Collection: Large Greenhouses

Get Started with Growing in a Large Greenhouse... Read More

Get Started with Growing in a Large Greenhouse Today

Imagine stepping into a lush, thriving oasis, where plants flourish year-round, and the environment is perfectly controlled for their growth. This dream can become a reality with a large greenhouse. From commercial farming to educational conservatories, these structures offer endless possibilities for cultivating plants while maintaining an optimal environment. In this blog post, you will learn about the various types of large greenhouses, their materials and design features, ways to enhance productivity, and accessorizing options to make the most of your greenhouse.

Short Summary

• Explore large greenhouses for commercial, educational or home use.

• Consider materials and design features such as glass, polycarbonate and other options to maximize productivity.

• Enhance greenhouse efficiency with climate control systems, plant selection strategies & accessorizing solutions like solar fans & shade systems.

Exploring Large Greenhouse Options

The world of large greenhouses is as diverse as the plants they house, catering to various applications such as:

• commercial floriculture

• cultivating berries, vegetables, and fruits

• year-round farming

• conservatories

From the ClimaPod greenhouses to the breathtaking Royal Greenhouses of Laeken designed by Alphonse Balat, there is a structure to suit every need. The primary goal of expansive greenhouses is to foster a symbiotic relationship between sustainability and productivity, offering a shared experience while maintaining an optimal environment for plants.

Among the largest greenhouses in the world, you will find marvels such as:

• The Flower Dome

• The Temperate House

• The Eden Project

• The Rainforest Biome

• The Winter Garden in the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

These impressive extra large greenhouses demonstrate that size truly matters when it comes to maximizing productivity and creating an environment where plants can thrive.

Commercial Greenhouses

Commercial greenhouses are designed for large-scale farming and efficient production, making them an excellent choice for businesses and individuals looking to maximize their agricultural output. Some key features of commercial greenhouses include:

• Large size, with the largest commercial greenhouse in Thanet Earth spanning a staggering 60,000 square meters

• Optimization for year-round production

• High production capacity, with Thanet Earth producing approximately 400 million tomatoes, 24 million peppers, and 30 million cucumbers annually

The numerous benefits of commercial greenhouses include:

• Increased production

• Cost-efficiency

• Temperature and humidity control

• Reduced water consumption

• Minimized waste

• A smaller carbon footprint

• Year-round cultivation

• Protection from extreme weather conditions

With such advantages, it’s no wonder that commercial greenhouses have become a popular choice for large-scale farming operations.

Materials and Design Features

When it comes to constructing a large greenhouse, the choice of materials and design features is crucial, as they play a significant role in the overall performance, durability, and insulation of the structure. Common materials used in large greenhouses include:

• Aluminum frames

• Tempered Glass panels

• Polycarbonate

• The two most popular materials for greenhouses are glass and polycarbonate, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In this section, we will delve into the differences between glass and polycarbonate greenhouses, exploring their unique characteristics and suitability for different applications.

Glass Greenhouses

Glass greenhouses offer a traditional and elegant appearance that has captivated growers for centuries. With superior light transmission, durability, insulation, and ventilation, glass greenhouses are a timeless choice for those seeking an iconic design and effective heat retention. Some advantages of glass greenhouses include:

• Superior light transmission

• Durability

• Insulation

• Ventilation

For example, the Flower Dome features a specialized type of glass that permits maximum light while minimizing heat.

However, glass greenhouses come with their own set of challenges, such as the need for additional maintenance and energy for temperature regulation. Despite these drawbacks, many growers still prefer the classic look and performance of a glass greenhouse, valuing its unique aesthetic and ability to create an optimal environment for plant growth.

Polycarbonate Greenhouses

In contrast, polycarbonate greenhouses are constructed from polycarbonate panels, a type of plastic gaining traction in the market due to their durability, insulation capabilities, and UV protection. Polycarbonate offers improved insulation, longevity, and UV shielding when compared to glass, making it a popular choice for modern growers.

