Poly House Gardening

Polyhouse farming is slowly gaining popularity in India. A farmer can make huge profit from polyhouse farming. But there are many people who aren’t aware of polyhouse or even greenhouse hence through this article they will get to know about polyhouse and its benefits. 

What is a polyhouse?

Polyhouse or a greenhouse is a house or a structure made of translucent material like glass or polyethylene where the plants grow and develop under controlled climatic conditions. The size of structure can differ from small shacks to big-size buildings as per the need. Above all, a greenhouse is a glass house whose interiors become warm when exposed to sunbeams as the house stops the greenhouse gas to leave. So when it is cold outside, the temperature inside is survival friendly and warm for the plants.

Difference between Greenhouse and Polyhouse Farming

Polyhouse is a type of greenhouse or we can say that it is a smaller version of greenhouse, where polyethylene is used as the cover. In developing countries like India, polyhouse farming is a popular greenhouse technology due to its low cost of construction and easy maintenance. Lath house is one more greenhouse technology where wood is used as the cover.

Poly house is cheaper as compared to greenhouse but the later is more long-lasting than polyhouse.

Crops grown in Polyhouse

• Fruits that can be grown are Papaya, Strawberry etc.
• Vegetables that can be grown include Cabbage, Bitter Gourd, Capsicum, Radish, Cauliflower, Chili, Coriander, Onion, Spinach, Tomato etc.
• Flowers like Carnation, Gerbera, Marigold, Orchid, and Rose can also be easily grown.

• Benefits of Polyhouse Farming

  Polyhouse is very beneficial for the farmers specially those who prefer organic farming. here are few of the benefits of a polyhouse:
• Your plants are grown under controlled temperature thus there is less chances of crop loss or damage.
• You can grow crops throughout the year and will not have to wait for any particular season.
• There are less pests and insects in a polyhouse.
• External climate will not have any impact of the growth of crops.
• Quality of produce is obviously higher in polyhouse.
• Good drainage and aeration
• Propagation of Ornamental Crops can also be done effortlessly in a polyhouse.
• Poly House gives the right environmental facilities to your plants in any season.
• It also increases yield for about 5 to 10 times.
• Less cropping period
• Fertilizer application is easier and is controlled automatically with the help of drip irrigation.

• Types of Polyhouse

  Based on environmental control system, polyhouse are of two types:
  • Naturally ventilated polyhouse - This type of polyhouse or greenhouse does not have any environmental control system except for sufficient ventilation and fogger system to save the crops from bad weather conditions and natural pests and diseases.
  • Environmental controlled polyhouse - They are constructed primarily to extend the growing period of crops or to increase the off-season yield by controlling the light, temperature, humidity, etc.

  Conclusion

  It has been estimated that the yield under polyhouse or greenhouse farming can be achieved at a higher level – say about 4-8 times as compared to farming done in open field. Hence farmers must think of setting up a polyhouse rather than just working on open fields.

Polyhouse farming is the same as greenhouse farming. The "poly" part of the name refers to polyethylene plastic, which is the material used to cover the house, and being transparent to translucent, it lets sunlight in for photosynthesis and plant growth, while reducing detrimental organisms from affecting the crop.

The advantage of polyhouse farming is, its practice allows for 

• controlled growing environment (artificial lighting will extend photo-period) if desired
• reduced pest and weed stresses
• extended growing season
• more plants per square foot of ground (raised step-tiered beds)
• reduce water and pesticide usage

The major disadvantage to greenhouse/polyhouse  farming is the initial investment cost, but it can still be cost effective because an increased production of 2.5-4 times can be expected. If land is expensive, and there is a need for expensive vegetables year round, a period of as little as 2-3 years is not abnormal in recouping the capital outlay. Properly constructed and maintained structures will last quite a long time, especially if you start off with a good quality polyethylene plastic covering.

Polytunnels on Balhungie Farm, Angus

A polytunnel (also known as a polyhouse, hoop greenhouse or hoophouse, grow tunnel or high tunnel) is a tunnel typically made from steel and covered in polythene, usually semi-circular, square or elongated in shape. The interior heats up because incoming solar radiation from the sun warms plants, soil, and other things inside the building faster than heat can escape the structure. Air warmed by the heat from hot interior surfaces is retained in the building by the roof and wall. Temperature, humidity and ventilation can be controlled by equipment fixed in the polytunnel or by manual opening and closing of vents. Polytunnels are mainly used in temperate regions in similar ways to glass greenhouses and row covers. Besides the passive solar heating that every polytunnel provides, every variation of auxiliary heating (from hothouse heating through minimal heating to unheated houses) is represented in current practice. The nesting of row covers and low tunnels inside high tunnels is also common.

Superbay Polytunnel - Van Arnham Nurseries

Polytunnels can be used to provide a higher temperature and/or humidity than that which is available in the environment but can also protect crops from intense heat, bright sunlight, winds, hailstones, and cold waves. This allows fruits and vegetables to be grown at times usually considered off season; market gardeners commonly use polytunnels for season extension. Beyond season extension, polytunnels are also used to allow cold-hardy crops to overwinter in regions where their hardiness isn't quite strong enough for them to survive outdoors. Temperature increases of only 5° to 15° above outdoor ambient, coupled with protection from the drying effect of wind, are enough to let selected plant varieties grow slowly but healthily instead of dying. The effect is to create a microclimate that simulates the temperatures of a location several hardiness zones closer to the equator (and protects from wind as well).

