For growers interested in entering or transitioning to cannabis production, one of the first decisions to make is where it will be grown. Options include outdoor, indoor facilities, and a mix of the two — greenhouses.
Commercial cannabis greenhouses are growing in popularity among cultivators. Many growers are switching to greenhouses since they are usually a more efficient means of production. Greenhouses combine the control and protection offered by an indoor facility with the cost-saving, natural light of growing outdoors.
Cannabis is a high-value crop that requires efficient, sophisticated systems resulting in both high quantity and quality yields. There are many factors to take into account when planning a commercial cannabis operation, but a properly designed greenhouse with the right systems in place will ensure your desired results. Here are the key things to consider when choosing a commercial cannabis greenhouse.
Choosing the Right Commercial Cannabis Greenhouse Structure
One of the most important decisions during the planning process is the style of greenhouse for your commercial cannabis operation.
Gutter-connected greenhouses are a popular, versatile option for almost any grower, including those in the cannabis industry. The Luminosa gutter-connected greenhouse by Harnois provides excellent natural ventilation and the ability to connect several individual bays, making it one of the most economical choices for cannabis growers. Luminosa greenhouses are designed to maximize usable cultivation space and can easily integrate service buildings including mixing areas for fertilization, conditioning and packing areas, offices, and employee rest areas.
Freestanding greenhouses are another popular option among cannabis growers, requiring less of an upfront investment than gutter-connected greenhouses of the same size. The Ovaltech freestanding greenhouse by Harnois is designed with a Gothic arch shape to create a bright growing environment, promoting the uniform growth of crops with superior air volume for a more stable climate at the plant level.
Before choosing your structure, the number of grow zones and total square footage will need to be established. The desired gutter height also needs to be determined based on whether plants will be grown on the ground, on benches, double benches, and according to the planned crop height.
Best Covering Options for Your Cannabis Greenhouse
Along with choosing the style of greenhouse, you’ll need to select a covering material. Options include ETFE film, acrylic, polyethylene film, polycarbonate panels, and glass. Each option has its own unique characteristics, but in every case they provide good conditions for optimal growth and access to a natural, free resource: the sun.
Each covering option allows a certain percentage of light and UV rays to pass through. If you are growing cannabis high in THC, exposing your plants to higher UV levels can directly increase cannabinoid production. Whatever your objective, working with professionals who have experience designing cannabis greenhouse environments ensures your immediate and long-term goals are met.
Essential Equipment for a Commercial Cannabis Greenhouse
The style of greenhouse and covering you choose is only half the picture. Selecting the right greenhouse equipment is equally important and can be made much easier by working with a company that has proven experience creating ideal conditions for quality yields.
Supplemental Lighting for Cannabis Cultivation
Supplemental lighting is critical for cannabis production, particularly for light deprivation programs and year-round growing. LED and HPS systems can be integrated directly into your Luminosa or Ovaltech structure from the planning stage to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.
Climate Control: Heating, Cooling & Ventilation
A stable climate at plant level is non-negotiable in cannabis cultivation. Harnois greenhouse structures are engineered for superior air volume and temperature stability. Heating, mechanical cooling, and ventilation systems — including roof vents, side roll-up panels, and cooling pads — are all available as part of a complete commercial greenhouse solution.
Irrigation & Pest Management Systems
Drip, boom, flood, and recirculation irrigation systems can be configured to your specific cannabis cultivar and production volume. Integrated pest management, including insect screens, blackout screens, and thermal screens, reduces the need for pesticides while protecting crop quality.
Why a Commercial Cannabis Greenhouse Outperforms Indoor Grows
Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced grower transitioning to commercial cannabis, consulting seasoned professionals is crucial to ensuring you receive excellent products and services for your operation.
Harnois Greenhouses offers a full range of greenhouses and equipment backed by more than 50 years of providing solutions for all types of growers across North America. From a single freestanding Ovaltech to a multi-zone Luminosa complex, every project is engineered in-house to meet your local climate, building codes, and crop requirements.
To maximize your investment and build a cannabis greenhouse that truly performs, contact the growing experts at Harnois today.