Planning a new greenhouse structure takes research and effort, especially for a cannabis crop. Even before talking with a manufacturer, there are several steps to the process, says Graham Tucker, co-founder at Pure Cultivation, a consultant group. The most important aspects for him are the environmental specs (such as temperature control, humidity and light levels). But it's easy to overlook a few other key areas. Here are his tips to plan for a great greenhouse.
Don’t bring in too many outside opinions, but do get the right ones
While it’s important to get advice from business professionals, investors and others who are involved in building the structure of the business itself, that advice might not be as helpful when it comes to building a greenhouse. Often, these outside comments get looped in early on in the process, and they can muddle plans, says Tucker.
“I stress to people that it’s not a knock on their intelligence, it’s just not their niche,” he says.
But planning a solid structure is a job for more than one person, he says. The right opinion from a trusted source with industry knowledge can make the difference in creating a project that fits the business’s goals.
“Don’t let ego get involved where you think this is a simple structure and you should be able to plan it, or you don’t need someone with experience at this stage of development,” he says.
Build for the whole process, not just the grow
A facility can be strictly limited in size by compliance, and the instinct for many builders is to try to maximize the allowed grow space. While this sounds like it will benefit the business with plenty of product, it can actually be a hurdle if the process isn’t considered from start to finish in planning, says Tucker.
“There’s a tendency to maximize the amount of space for plants and cut down on support facilities,” he says. “It’s hard to predict what kind of storage you’ll need, where your production will be. Just don’t get greedy with the amount of growing space, thinking that’s the best way to maximize your profit and have a successful facility.”
Depending on the progress of each state’s program, it might not make sense to go for every bell or whistle right away, says Tucker. It might be better for business to focus on the elements that will establish a quality grow, rather than one that just produces a high yield immediately, as long as that fits the target market.
“For me, it goes back to ‘Know your market, and what you need,’” says Tucker.
Plan with workers in mind
Take the time to look at other facilities, even outside the cannabis industry, to see how they design for worker comfort.
“This is a very manual-intense crop, and you need space to access it,” says Tucker. “If you have benches or tables that are too wide, or you’re laying on your back working under the crop, or you’re leaning over it at uncomfortable angles – it’s just not comfortable work.”
In a tomato facility, a row of plants is accessible from either side, with space to stand and work, he says. The same sort of planning should go into a cannabis greenhouse to keep workers happy and productive. Moreover, that will help with worker retention, especially as the industry grows and the labor market becomes even more competitive than it already is.
“A lot of times you’re in an area with a limited labor force, and worker comfort is something that needs to be taken into consideration, especially when you’re under hot lights and in hot conditions. You want a happy crew with you.”
Know your goals before planning
Before putting a plan together, do a lot of research both into other facilities and regulations. Take the time to figure out the niche your company is filling in the market, and build the greenhouse that fits that mission, says Tucker.
Having a good understanding of the goal also gives the best chance of building with the right systems in place, like proper HVAC and irrigation. Energy and water use will only become more important as the industry develops, says Tucker.
“What kind of plant count issues are there? Are we limited to 500 plants in a 20,000-square-foot facility? That will change how we utilize that space,” he says. “You really need to know what kind of production volume you anticipate needing for your market.”
Take a look at how many varieties are needed, too: Does it make more sense to only use five varieties because all are being extracted, or does selling 25 varieties of whole flower fit the market better? A comprehensive plan of the grow itself will make for a much more complete structure, says Tucker.
