- 1). Consider land characteristics, such as drainage and elevation when locating the greenhouse. Availability of utilities, such as water and electricity, and public roads should be a consideration. It's expensive to put in electricity, water and roads to a facility. Plans must include communication for the outside as well as extensions in the greenhouses. For a retail operation, make parking available within a short distance of the greenhouse.
- 2). Decide on a type of structure. The structure should allow as much light as possible to reach the plants, accommodate cooling and heating units and comply with any government codes. It needs to withstand the elements of nature such as wind, rain, snow, heat and cold. The most common types of retail greenhouse structures are the ridge and furrow, the saw tooth and the Quonset house.
- 3). Compare heating and cooling systems. The systems must provide climate control for the plants to grow. For heating a forced air system, you must use steam and hot water, r a solar system. In some areas, vents can provide cooling but in other areas where hot weather is prevalent an evaporating water system or a high-pressured mist is used.
- 4). Select quality building components. Use aluminum, galvanized steel or wood for the frame of the greenhouse. Aluminum is lightweight and long lasting. Galvanized steel is high strength and less expensive than aluminum. Wood is the cheapest but is high maintenance and flammable.
- 5). Use posts set in concrete footings to hold the frame. The foundation must be strong enough to hold the greenhouse down in strong wind. Check and follow the local building codes on the foundation of a retail greenhouse.
- 6). Evaluate the different type of covering. You can choose between several materials, such as glass, polyethylene film, fiberglass reinforced panels and double layer structured panels. Fiberglass reinforced panels and double-layer structured panels are more durable and best for commercial retail greenhouses. They are more expensive but usually carry a 15- to 20-year guarantee.
- 7). Put floors and walks in the center of greenhouse for customer traffic. Bare ground produces mud, weed, insect and disease problems. Four inches of crushed stone or pea gravel will help control weeds and provide a safe walk where water can drain. Concrete can be used if you slope it away from center toward a drain.
- 8). Maintain the greenhouse and the cooling and heating system. A well thought-out maintenance plan will save you headaches and make the greenhouse last longer.
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