Why proper sizing is key for greenhouses

The decision to invest in a pilot greenhouse is crucial to the profitability and sustainability of any agricultural operation, especially those looking to start their business. However, one of the most common mistakes growers make is opting for projects that are too small, which ends up affecting their economic viability and limiting their ability to grow.

A pilot greenhouse is an excellent tool for testing new cultivation techniques, evaluating the performance of an agricultural system and planning future expansions. However, farmers often believe that starting with 1000 m² is enough to validate their business model before scaling it up. The reality is that a pilot greenhouse of this size is neither representative nor efficient.

The fixed costs of a greenhouse are spread over the total cultivation area. When the area is too small, these costs skyrocket in relation to the production obtained, reducing profitability. In addition, the technological systems installed in a pilot greenhouse – such as climate control, fertigation or automation – must be correctly sized to allow scalability without the need for costly modifications in the future.

What is the right size for a pilot greenhouse?
If the goal is to scale up agricultural production efficiently, the ideal is to start with a pilot greenhouse with a minimum surface area of ​​between 5,000 square meters and one hectare. For growing vegetables or fruit, this surface area allows growers to accurately assess system productivity before investing in an extension, optimize investment by spreading fixed costs over a profitable surface area, and ensure scalability, since its structure and technology can be duplicated or expanded without losing efficiency.

For other crops, such as medicinal cannabis, the minimum recommended surface area may be 1,000 or 2,000 square meters.

Not planning technologically from the start
Another common mistake in pilot greenhouse projects is not defining a clear technology strategy from day one. Elements such as climate control, fertigation and automation are essential for the success of the crop, but are often not adequately considered in the initial phase of the project.

A greenhouse without technological planning can become an operational problem, requiring constant modifications that increase costs in the long term.

This error can be avoided by designing a modular system that allows for the progressive integration of technology without affecting operations, choosing equipment that is compatible with future expansions, and seeking advice from experts who can help you select the right tools for the type of crop and the target market.

Failure to adapt investment to real needs
The cost of a pilot greenhouse varies depending on its structure, equipment and location. However, opting for the cheapest option without considering its long-term efficiency can be a costly mistake. An inadequate design can result in higher maintenance costs, inefficient energy consumption and lower production yield.

To avoid this, it is essential to analyze variables such as specific requirements for specific crops, market demand and production projection, and climatic conditions of the area and mitigation strategies.

Choosing inexperienced suppliers
There are many companies that sell greenhouse structures, but not all of them have the capacity to design efficient solutions adapted to each type of production. An inexperienced supplier may offer a greenhouse that does not optimize production, generates high energy costs or has deficiencies in ventilation and drainage.

To avoid this problem, it is essential to have a technological partner with proven experience. At J. Huete Greenhouses, we have been building greenhouses in more than 35 countries for more than 30 years, adapting to each environment and production need.

Not anticipating the scalability of the greenhouse
Thinking of a greenhouse as a static facility is another serious mistake. If you need to expand production in the future and the structure does not allow it, you will have wasted time and money. Designing a pilot greenhouse with a vision of sustainable growth is the key to a profitable long-term investment.

A 5,000 m² pilot greenhouse is a good option for farmers looking to scale up their production in an efficient and profitable way. Avoiding mistakes such as a design that is too small, a lack of technological planning, poorly focused investment and the choice of inexperienced suppliers will make the difference between a successful project and one with operational and financial difficulties.