Superbay Polytunnel - Otter Nurseries

Every factor influencing a crop can be controlled in a polytunnel. Polytunnels are often used in floricultureand plant nurseries, as the revenue value of the plants can justify the expense.

In recent years the true adaptability of polytunnel structures has been realised by adapting them to suit livestock housing. Its now common place in the UK to see polytunnels used for housing sheep, alpacas, goats, calves and poultry.

Contents

Climatic differencesEdit

Temperate regionsEdit

Polytunnels are mainly used in temperate regions in similar ways to greenhouses and cloches (row covers). Modern designs allow sowing and harvesting machines to move inside the structures so as to automate production. Polytunnels have had a significant effect on the production of strawberries in the United Kingdom. Other soft fruits such as raspberries and blackberries are also cultivated in the same way.

Multi-Span Polytunnel - Evesham

Other regionsEdit

In a tropical climate, temperatures are prone to soar above all normal levels. In such cases, foggers/misters are used to reduce the temperature. This does not increase the humidity levels in the poly house as the evaporated droplets are almost immediately ventilated to open air.

High-tech poly houses even have space-heating systems as well as soil-heating systems to purify the soil of unwanted viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. The recent Indo-Israel collaboration at Gharunda, near Karnal is an excellent example of Polyhouse farming taking place in a developing country.

FlockMaster Livestock Polytunnel - Church Farm

Spanish Fruit Tunnels

Hobby Polytunnel

If developing countries were to develop a special incentive program solely for fruit-and-vegetable farmers, especially in demographically large nations like India, then the migration rate from rural to urban areas (as well as the loss of horticultural and fruit/vegetable farmers) to urban areas may be reduced. This brings a huge potential to improve the farming sector, which is key to long-term economic stability. The small polytunnels used by each farmer in each village promote the cultivation of vegetables both on-season and off-season, and would actually help to moderate the market rate for fruit and vegetables in long run, on a year-round basis, and would help to satisfy local market needs.

For example, in India, the inability to grow tomatoes generates price spikes during the monsoon season. This is seen as an ideal time to grow tomatoes in polytunnels, since they provide the ideal climate for the crop. In India, the Abhinav Farmers Club grows flowers and organic vegetables in polytunnels.^[1]

DevelopmentEdit

A Missouri farmer inspecting an early tomato crop in a hoop house.

Hoophouses have existed at least since the 1940s, but they are much more commonly used with each passing decade, and their design continues to evolve. Because of the wide variety of constantly changing designs, in reality there is an entirely continuous spectrum from high tunnels through low tunnels to the simplest row covers, although they are often thought about as discrete steps. Major themes of continuing development are (1) achieving the same results with lighter construction and less cost and (2) making hoophouses easily movable. The advantages of mobile hoophouses include greater return on investment(with the same unit of investment getting greater use per year across different crops in different months) and more flexibility on crop rotation without ever having to bother to dig the soil out of a stationary house (or use soil steam sterilization) to cure greenhouse soil sickness.

A US Department of Agriculture program is helping farmers install polytunnels. The program was announced at the US White House garden in December, 2009.^[2]

Farmers in Iraq are building these in increasing number and adding drip irrigation to grow tomatoes.^[3

7 of the Most Profitable Greenhouse Crops

You don’t have to be a commercial grower to turn your gardening endeavors into profit. From the cities to the suburbs to the country, your passion for gardening can help you generate extra income if you do it right.

With a growing demand for fresh locally-sourced herbs and vegetables, a greenhouse grower of any size can capitalize off this trend.

One of the most important steps is to select what you want to grow. Some suggest sticking with a single crop that you can pour your efforts into, rather than an assortment of plants that may have different needs in terms of water, fertilization and shade.

Then you should realistically try to evaluate the volume of what you have the space and time to grow. From there, estimate plant production costs in relation to market prices to determine your profit margin.

Back to crop selection, if you’re just starting out, it’s best to begin with something that will set you up for success. These plants thrive in a greenhouse environment, and they are some of the most profitable crops you can grow.

Tomatoes. The most common greenhouse crop, tomatoes can also be quite prolific and, thus, profitable. Many varieties—cherry, grape, beefsteak and tomatoes on the vine—are available, and are popular as locally sold vegetable.

Lettuce. This hardy vegetable is available in many colors and varieties, ranging from cut to head lettuce, is relatively easy to grow, and is most profitable in local sales directly to the consumer.

Peppers. Maybe just as popular and with even more varieties than tomatoes, peppers do pose some challenges, as they are described as the most difficult greenhouse crop to grow. But they can be quite profitable nonetheless.

Cucumbers. The versatility of the cucumber makes it a popular crop, which makes it profitable for the grower. However, some cucumber varieties pose a challenge in keeping them fresh after a harvest. Still, organic and off-season cucumbers can draw higher prices.

