The basic principles of succesful greenhouse growing

In a special series of articles we are taking a basic approach to those who are new to greenhouse growing. After discussing the startup investment costs of a greenhouse, greenhouse manufacturer J.Huete now topics the basic principles of greenhouse production and the key elements that are critical to operate a farm successfully.

Depending of your market situation, achieving a maximum production can be a basic part of success. Huete explains that there are 3 basic and practical aspects that will help you to increase yields and maximize the production; technology, expertise and a thought out business plan.

Investing in technology

"Sometimes it can be necessary to increase the level of technological equipment and components inside a greenhouse in order to maximize yields. Technology can be just as critical as other aspects like insulation and good ventilation. Investing in simple or advanced climate controls, automation, heating, cooling systems, air fog systems, irrigation, hydroponic systems, artificial lights and CO2 supply can help to improve the production."

Grower expertise

But you can have all that technology installed, if you do not know how to use it it will remain a worthless investment. "Therefore it is essential to have an expert grower who supervises the processes and know how to grow a crop. Skills are required to operate and maintain the technology and equipment, take appropriate decisions to adapt climate and irrigation strategies as well as overseeing integrated pest management."

Next to this the grower and farm managers must be able to plan the production, schedule tasks and take care of the employee labor organization. "It is essential to have an expert grower available, who will be responsible for directing and supervising production in the greenhouse. He will manage the technological processes and equipment, plan production, schedule tasks, and oversees the employee labor organization."

Business planning

Next to this a well thought out business plan is required. "It is necessary to develop a work plan for cultivation. Such a plan should not only comprise the complete crop planning and production target, but also a complete irrigation, pest control and pollination strategy. Next to this the program should be flexible enough to react to sudden chances that can occur. On top of this it should also include a planning of the work, required labor and employee tasks that not only guarantee for the work needed on the crop and production tasks, but also includes tasks required to maintain a clean and smooth running operation.

For more information:
J.Huete International
0034 968 807 368
[email protected]
www.jhuete.com