Putting that Green Thumb to Work: Commercial Greenhouses

by: Charlene Rennick

Starting a commercial greenhouse involves more than building a structure to grow plants; it becomes a productive part of your community.  Providing the local gardeners with starter plants and the neighbourhood grocers with fresh produce they can count on, quickly builds many personal relationships as well as an income.
Choosing a location requires research and investigation.  Most greenhouses require an internal heat source during the cold climate. The Canadian government affirms that natural gas is the most cost-efficient method of heating your greenhouse.  Additionally, it uses the least equipment in the application of that heat which means there are going to be less maintenance costs.  Is natural gas available at your location? 

An adequate water supply is vital to the success of any agricultural business.  Take advantage of the water-testing tools offered by the Ministry of Natural Resources or country-specific equivalent.  The total level of salts, nutrients and pH are indicative of a water supply that is safe for plants.  How adequate the water supply is should be weighed against the value of collecting and filtering rain water or introducing a hydroponic system where water is re-cycled.

Calculating start-up costs for equipment should give a capital dollar requirement that will serve as a guideline for assessing any profits.  In addition to the construction materials, building permit, and hydro or gas line modifications, an on-site generator should be included in the back-up power and water system as an essential asset.  Losing the crop due to a hydro failure is not necessary and would be the result of a poorly planned operation. Proximity to emergency assistance or suppliers should be accounted for when assessing your location.  When the greenhouse is in production, waiting a couple of weeks for supplies or any repair materials needed for day-to-day operations could make the difference between a successful harvest and a failed attempt at one.

Distance to the customer base is another important consideration unique to a commercial business.  Wholesalers purchase from greenhouse operations that supply a good product at a reasonable price and within a close geographical range. Many commercial operations benefit from additional drive-by business generated by the public.  This can keep a greenhouse operator close to the fiscal surface in between the larger orders and help to cultivate word-of-mouth endorsements.

Another important consideration to evaluate is the quality of drainage underneath the base of and beside the greenhouse.  Poor drainage can easily encourage algae, bacteria and insect infestations in a short period of time.  Once fungus, bacteria or bugs settle in a location, removing them without harm to the plants is a major undertaking.

Accessories become even more vital to your operation when you are counting on the income from your crop.  Making the most of your space by adding extra hanging shelves, automatic misters and vent-openers, good quality thermostats and humidistats can add to your profits and minimize any potential damage due to environmental fluctuations.

Deciding to begin a greenhouse as a commercial business can be profitable and gratifying especially when your heart is in it; just make sure that there is more to your land than a lot of space.