Have you thoroughly thought through everything before starting your greenhouse construction project? Here are 7 essential questions you must answer before beginning your project.
Every construction project starts with a business plan. At this stage, the entrepreneur can determine a budget for the project and invest it wisely. A grower who is starting their first greenhouse crop might choose a manual management approach and opt for a slightly smaller greenhouse to save money in the first year. If everything goes well the following year, they can gradually automate it and expand it section by section, thanks to the innovative design of Harnois Greenhouses.
Water supply is essential for production. A lack of capacity limits the long-term development of the business. Water quality should also be considered, as it influences the choice of equipment used to treat and condition the water.
The greenhouse must be installed on an open plot of land to naturally create airflow inside the structure. The orientation of the greenhouse has a significant impact on the duration of exposure to natural light. The entrepreneur should also choose a plot that receives the most sunlight possible to ensure high productivity for their crops.
The entrepreneur must ensure that access to energy (electrical input, natural gas, biomass, etc.) is close to the production site to avoid hindering future business development. Most low-tech greenhouses evolve into medium or high-tech greenhouses, which require significant energy.
Market research allows the entrepreneur to choose their crop wisely. For example, tomato production might pose a greater challenge for small producers since the market is dominated by large producers. If the selling price is not competitive, the grower should choose a less popular or niche crop, such as herbs or a specific variety of cucumbers. The crop also determines the type of greenhouse.
A greenhouse exposed to very cold winter temperatures is adapted accordingly. It is often partially insulated and equipped with a heating and lighting system to protect the crops.
The grower must assess the availability of labor, as a shortage could significantly harm the business. The size of the greenhouse affects the number of employees needed. The entrepreneur must be able to find qualified labor nearby.
These 7 questions will guide your greenhouse farming project. Our experts will then help you find the answers you’re missing in order to build a structure that meets your expectations. Now, how do you choose the perfect greenhouse for your crops? Check out the best advice from the experts at Harnois Greenhouses today.