes and cucumbers,
is feasible and practical.
Use of biological controls including beneficial insects and
safe methods of insect control are possible in a controlled
environment system.
Commercial hydroponics lends itself well to family
operated greenhouse enterprises where with good
management practices, it can be profitable supplying
local markets with fresh produce on a year round basis.
Markets for hydroponically grown produce have been
easily established and demand far exceeds the supply. It
is believed by many that Controlled Environment
Agriculture and greenhouse hydroponics is the answer to
many of the difficulties associated with the production of
outdoor specialty crops. Greenhouse hydroponics is now
a widely accepted method of producing certain specialty
crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers.
Other crops that can be grown by this method include
herbs, foliage plants, and flowers. Most of the roses
exported from Holland are grown hydroponically.
Building a greenhouse does not need to be expensive or
time-consuming. The final choice of the type of
greenhouse will depend on the growing space desired,
home architecture, available sites, and costs. The
greenhouse must, however, provide the proper
environment for growing plants.
Location
The greenhouse should be located where it gets
maximum sunlight. The first choice of location is the
south or southeast side of a building or shade trees.
Sunlight all day is best, but morning sunlight on the east
side is sufficient for plants. Morning sunlight is most
desirable because it allows the plant's food production
process to begin early; thus growth is maximized. An
east side location captures the most November to
February sunlight. The next best sites are southwest and
west of major structures, where plants receive sunlight
later in the day. North of major structures is the least
desirable location and is good only for plants that require
little light.
Deciduous trees, such as maple and oak, can effectively
shade the greenhouse from the intense late afternoon
summer sun; however, they should not shade the
greenhouse in the morning. Deciduous trees also allow
maximum exposure to the winter sun because they shed
their leaves in the fall. Evergreen trees that have foliage
year round should not be located where they will shade
the greenhouse because they will block the less intense
winter sun. You should aim to maximize winter sun
exposure, particularly if the greenhouse is used all year.
Remember that the sun is lower in the southern sky in
winter causing long shadows to be cast by buildings and
evergreen trees on the greenhouse.
Good drainage is another requirement for the greenhouse
site. When necessary, build the greenhouse above the
surrounding ground so rainwater and irrigation water
will drain away. Other site considerations include the
light requirements of the plants to be grown; locations of
sources of heat, water, and electricity; and shelter from
winter wind. Access to the greenhouse should be
convenient for both people and utilities. A workplace for
potting plants and a storage area for greenhouse supplies
should be nearby.
Types of Greenhouses
A home greenhouse can be attached to a house or
garage, or it can be a freestanding structure. The chosen
site and personal preference can dictate the choices to be
considered. An attached greenhouse can be a half
greenhouse, a full-size structure, or an extended window
structure. There are advantages and disadvantages to
each type.
Structural Materials
A good selection of commercial greenhouse frames and
framing materials is available. The frames are made of
wood, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Build-it-yourself
greenhouse plans are usually for structures with wood or
metal pipe frames. Plastic pipe materials generally are
inadequate to meet snow and wind load requirements.
Frames can be covered with glass, rigid fiberglass, rigid
double-wall plastics, or plastic film. All have advantages
and disadvantages. Each of these materials should be
considered--it pays to shop around for ideas.
Frames
Greenhouse frames range from simple to complex,
depending on the imagination of the designer and
engineering requirements. The following are several
common frames.
Quonset
The Quonset greenhouse is a simple and efficient
construction with an electrical conduit or galvanized steel
pipe frame. The frame is circular and usually covered
with plastic sheeting. Quonset sidewall height is low,
which restricts storage space and headroom.
Gothic
The Gothic frame greenhouse construction is similar to
that of the Quonset but it has a Gothic shape. Wooden
arches may be used and joined at the ridge. The Gothic
shape allows more headroom at the sidewall than does
the Quonset greenhouse.
Rigid-frame
The rigid-frame greenhouse structure has vertical
sidewalls and rafters for a clear-span construction. There
are no columns or trusses to support the greenhouse
roof. The conventional gable roof and sidewalls allow
maximum interior space and air circulation. A good
foundation is required to support the lateral load on the
sidewalls.
Post and rafter and A-frame
The post and rafter greenhouse is a simple construction
of an embedded post and rafters, but it requires more
wood or metal than some other designs. Strong sidewall
posts and deep post embodiment are required to
withstand outward rafter forces and wind pressures. Like
the rigid frame, the post and rafter design allows more
space along the sidewalls and efficient air circulation.
The A-frame greenhouse is similar to the post and rafter
construction except that a collar beam ties the upper
parts of the greenhouse rafters together.
Greenhouse Covering
Greenhouse coverings include long-life glass, fiberglass,
rigid double-wall plastics, and poly film plastics with 1-
to 3-year lifespans. Most use the double poly film inflated
with air, saving up to 50% in heating cost. Rigid
double-wall plastics is often chosen for greenhouse ends.
Just about every greenhouse grower does many things
different from all others so experiment!
The advantages of hydroponic crops:
Superior taste, quality, appearance, uniformity, and
extended shelf life of hydroponic vegetables.
No sterilization of growing media required and plant
nutrition is easily and completely controlled within the
nutrient tanks.
No weeds, no cultivation, no soil borne diseases or
insects. Allows for uniform water availability to plants.
Closer plant spacing is possible and movable plant
channels allow greater production from equal areas for
some crops.
Less water is required and less fertilizer needed. Root
zone heating, known to benefit tomatoes and cucumbers,
is feasible and practical.
Use of biological controls including beneficial insects and
safe methods of insect control are possible in a controlled
environment system.
Commercial hydroponics lends itself well to family
operated greenhouse enterprises where with good
management practices, it can be profitable supplying
local markets with fresh produce on a year round basis.
Markets for hydroponically grown produce have been
easily established and demand far exceeds the supply. It
is believed by many that Controlled Environment
Agriculture and greenhouse hydroponics is the answer to
many of the difficulties associated with the production of
outdoor specialty crops. Greenhouse hydroponics is now
a widely accepted method of producing certain specialty
crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers.
Other crops that can be grown by this method include
herbs, foliage plants, and flowers. Most of the roses
exported from Holland are grown hydroponically.
Greenhouses, Greenhouse Supplies
and Greenhouse Information
and Greenhouse Information
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