Greenhouse Installation: What to Expect
The installation process is one of the most important considerations when purchasing a new greenhouse. Because commercial greenhouses are large structures that require many different materials and team members, it’s important to plan for this process, so you know what to expect. At Prospiant, we are committed to helping our clients with the greenhouse installation process, from initial contracting through final product completion.
How to Prepare a Successful Commercial Greenhouse Installation
As a commercial grower, there are many ways you can plan for your greenhouse installation. Every project is different, so installation steps may vary depending on your structure’s location, the type of crops you grow, and the local regulations you have to follow.
Here are some ways you can prepare for a successful installation:
- Contracting – You’ll need to find a general contractor to help you with the installation process. A general contractor is responsible for overseeing the construction of your project and can help delegate work and manage team members. Prospiant provides general contracting services to clients that need it.
- Site Preparation – Before your greenhouse is delivered, prepare your construction site as much as possible. This process includes connecting with local or state authorities who can give you the certification you need to build in an area safely. Site preparation may also include clearing away extra materials, laying a concrete greenhouse foundation, and measuring the square footage of your site so you know what space you have to work with.
- Gather Crop Materials – Prepare as much as possible for the crops you intend to grow. This preparation can include stocking up on soil, plant nutrients, and other materials. If you grow cannabis, you may also need to acquire special permission from local or state authorities.
How Will Your Greenhouse Arrive?
Depending on the size and scale of your project, your greenhouse may arrive in multiple deliveries. These deliveries will include the materials needed to build your structure, like walls, lights, roof materials, and more. As the materials arrive, you can begin working to organize your construction site and prepare for building.
Steps in the Installation Process
Commercial greenhouse installations can vary widely in the way they are constructed. The steps in the install process can be very detailed and include written instructions or special engineering guidelines to complete. Before your greenhouse builders can get to work, you’ll need a proper foundation to support your structure. The right foundation can vary between systems. Prospiant’s team of contractors, engineers, and specialists can help your team every step of the way.
With this in mind, here are some general steps in the greenhouse installation process:
- Placing the External Structures – The external structures of your greenhouse will need to be set in place, whether you have an A-frame structure or another design. These structures include side posts, side walls, end walls, and more.
- Roof Glazing – The greenhouse roof is an essential part of your structure that helps your crops get light. A key part of installing your roof includes choosing and glazing the proper materials. Polycarbonate panels, for example, are a popular material choice for greenhouse roofs because they help diffuse light evenly.
- Ventilation – As part of the installation process, your builders must create good ventilation within the structure to give your plants the air circulation they need to thrive.
- Light Abatement – Another key step of the process is creating conditions for light abatement when needed. Light abatement is the lessening or reduction of light that may be required during certain growing seasons. After they install lighting, your builders can install shades to partially cover the light so your crops can thrive.
Keep in mind that these are only some of the steps of greenhouse installation. When the time for construction comes, the process will be detailed and can vary depending on the project you’re undertaking. It also may include additional costs or adjustments to the structure.
When Can You Begin Commercial Growing?
Once your greenhouse is built, you may need to wait a season to begin growing year round. The right time to start growing depends on the local climate, the type of plants you grow, and if you need additional adjustments to your greenhouse. When you use our services at Prospiant, our experts can help guide you through the process and help determine when it’s the right time to start growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best base for greenhouses?
Concrete is usually the best base for building greenhouses. This durable foundation helps these structures stay in place throughout the year and can provide many benefits to growers.
Can greenhouses be placed on soil?
In certain cases, backyard greenhouses may be able to be placed on soil. A commercial or glass greenhouse should be placed on a solid concrete foundation.
