If you’re planning to construct a new greenhouse, consider one with maximum air flow and light.
Ornamental growers have seemingly endless options when it comes to choosing a new structure for their operation. They must factor in types of materials, labor costs, square footage, advanced components, water availability and more. But the structure’s roof may be the most important consideration of all, as it often directly correlates with the overall climate of the growing environment.
Depending on the plants grown, growers may want the roof to be wide open to make use of natural elements, while keeping control of the greenhouse’s conditions. Rough Bros. Southeast Regional Sales Manager James Parris explains how open roof structures can provide big benefits.
The fully vertical roof opening is one of the biggest perks of an open roof structure. It allows the grower to create an environment similar to the outdoors, which can harden off plants so that they perform better during shipping, while they’re on display at retail and after they’re planted in the landscape, according to Parris. “The plants acclimate quicker once they’ve been in that open roof [environment] for at least the last stage of growth,” Parris says. The design also reduces the need for PGR applications, as DIF and DIP can be maximized.
2. Options to adjust the opening
In the event of rainy or snowy weather, the structure’s open roof panels can be adjusted to protect against unwanted moisture, yet still allow for air flow. The peak gutter at the very top of the structure catches precipitation, while the roof can remain open about 4 inches to provide convection.
Many growers gradually open up the roof throughout the day, starting at just 10 to 15 percent in the morning to purse the humidity and moisture out so that they don’t shock the crop – then they’ll gradually open up until mid morning. “In the afternoon, they’ll start to close it back down so they can get some solar gain for heating overnight, which helps with the chill efficiencies,” Parris says.
3. Sidewall additions for amplified circulation
Open roof structures have sidewall options to further maximize air movement. While some growers use fans to increase air movement, “Most folks have been doing the sidewall roll-up curtains so that they’re able to open those sides up and get that convection through the house a lot quicker to kick up the ventilation,” Parris says.
These varieties are sure to do well in an open roof structure, Parris says, especially if the greenhouse has a heated concrete floor. “You can get that heating directly to the roots. That’s something that works well for winter crops,” he adds. But hanging basket growers also benefit from open roofs because of the structure’s added light exposure.
Opening up the roof means more sunshine can be let into the greenhouse, even if the roof is partially closed during the morning or later afternoon, Parris says. And if growers opt for the diffused poly coverings, that will only help. “You’ll be spreading your light out more evenly,” Parris says. Ultimately, increased light levels lead to more crop turns out of the greenhouse.
There are four main coverings used for the roof glazing material
Parris says that he has customers on the retail side who are using open roof structures as well because of the ambient temperature. Plus, with natural ventilation and air flow, the needs for fans and pads is significantly reduced, which lessens white noise in the greenhouse and creates energy savings. Lastly, the overall environment is more pleasing for garden center patrons. “The customers feel like they’re not getting cramped into an older style greenhouse with a low ceiling,” he adds.
Photos courtesy of Rough Brothers
Dec. 9 is likely the last day to influence whether the returning worker exemption will be included in the short-term government funding measure.
Congress is crafting legislation to fund the federal government from December 9 through at least the end of March and possibly into May. Under a continuing resolution (CR), the H-2B regulatory relief now in place will be extended. However, the returning worker exemption expired on October 1, 2016. This week is likely the last chance to influence whether or not the exemption will be included in the short-term funding measure, in time for the spring growing season.
AmericanHort and many regional nursery and landscape associations are urging members to call and email their two Senators and Representative in the House and ask them to recognize the unique requirements of seasonal industries like horticulture.
Click here to write to your elected officials, with the option of using AmericanHort's prewritten message urging them to include the H-2B returning worker exemption in the short-term spending agreement for FY2017.
You can call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your three elected representatives; this means three brief phone calls.
If Congress does not include the returning worker exemption in its spending plan, the landscape industry can expect to see serious seasonal workforce shortages in 2017. The entire horticulture supply chain -- growers, garden retailers, landscape distributors, and suppliers -- will be affected by these shortages.
Students pursuing any degree level in a horticulture-related field of study are eligible. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2017.