Spinach. This is another leafy green that thrives in a greenhouse environment. Spinach has a tendency to grow quickly, depending on growing conditions. When grown and sold locally, it’s prized for its freshness and taste.

Herbs. Easy to start your growing (and selling) efforts with, herbs are in demand by grocery stores and restaurants. Some of the most popular are basil, chives, oregano, cilantro and parsley, and they can be packaged and sold dried or undried.

Strawberries. These berries can be another lucrative option for greenhouse growing. In-season strawberries are relatively inexpensive, but gardeners who can master some of the challenges of growing them—pest management and pollination, for example—can command high off-season prices.

Growing plants for profit is a great way to turn your gardening skills into serious cash. While most of us immediately think of tomatoes or salad greens, the most profitable plants are specialty crops that are not always found in a home vegetable garden. Many specialty crops can bring as much as $90,000 per acre, and are quite easy to grow.

Best of all, most specialty crops can be grown without a full-time commitment. If you have a few extra hours a week, then you can be a specialty crop grower. Here are eight specialty crops worth growing:

1. Bamboo. Landscapers and homeowners are paying as much as $150 each for potted bamboo plants, and many growers are finding it hard to keep up with the demand. Why is bamboo so popular? It’s a versatile plant in the landscape, as it can be used for hedges, screens or as stand-alone “specimen” plants. Bamboo is not just a tropical plant, as many cold-hardy varieties can handle sub-zero winters. Using pots in a bamboo business, it’s possible to grow thousands of dollars worth of profitable plants in a backyard nursery.

2. Flowers. If you are looking for a high-value specialty crop that can produce an income in the first year, take a look at growing flowers for profit. A flower growing business has almost unlimited possibilities, from bulbs to cut flowers to dried flowers – often called “everlastings”, for their long life. It doesn’t cost much to get started growing flowers for profit either – just a few dollars for seeds and supplies. Most small growers find lots of eager buyers at the Saturday markets held in most towns.

Ginseng Roots Can Bring Up to $400 a Pound

3. Ginseng. Nicknamed “green gold”, the value of this plant is in it’s slow growing roots. Asians have valued ginseng for thousands of years as a healing herb and tonic. Even though growing ginseng requires a six year wait to harvest the mature roots, most growers also sell young “rootlets” and seeds for income while waiting for the roots to mature. Over the six year period, growers can make as much as $100,000 on a half-acre plot from seeds, rootlets and mature roots. That’s why ginseng has been prized as a specialty crop since George Washington’s day, when ginseng profits helped finance the Revolutionary war against the British. Ginseng production is only possible in areas with cold winters.

4. Ground Covers. Due to high labor costs and water shortages, ground covers are becoming the sensible, low-maintenance way to landscape. Growers like ground covers too, as they are easy to propagate, grow and sell. Bringing profits of up to $20 per square foot, ground covers are an ideal cash crop for the smaller backyard plant nursery.

5. Herbs. Growing the most popular culinary and medicinal herbs is a great way to start a profitable herb business. The most popular culinary herbs include basil, chives, cilantro and oregano. Medicinal herbs have been widely used for thousands of years, and their popularity continues to grow as people seek natural remedies for their health concerns. Lavender, for example, has dozens of medicinal uses, as well as being a source of essential oils. Lavender is so popular, hundreds of small nurseries grow nothing but lavender plants. So to start your herb business, focus on popular plants.

6. Landscaping Trees and Shrubs. With individual plants bringing as much as $100 in a five gallon pot, many small backyard plant nurseries are enjoying success on a small scale. Those that specialize in unique or hard-to-find tree and shrub varieties can charge premium prices and still sell out each year. The secret to success is finding a “niche” that you enjoy, and then growing the varieties that simply can not be found at your average plant nursery.

Oyster mushrooms ready to harvest

7. Mushrooms. For those without space to garden, growing mushrooms for profit can produce a great return in a small space. Exotic mushrooms, such as oyster and shiitake, make sense, as they can be grown indoors without soil. Oyster mushrooms, for example, produce around 25 pounds per square foot of growing space in a year’s time. At the current wholesale price of $7 a pound, that’s $17,000 worth of mushrooms from a 10’x10′ space! Exotic mushrooms do not travel well, so small local growers will always have an edge over distant producers. At our local Saturday market, the oyster mushrooms are also the first items to sell out.

8. Ornamental Grasses. Because ornamental grasses are drought-tolerant and low maintenance, landscapers are using more and more of them, as are homeowners. Because there are hundreds of shapes and sizes, they can be used for everything from ground covers to privacy screens. It’s easy to get started growing ornamental grasses, as you simply buy the “mother” plants and divide the root clump into new plants as it grows. Using pots, it’s possible to grow thousands of plants in a small backyard nursery.

These are my favorite profitable plants, as they all enjoy strong demand year after year, yet can be grown by anyone who has, or can learn a few basic gardening skills. Given the right care, any of these eight specialty crops can grow into a sizable income for you, and bring years of satisfaction to your customers.