Applications of greenhouses for growing vegetables in the current agricultural era

1. When should you build greenhouses for growing vegetables?

Modern greenhouses typically use two main types of covering materials: polycarbonate panels for daylight harvesting and greenhouse plastic film. These greenhouse covering materials have different advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for specific environments and types of plants.

There are several different cultivation models that use greenhouses to provide a favorable living and growth environment for plants, thereby increasing productivity and the quality of harvested products. Some common greenhouse cultivation models include:

• Growing vegetables: Everyday vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc. Due to the protection from external environmental hazards, these green vegetables don't require the use of pesticides, ensuring safety for consumers and providing greater economic value.
• Cultivating flowers: Examples include orchids, roses, chrysanthemums, etc. These flowers require proper care and suitable conditions to yield aesthetically valuable products. Greenhouses provide an ideal environment for growing such flowers.
• Growing high-value fruit-bearing plants: Such as berries, cantaloupes, grapes, etc. To achieve high yields and quality, these fruits require controlled conditions like temperature, air circulation, and humidity. The greenhouse environment can fulfill these requirements.
• Hydroponics: This is a modern agricultural practice gaining traction in various regions. In this method, plants absorb nutrients in liquid form through conduits. This approach is often combined with greenhouse cultivation to grow vegetables, flowers, and fruits.

2. Differences between greenhouse cultivation and outdoor cultivation?

With a sealed design, greenhouses prevent dust and external weather impacts such as heavy rain, strong winds, hailstorms that can damage or break plants and erode soil. Plants inside greenhouses are better protected compared to those grown naturally in open fields.

Plants grown within greenhouses are cleaner and safer for consumers. The greenhouse environment minimizes pest and disease threats, reducing the need for pesticides. These naturally grown plants also require less fertiliser, promoting environmental friendliness and consumer safety.

Plants grown in greenhouses enjoy optimal temperature and humidity. Greenhouses act as insulators, reducing heat during hot weather and preserving warmth during colder periods. Additionally, stable humidity levels in the greenhouse environment promote healthy plant growth.

By adjusting temperature, light, and humidity inside the greenhouse compared to the external environment, farmers can cultivate various crops like vegetables, flowers, and fruits out of their usual season, yielding greater value.

3. Benefits of constructing vegetable greenhouses in agriculture

Building greenhouses for plant cultivation creates a favorable environment for plants, benefiting both farmers and consumers who directly use the products grown inside the greenhouse.

3.1 Enhanced plant protection and care

Greenhouses provide adequate light for normal plant growth and development. Moreover, the greenhouse covering materials are often UV-coated, protecting plants from harmful ultraviolet rays and extending the lifespan of the materials. These greenhouse materials also offer good insulation properties, maintaining a stable temperature inside the greenhouse, keeping it cool in hot seasons and warm during colder times.

3.2 Mitigation of harmful factors

Greenhouses shield plants from various factors like adverse weather conditions, heavy rainfall, storms, and even hail that can severely damage plants. Insects and pests are also less likely to invade greenhouse environments, and the isolated space prevents the spread of disease-causing pathogens.

3.3 Improved yield and quality

Due to the favorable living conditions provided by greenhouses, plants yield higher and better-quality produce. Leafy vegetables boast high yields, vibrant colors, and uniform quality without withering, fading, or deformities. Some greenhouse models even employ additional agricultural films to cover the soil surface, ensuring high-quality, large-sized, aesthetically pleasing fruits.

Given the numerous benefits of greenhouse cultivation, coupled with its flexibility and mobility, this modern agricultural practice is expected to expand and develop further. Hopefully, through this article, those interested in greenhouse cultivation will be inspired to have a go.