Columbus, Ohio – The AmericanHort HortScholars program is now accepting applications through March 1, 2017. The HortScholars program is open to any student in a horticulture-related degree program, and includes students pursuing any degree level including associates, bachelors, masters, or PhD. Students wishing to apply may do so online at AmericanHort.org/Scholars. A resume and one letter of recommendation should also be submitted to Lauren Snyder at LaurenS@AmericanHort.org by the deadline.
HortScholars spend seven days in Columbus, Ohio prior to and during Cultivate with paid-for meals, lodging, and an all-access pass to Cultivate, as well as a one-year membership with AmericanHort. HortScholars experience the behind-the-scenes logistics of readying the Columbus Convention Center for Cultivate and have exclusive opportunities for in-depth discussions with industry leaders including Ball Horticulture, Proven Winners, the AmericanHort Board of Directors, Dramm Corporation, among others. These meetings provide HortScholars with insights into industry history, as well as opportunities moving forward.
Since 2007, 58 students from across the world have participated. Twenty-two colleges and universities have been represented. Each year, applications reflect vast variations in interests and passions. In 2016 alone, the HortScholars’ majors ranged from horticulture entrepreneurship to landscape management.
Sayde Heckman, 2016 HortScholar from the University of Missouri shared, “Being a HortScholar has allowed me to make amazing professional connections as well as some pretty awesome friends. My favorite experience at Cultivate was being able to present my Ignite presentation in front of my peers and the industry. Being able to speak on a topic that I am so passionate about reminded me how much I enjoy getting other people excited about horticulture. I cannot wait to attend Cultivate'17 and reconnect with all of the amazing people I met as a HortScholar.”
HortScholar alumni have gone on to do valuable research in the realm of plant genetics, green infrastructure, and growing technology, while others have pushed the limits of how horticulture products are marketed and shared. Yet others go on to help manage and run family businesses, start businesses of their own, or assume critical leadership roles in advancing the industry.
Companies interested in meeting with the HortScholars at Cultivate’17 are encouraged to email Lauren Snyder at LaurenS@AmericanHort.org.
The webinar will provide a look at 2017 new plant introductions along with industry feedback.
The Western Nursery & Landscape Association is hosting a webinar Dec. 7 on new plants. This webinar is free for WNLA members and $50 for non-members. Attendees can expect an early preview and discussion of the 2017 Fashion Show plants.
Alice Longfellow owns and operates Longfellow's Garden Center with her husband, Bob Call. Growing and selling a quality plant, catering to kids and families, and expanding a little every year has been the business philosophy.
Virgil Widger is a landscape designer for Country Landscapes Inc., a design/build firm working throughout the state of Iowa . He studied Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University for two years before making a switch over to the Horticulture program with a focus in Landscape Design.
Nikki Pettit is the nursery buyer and manager for Wickman's Garden Village in Springfield, MO. Wickman's offers a nursery, Garden Center, greenhouse, boutique, gift shop, flower shop, landscape and irrigation services as well as a dedication to outstanding knowledge and customer service.
Bill Calkins, moderator: As retail business manager at Ball Horticultural Company, Bill Calkins capitalizes on his retail garden center background to spot the latest trends and creative strategies, positioning products and developing programs for retail garden centers and the growers that supply them.
The WNLA New Plants Education Series is sponsored by Greenleaf Nursery Company and Garden Debut.
The overtime pay hike for 4.2 million workers faces an uncertain future.
The Department of Labor has filed a notice to appeal an injunction from a Texas federal judge that halted the Dec. 1 implementation of new overtime rules.
The department filed a notice of appeal Thursday in hopes of moving ahead with the new rule, which have more than doubled the threshold for overtime eligibility from $23,660 to $47,476.
Related: Overtime rule update: a last-chance effort to vacate or delay the rule
Last month, 21 states and a coalition of business groups filed two separate lawsuits to overturn the regulation, alleging that the government had overstepped its authority. Mazzant wrote in his order that in setting the new salary threshold, “the department exceeds its delegated authority and ignores Congress’s intent.”
Related: Time to boost worker salaries? - Implement a Department of Labor compliance plan to find out.
President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, has vowed to roll back business regulations and has called the rule an overreach of power by the Obama administration. If the court of appeals does not lift the injunction before he is inaugurated, many believe that the legislation will die.