Many farmers are turning to greenhouses in search of higher yields and some are constructing the structures themselves to save costs.
But what consists of a good greenhouse and how does one take care of it? Leopold Obi spoke to Taita Ngetich, the director of Nairobi-based Illuminum Greenhouses Kenya.
What features should a good greenhouse have?
"It should have strong support structures, which can be wooden or metallic. Then the ultra-violet treated polythene should be 200 microns.
"The greenhouse should also have an entry porch and insect net to keep pests away and also provide proper ventilation inside the greenhouse.
"The greenhouse must also have an irrigation system — preferably the drip kit. It is not only efficient in terms of water usage but also reduces the risk of spreading diseases."