Careful planning prior to construction is an essential first step in the development of a successful, profitable greenhouse production system.
Before anything else, the site of the operation must be chosen. When selecting a proper site for the greenhouse a number of “location factors” must be taken into consideration before a final decision on the greenhouse site is made.
Microclimate
Climatic conditions have dictated worldwide geographical shift in horticulture. Such forces are also at work within local regions. The primary limiting factor to crop production in greenhouses is low light intensity during the winter. Areas having frequent fog, inclement weather, or shadows cast by trees or tall mountains are poor for crops in general.
Water Availability and Quality
Water is one of the most frequently overlooked resources in the establishment of a greenhouse business.
A sufficient quantity of high quality water is extremely important for the production of greenhouse crops.
The need for frequent irrigation requires careful planning and management, to ensure that operations have sufficient water to maintain adequate supplies for crop production.
Although water is usually obtained from deep wells, generally municipal systems can also supply water of adequate quality for greenhouse production.
Topography
The topography of the site affects where a growing structure is built. (Topography refers to the shape of the land, e.g., hilly, steep, rocky, flat.) The surface of the ground of the greenhouse should be level. Placing a growing structure on a flat surface is efficient because it facilitates easy adjustments to various mechanical controls in the greenhouse, which is economical. The site should be well drained.
Windbreaks
Outside the greenhouse, a windbreak can reduce infiltration of cold air and convection of heat away from the greenhouse. Wind speed greatly affects infiltration rates; 15 mile-per-hour winds can double heat loss in a greenhouse. Well-designed windbreaks can reduce wind speeds by 50 percent, reducing heat losses by 5 to 10 percent compared to an open area. They can also reduce snow accumulation on roofs.
Availability of Labor
Present and future labor needs should be assessed and should be in accord with the labor supply in the area. Procurement of a labor supply has been a perennial problem in the horticulture industry. While the solution has appeared to rest on locating close to an urban area, this brings on a problem of higher wages. The greenhouse owner must also determine if labor is available to perform both routine and harvest-time duties.
Infrastructures
Proximity to transport networks (e.g. roads, railway), access to communication systems (e.g. telephone, internet) and availability of energy (e.g. gas, electricity) must all be considered. Greenhouses also need convenient access to materials for growing plants (growing media, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.). Transportation requirements to the greenhouse site relate directly to the intended operation’s size and marketing arrangements.
Market Accessibility
Locating near the market is very important for retail growers who rely on customers getting to the greenhouse. The market potential should be explored before building. The competition should be scouted out and surveys conducted (if possible) as to the greenhouse market demands of the local area.
