OVERVIEW OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
A set of production guidelines known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the purposes of
this manual are voluntary activities undertaken to minimize negative effects on the environment.
The manual is not intended for regulations. BMP considerations for greenhouse production
include site selection, water management and irrigation, nutrient management, composting,
prohibited plants, pesticide use and storage, insect, mite, disease and weed management, animal
damage management, organic and inorganic waste management, and alternative energy and
energy conservation. BMPs are adaptable for the diversity that exists within the industry.
Applying these practices will help Massachusetts greenhouses and nurseries to remain (or
become) healthy and profitable.
TYPES OF GREENHOUSES
A greenhouse is a structure with a glass or plastic roof and side walls that is used for the
production of ornamentals and food crops and may be used seasonally or year round. The closed
environment of a greenhouse has its own unique requirements, compared with outdoor
production. Pests and diseases, and extremes of heat and humidity, have to be controlled, and
irrigation is necessary to provide water. Significant inputs of heat and light may be required,
particularly with winter production of warm-weather crops.
Greenhouses for commercial production can be classified as free-standing or gutter-connected.
A free-standing greenhouse can have a quonset (hoop), gothic or gable roof shape. The quonset
is usually the least expensive and is available in widths up to 36'. Gothic designs have higher
light transmission and shed snow easier. Gable designs may use trusses to span a width up to 60'.
A gutter-connected greenhouse is a series of trusses connected together at the gutter level.
Individual bays vary in width from 12' to 25' and have a clearance of 8' to 16' to the gutter. Bays
can be put together to get any width of greenhouse desired.
Greenhouses can be made any length. Standard lengths that utilize glazing materials to advantage
are 96' and 144'. All greenhouses are modular with frame spacing of 4' or 5' for hoophouses and
10' or 12' for gutter-connected designs.
Most greenhouses are built of galvanized steel tubing and are available from many
manufacturers throughout the U.S. Steel makes a strong frame to carry snow and wind loads and
still allow about 80% of the light to enter.
Most greenhouses are covered with a plastic glazing. Low-cost polyethylene film or covering
applied as an air inflated double cover will last 4 years. Anti-drip agents and infra-red inhibitors
are added to give better service and reduced heat loss. Semi-rigid structured sheets of
polycarbonate or acrylic are more permanent and have a life of at least 15 years. Tempered glass
is used for crops requiring high light levels.
The following is a short review of the advantages of the different styles of structures:
Free-standing Greenhouses
• Easier to provide separate environments as each house is controlled by its own
heating/cooling system. One house can be run warm for propagation and the next one,
cooler for growing.
• Individual houses can be shut down for periods when not in use saving energy.
• Best suited for heavy snow areas as multi-span houses need heat to melt snow from the
gutters.
• Good for non-level sites.
• Individual houses are easier to build and maintain.
Gutter-connected Greenhouses
• More cost effective for areas greater than 20,000 sq ft.
• Reduced heating costs as surface area to floor area ratio is less. Heating costs can be as
much as 25% less due to reduced glazed area.
• Less land is needed. About 30% more growing space can be placed on the same amount
of land area.
• Heat can be centralized.
• Open-roof designs that eliminate fans and reduce electricity use are available.
Production Systems
In addition to the greenhouse style, there are a variety of production systems used inside the
greenhouse. Some crops are grown in containers on benches, such as many spring ornamental
crops, while others are grown in the soil in the ground such as cut flowers or vegetable crops (ie.
tomatoes, lettuce). Some crops are grown in containers or bags of growing media that are placed
on the ground (tomatoes). Some greenhouses have soil or gravel floors, some have concrete
floors and some have a combination. All of these differences contribute to best management
practices that will vary according to the greenhouse and systems used for production.
Reference
Bartok, J.W., Jr. 2005. Selecting and Building a Commercial Greenhouse
http://www.umass.edu/umext/floriculture/fact_sheets/greenhouse_management/jb_building_gh.htm
Tomatoes Grown in Containers in Heated Bench System for Propagation
Free Standing Greenhouse in Gutter-connected Greenhouse
Photo: Paul Lopes, UMass Extension Photo: Tina Smith, UMass Extension
