How to Operate a Commercial Greenhouse

Build your greenhouse on a piece of land that offers ease of access to natural resources such as water and natural gas. This saves money by limiting the amount of piping and generators needed due to distance. Heating your greenhouse, watering your plants and plenty of sunlight to help them grow are all key factors in choosing your location.

Ventilate your greenhouse well to encourage the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Ventilation problems will cause growth limitations as well as production problems. Blooms may be dull and wilted while fruits and vegetables will be small and tasteless.

Stock your greenhouse with a variety of plants all year round. Seasonal plants should be ordered months in advance to compensate for growing times and supply. Examples of seasonal plants include poinsettas, tomatoes and spring flowers such as tulips.

Install equipment that will allow your products to thrive despite the weather. Artificial lighting will compensate for the lack of sunlight during the rainy seasons while weather proofing your greenhouse will keep out freezing temperatures that could destroy your plants.

Maintain your business licensing in accordance with your state regulations. Some states require that you apply for licensing yearly while others do not. Make sure you pay all taxes on your business as required by state and federal laws.

Record all money spent and earned no matter how small the amount. Record keeping is an important part of commercial greenhouse businesses. This helps you determine yearly net profit after you have purchased supplies, paid taxes and paid any employees.