Impact of Geographic Location on Greenhouse Design
A one-size-fits-all greenhouse is a myth!
Greenhouse site selection is one of the first and most important endeavors for your greenhouse business. Your greenhouse site will have major impacts on needs for climate control, glazing selection, greenhouse frame shape, and how much light your greenhouse can maximize.
Here are some variables to consider when designing your greenhouse project:
- Available light
- Humidity levels
- Snow load
- Access to power
- Access to propane or natural gas
- Daily temperature fluctuations
- Wind speed and orientation
- Water management and irrigation
- Insect and disease management
- Waste management
- Energy conservation
- Building codes and local ordinances
After the above topics have been addressed, consider manipulating these factors to accommodate the site-specific requirements:
- Greenhouse length, width, and peak height
- Frame type
- Sidewall height
- Sidewall spacing
- Covering type and thickness
- Ventilation
- Light supplementation
- Use of shade, light deprivation, or energy curtains
- Odor control
- Methods of irrigation