How To Choose Between Different Types Of Greenhouses
When building a new greenhouse structure, there are many decisions businesses must make. Every operation wants to optimize their grow, and the most effective way for businesses to do this is to choose the type of greenhouse that best sets them up for success. This leads growers to ask…
What is the best type of greenhouse?
The best kind of greenhouse is the one that most successfully meets an operation’s needs. When choosing from all types of greenhouses, it is crucial for growers to identify what is most important to them.
One consideration is whether their plants might benefit from automation and system controls, and if so, what kind and to what extent. Though not every grower needs these measures, commercial growers may find that implementing automation in many types of greenhouses can lead to increased profit and maximized savings. In addition to automation, customers will also need to determine whether they require an engineered or non-engineered structure, and what customizations might additionally best support their purposes.
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Automation & Control
The ideal greenhouse is specific to each business, including the incorporation of automation and controls. Although these systems are not necessary in all types of greenhouses or for every operation, automation can help businesses significantly increase profits and save on labor and energy costs.
Automation doesn’t have to mean complicated – controls can be as simple or as complex as growers would like. Some growers find that adding even common types of dial timers (like those used for home lighting) to their irrigation or lighting systems can be a straightforward way to increase productivity, while saving on energy and labor costs. Controls can also consist of switchboards, or features like touchscreens and smart data analysis.
Some types of greenhouses that incorporate touchscreens and smart features also use cloud controls. Controls that utilize cloud based software can synthesize gathered data and therefore provide growers with both immediate and long-term analytical information to assess the state of their greenhouse.
Cloud based controls also allow growers to monitor systems straight from their device, whether near or far. With this technology, operations are able to respond quickly to any power or equipment failures, giving them peace of mind.
Some systems that can be automated include lighting, irrigation, fertigation, ventilation and more. From analog timers to cloud based smart controls and everything in between, customers who need automation have many options, and GrowSpan Specialists can advise businesses on which types of greenhouses can accommodate various controls.
If an operation’s needs change over time, automation and controls can also be adjusted. This means that using them can not only help growers maintain an environment for optimal plant growth, while increasing profit and savings, but can potentially help growers increase the size of their operation in the future as well.
Ultimately, automation and controls can help growers maximize their greenhouse’s growing potential. From helping create ideal horticultural environments to supporting increased profits, savings or business development, when growers opt to use greenhouse automation and controls in their structure, the options are nearly endless.
Engineered vs. Non-Engineered Greenhouses
In addition to determining whether they will implement automation in their greenhouse, businesses should also decide whether their purposes are best achieved with an engineered or non-engineered structure. GrowSpan offers numerous types of greenhouses for commercial growing that can come engineered or non-engineered to meet different regional requirements.
While they may not require extra engineering, for growers who know they need an engineered greenhouse, the Venlo, Series 2000 and Series 1000 models offer an ideal solution. GrowSpan also offers additional structures, including lean-to greenhouses, high tunnels, cold frames, shade structures, hobby greenhouses and more.
Professional growers producing on a vast scale will benefit most from GrowSpan’s customizable Venlo greenhouses. They feature a variety of customizable materials and peaked or arched roof designs, allowing growers to maximize production and ventilation, without sacrificing style or quality. Frames are made from hot-dipped triple-galvanized steel, and some Venlo models feature aluminum-framed roofing, which allows for easy vent opening. Cladding for all greenhouse models is available in glass, polycarbonate and film.
Venlo greenhouses can accommodate operations of any size and are particularly suited to large-scale commercial growing. Venlo glass greenhouses are especially durable in climates with severe weather.
They are also effective in places where sunlight is at a premium, as glass cladding features up to 98% light diffusion. Venlo greenhouses are a sturdy solution for operations looking for a classic greenhouse appearance, robust weather-readiness and to grow on a vast scale.
Moreover, GrowSpan is the only U.S. greenhouse manufacturer that uses innovative Dutch CASTA design software. CASTA helps enable greenhouse design at any scale, no matter how vast, and ensures an unmatched level of mathematical precision. By using this cutting-edge programming, GrowSpan engineers can provide exceptional durability and help prevent future structural issues from occurring, saving growers time and money later down the road.
In addition to Venlo models, available types of greenhouses from GrowSpan continue with the Series 2000. This powerhouse growing structure has affectionately been called “bomb-proof”, as its hot-dipped triple-galvanized steel frame and nearly indestructible polycarbonate cladding allow it to endure in any weather.
The S2000 features a durable peaked roof design for optimum grow height and ventilation, as well as a 6/12 design to help growers save on energy costs. And because polycarbonate cladding is around 1/12th the weight of glass cladding, operations can save significantly, while getting incredible strength.
Another option in GrowSpan’s Commercial line is the Series 1000. The S1000 features the strength and growing room of the Venlo and S2000 models, and is clad in twin-wall polycarbonate. It is distinct from the Venlo and S2000 models in that its arched roof is clad with a cost-effective poly film cover, which allows operations to keep expenditures low and still grow plants on a commercial scale.
The Series 550 High Tunnel Greenhouse is another cost-effective model ideal for commercial growing. This hoop house model can help operations achieve an optimal plant environment in a variety of weather conditions. Its galvanized steel pipe frame is clad in anti-condensate plastic film, and provides protection to help businesses extend their growing season or continue production year-round.
Along with these types of greenhouses, GrowSpan also offers Pro and Premium greenhouses. The Gothic Pro and Round Pro are cost-effective, but still feature the exceptional durability GrowSpan is known for. The Gothic Pro has a rounded peak, which gives it a classic gothic arch greenhouse appearance, while the Round Pro has a rounded roof.
Both freestanding greenhouses are clad in resilient and economical double layer film, which means growers can roll up side walls for maximum ventilation. GrowSpan Premium Greenhouses are also available in both Gothic and Round styles with polycarbonate and corrugated polycarbonate cladding.
While the types of greenhouses are already extensive, customers can have a variety of structures engineered to their specifications, or can select a non-engineered, ready-made greenhouse kit. As well as personalizing their structure with controls or tailor-made engineering, all structures can be further outfitted with ample customizations.
Customizations
GrowSpan offers many types of greenhouses, both engineered and non-engineered, that can be outfitted with a variety of customizable options to best suit an operation’s needs.
Greenhouse Specialists can help customers determine what ventilation, lighting, irrigation and fertigation options and more might best help them grow the healthiest, most profitable plants, as well as save on labor and monthly costs. By also adding accessories like benching and shelving or displays, growers can maximize space and aesthetics in any growing structure.
Customers can additionally choose from various ridge vent kits, fan selections and more if they need to increase air flow through their structure. If sourcing enough water for their plants is a challenge unique to a grower's location, specialists can suggest which kinds of irrigation systems might be most beneficial for them. Growers can also select from a variety of supplemental greenhouse coverings, including shades or light deprivation systems to reduce or block light transmission. These are just some examples of the possible customization solutions available to operations.
Whether companies need automation and controls, an engineered or non-engineered structure or even additional customizations, GrowSpan can help every customer identify the greenhouse and growing solutions needed to achieve their business goals. After figuring out which type of greenhouse works best for their requirements, operations will have the information they need to complete their project and get set up for long-term success.
Ready to choose from GrowSpan's different types of greenhouses? Call or Request a Quote today to get started.
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