Commercial
greenhouse management requires much more than just a green thumb. It
takes many years of training and study in order to master all of the
many aspects of managing a commercial growing operation. In fact, universities
all over the country offer horticulture courses tailored to greenhouse
operations exclusively.
Greenhouse management, as an occupation, incorporates aspects of many
different disciplines. Engineering, chemistry, biology and physics are
all employed within the framework of a greenhouse. Graceful integration
of these varying aspects is the trademark of a well-trained greenhouse
manager.
A greenhouse can be built around several basic designs; therefore,
knowing what designs will enable the best use of space for growing is
a key to effective greenhouse management. The Quonset style, for instance,
is a common design for a commercial greenhouse. However, the arched
style of this design means that there is limited growing space along
the sides. A gable style greenhouse, on the other hand, is built more
like a house, with much taller walls supporting a pointed roof. These
are also much stronger designs and are therefore often made from glass.
Knowledge of biology and chemistry are essential parts of greenhouse
management. Because of the wide variety of plants contained within the
average commercial greenhouse, a competent manager must be familiar
with the biology and growth requirements for each species being sold.
Expertise is required for everything from the correct choice of grow
medium and appropriate fertilizer to lighting conditions and irrigation
needs.
Proper nutrition is vital for growing healthy plants, of any variety.
A greenhouse manager must be able to provide the necessary nutrients
for each of the different types of plants being grown; and most importantly,
be able to diagnose when there are chemical deficiencies or imbalances.
These deficiencies can have detrimental effects on the plants and must
be adequately addressed if the greenhouse is to be successful.
Irrigation is also an essential part of greenhouse management. The
irrigation system for a commercial greenhouse is the lifeblood of the
operation. Designing and maintaining these systems takes a great deal
of knowledge and experience, and if done improperly can have adverse
effects on the business. Most greenhouses use watering systems that
apply the water to the top of the grow medium, but many also utilize
hydroponic systems that have different maintenance requirements. These
systems can be further complicated by the variety of plants within the
greenhouse, as different plants have different watering needs.
Effective greenhouse management must include knowledge of the chemistry
of the water flowing through these irrigation systems. Elements such
as Magnesium, Calcium and Sodium must be monitored at all times to ensure
proper plant growth. The ability to properly balance these elements
within the greenhouse water supply is often only gained through experience.
The ability to combine each of the above aspects, and use them in an
effective manner, is the key to greenhouse management. When you combine
these pieces with the addition of personnel and supply management, the
job of greenhouse management can seem like a daunting challenge. However,
as most people in these positions will attest, the rewards greatly outweigh
the costs.
