Starting a greenhouse garden is not an easy task. More so if you decide to plunge into commercial greenhouse growing.
By now, you know you need to get some equipment for your work, and you’re probably feeling overwhelmed with the sheer number of options out there. Don’t worry though; we’ve all been there, and I’m here to help you till the soil (pun intended).
Let’s talk about the essential equipment that will set you up for success without breaking the bank even if this is your first attempt.
Climate Control System
A climate control system is the heart of any commercial greenhouse. Think of it as the conductor of your greenhouse orchestra. It is in charge of your heating, cooling, and ventilation, all of these components constantly working to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive regardless of the weather outside.
If you head into the market to cop this, expect to spend around $500 for a basic system. The more advanced options cost up to $5000. Before you drop your jaw, a climate control system installed means your plants will grow faster, healthier, and produce better yields. And it can be controlled from your smartphone so you can have peace of mind while you’re away.
Ventilation Fans
Stagnant air is an enemy of healthy plants. Installing good ventilation, which is a component of the climate control system, ensures that fresh air constantly flows within the greenhouse, which in turn prevents humidity buildup and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Get yourself a mix of exhaust fans and circulation fans. And, depending on the size of your greenhouse, and size and power of the fans, expect to spend $200-$500 per fan. A good rule of thumb is to have enough fan power to replace the entire volume of air in your greenhouse every minute.
Greenhouse Heaters
Another essential component of the climate control system is the heaters. Greenhouse heaters help maintain optimal temperatures within the greenhouse when the outside environment is too cold for plants.
The type and size of heater you’ll buy will depend on your climate and greenhouse size, but expect to spend about $1000-$3000 on a quality unit. And it’s worth it because a sudden drop in temperature can severely hinder your plants’ growth. Getting a heating system will erase that possibility.
Watering Equipment:
Your watering setup totally depends on you and your budget. If you’re okay with a simple setup, all you need is a good hose, spray, nozzles, and watering wands. This setup will probably cost around $200-$400.
If you’ve got a bigger purse, an automated irrigation system could be on your horizon. You can purchase a simple drip irrigation system for $500. For more advanced systems with motion sensors and timers, expect to spend up to $5000.
Yes it’s a bit costly but providing the right amounts of water to your plants when they need them without any going to waste just saves time, and reduces water usage, which are both great benefits to me.
Shade Cloths
Over-exposing your plants to light is just as harmful as under-exposing them. Plants are delicate and require just the right amount. Any deviation will result in gradual degradation.
That’s where shade cloths come in. They can be used to block out UV rays from the sun. Think sunscreen but for plants. Prices vary based on size and material, but budget $100-$500 for a good basic netting setup. About $2000 for retractable shades. Make sure the shades you get are easy to put up and take down as required.
Staging and Organization
Organizing your greenhouse isn’t just satisfying and pleasing to look at, it’s essential for efficiency. Knowing where things are, and having more room for extra stuff is a good feeling.
Invest in sturdy shelving (secured by greenhouse metal decking) that maximize vertical space, plant trolleys, and storage solutions. You might spend $500-$2,000 here, depending on the size of your operation and you’ll get a clutter-free greenhouse in return.
Remember, time saved searching for tools or shuffling plants around is time you can spend on more important tasks.
Seed Trays and Propagation
You’ll need to start seeds and propagate cuttings in your greenhouse. Quality seed trays and propagation equipment will help you get your plants off to a great start. There are good sets of trays, humidity domes, and heating maps for $200-$500.
Bench
A good bench enhances the organization of your greenhouse, while ensuring easier access to plants, and more effective use of space. In short, get yourself good benching that’s adjustable and can accommodate different plant sizes for increased productivity.
Expect to spend $1,000-$3,000.
Conclusion
You don’t need to buy every piece of equipment at once just because you’re starting a commercial greenhouse. Start with the basics- climate control, ventilation, and watering- and get the rest as you go.
