Commercial greenhouses contribute significantly to modern agriculture and they provide a controlled environment for crops to grow all throughout the year. They can optimise ventilation and maximise sunlight to the plants. Also, there can be irrigation systems integrated so that productivity of the greenhouse can increase.

There are greenhouse kits that you can look into. You need to consider your requirements for a greenhouse before going through these options. When it comes to greenhouse design, you need to choose the right location and orientation. They should be located on level ground with sufficient exposure to sunlight. There should not be nearby trees or structures to shade the greenhouse. Also you can enjoy a uniform distribution of sunlight throughout the day by having the greenhouse oriented in the north south direction. This is a great way to minimise shadowing. There are companies that can help design and install your greenhouse. The durability of the greenhouse depends on the structural design and quality of materials used. You need to make sure that the greenhouse structure is engineered in a way to withstand extremes of weather such as heavy rainfall, wind and snow. Some common materials you will come across when it comes to greenhouse construction are steel, aluminium and polycarbonate panels.

The amount of sunlight entering the greenhouse will depend on the glazing materials.

This will also affect how sunlight is distributed within the growing area. Excessive heat and light can cause damage and stress to the crops so you can use shading systems like retractable curtains and shade cloths to regulate the lighting levels. Generally, when you need maximum transmission of light, clear polycarbonate materials are used. There are also greenhouse film covers that can be used. Ventilation and climate control have to be considered. Having proper ventilation will ensure that air circulation, temperature and humidity are properly regulated. In the design for the greenhouse, you have to consider how vents are placed along with the size of vents, louvers, fans etc. This will prevent heat from building up in the greenhouse. Some other additions that can help maintain optimal growing conditions are automated climate control systems. Some examples for these are humidity sensors and thermostats. They can help minimise energy consumption.

During colder months, you need to have heating for the greenhouses

So that consistent temperatures can be maintained. This will help contribute to optimal plant growth. Some of the heating options are electrical or gas heaters. There are also radiant floor heaters to be considered. You have to choose what suits your requirements based on the availability of energy and climate. Some of the cooling strategies you can use are evaporative cooling pads, natural ventilation and mechanical cooling systems like fans. You can deliver water and nutrients to the plants using efficient irrigation systems. These can minimise water runoff and waste. Some of the strategies you can customise are soaker hoses, drip irrigation and overhead sprinklers. Other considerations for water management include harvesting rainwater, filtration systems and recycling so that water can be conserved reducing the impact on the environment.