However, polycarbonate greenhouses can be pricier and more challenging to work with than other materials. Despite these challenges, many growers are opting for polycarbonate greenhouses as they provide excellent insulation, durability, and UV protection, all essential elements in maintaining an optimal environment for plant growth.

Enhancing Greenhouse Productivity

Once you have chosen the right type of greenhouse and materials, it’s time to focus on enhancing productivity within your large greenhouse. From optimizing energy efficiency to employing sustainable farming methods, there are numerous ways to improve productivity and minimize waste in your greenhouse.

In this section, we will explore the importance of proper climate control and plant selection strategies to maximize productivity in your large greenhouse.

Climate Control

Implementing climate control systems is essential to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions for your plants. A heating/cooling unit, for example, can be utilized to either heat or cool the greenhouse, depending on the requirements of the plants. Proper ventilation is also critical for sustaining the desired temperature and humidity in a greenhouse, which can be accomplished through the utilization of fans, vents, and other related equipment to guarantee that air is circulating properly.

Other methods for climate control include:

• Utilizing screens to trap heat

• Ensuring proper air flow

• Employing greenhouse dehumidifiers

• Utilizing wet walls as an active cooling method

By implementing effective climate control systems, you can create an environment where your plants can thrive and reach their full potential.

Plant Selection and Layout

Choosing the right plants for your greenhouse is crucial to its success. Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons are well-suited for a large greenhouse, given their need for ample light and warmth. When selecting plants, it is important to consider the amount of space available, the climate of the area, and the type of soil.

Creating an efficient layout in your large greenhouse involves planning that considers the available space, the type of plants being cultivated, and the local climate. Strategies such as:

• Grouping plants with similar needs together

• Utilizing vertical space to maximize growing area

• Implementing trellises or other supports to maximize space

Greenhouse kits can be employed to create an efficient layout in a large greenhouse.

Accessorizing Your Large Greenhouse

Now that you have built your large greenhouse and optimized its productivity, it’s time to enhance it with accessories. From shelving to solar fans, automatic vent openers, and louvers, there are numerous ways to accessorize your greenhouse to further improve its performance and aesthetics.

In this section, we will discuss various accessories that can be incorporated into your large greenhouse to make the most of your space and optimize the environment for your plants.

Shelving and Storage Solutions

Organizing your greenhouse with shelving and storage solutions can greatly improve workflow and maximize available space for plants. Shelving and storage solutions for greenhouses may include:

• Shelves

• Racks

• Bins

• Cabinets

Varieties of shelving available for greenhouses include wire, wood, and plastic, while racks can be hanging, wall-mounted, or freestanding.

When selecting shelving and storage solutions for your greenhouse, it is important to consider the size and shape of the space, the type of plants you are growing, and the amount of storage you need. Properly installed shelving and storage solutions can greatly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your greenhouse, making it a more enjoyable space to work in.

Solar Fans and Automatic Vent Openers

Improving ventilation and temperature control is essential for maintaining an optimal environment for plant growth. Solar fans and automatic vent openers are devices designed to improve ventilation and temperature control in greenhouses, powered by solar energy and capable of automatically opening and closing vents based on temperature and humidity levels in the greenhouse.

The primary advantage of using solar fans and automatic vent openers is that they can augment the energy efficiency of the greenhouse, reducing the need for additional heating or cooling systems and minimizing energy consumption. The Bayliss Autovents and the solar vent openers from ACF Greenhouses are highly regarded as reliable options for greenhouse ventilation.

Louvers and Shade Systems

Installing louvers and shade systems can help regulate sunlight and protect your plants from excessive heat and light. When selecting louvers and shade systems for a large greenhouse, consider a combination of internal and external shades, roll-up sides for ventilation, and customizable radiant systems.

Regular maintenance of louvers and shade systems is essential to ensure their optimal performance and longevity. By installing louvers and shade systems, you can create a more controlled environment for your plants, helping them thrive in the best possible conditions.