These days, one crop makes it to headlines by revolutionizing the industry for growers and producers around the nation, and it is worth taking a closer look: hemp. Hemp, the non-psychoactive counterpart of cannabis, has recently experienced increasing demand due to a booming market for hemp-derived products, including CBD, hemp oil, hemp textiles, and many other applications, and has long been known as an essential source of fiber, seeds, and natural oil.
The passage of the Farm Bill 2018 opened up possibilities for American growers to add the plant to their crop options, widening their market. As a result, there has been a surge in popularity related to growing hemp. But planting and growing hemp plants are not as easy as spreading seeds and waiting for the season. Therefore a hemp propagation greenhouse can be a handy tool for growing massive, reliable, and productive hemp harvests for many growers.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about growing hemp in a greenhouse, from the process to strains you can cultivate with this method.
Can Hemp Be Grown in Greenhouses?
Yes, it is entirely viable. Although hemp has historically been grown outdoors in open areas for mankind to produce and process in massive amounts for textiles and other industrial uses, those engaged in growing hemp for the purpose of producing CBD and other products benefit from the advantages of growing hemp in greenhouses. Hemp can typically be harvested only once a year, even in places that see warm temperatures most of the year. For this reason, it is much easier to regulate the climate in a greenhouse setting, which ensures farmer they can cultivate hemp throughout the year, and possibly see several yields. You can transfer your hemp plants into vegetative growth over winter and flowering in spring or summer, depending on your environmental conditions and with the natural sunlight allowed in through a greenhouse. It is also possible for you to increase your CBD production per year in a greenhouse setting by pruning plants until they flower in a more extended vegetative period.How to Grow Hemp in a Greenhouse
If you have chosen to grow hemp flower, we have some suggestions for exploring whether a greenhouse is the right option to cultivate it. Since a greenhouse is typically discrete and doesn’t imply elevated costs to grow large quantities of these plants, the sunlight’s natural energy is enough to make the plants grow healthier than artificial indoor light. With this complex crop, growing in a greenhouse can present certain risks. Farmers using a warehouse environment to produce cannabis can initially struggle in the greenhouse, and vice versa. That is the contrast between plant benefits provided by the greenhouse versus maximum environmental protection provided by the warehouse and vertical farming.- First, think about the materials and design. It should be easy and realistic. It is always a wise decision to go for frames made of metal. A lower probability of catching fire is thanks to metal frames. Considering your state's climate, it can also be sturdy enough to go through windy and stormy seasons.
- Temperature and ventilation are crucial if you want this to work correctly. Your hemp plant is still capable of growing during winter with direct sunlight. This is mostly because greenhouses, when the season turns cold, are great at storing heat. The humidity, which is a consequence of the temperature change, also reduces the need for watering the plant.
- Light and dark, both are as important. Whether natural or artificial, a source of light is necessary for your hemp plants’ healthy growth. With that said, it is nice to provide your plants with 18 hours of lighting while your hemp is in the vegetation level. You can easily have sunshine during the day and have extra or artificial light to replace the 18 hours at night.
Greenhouse Grown Hemp
There is no noticeable difference between outdoor-grown hemp and a batch from a greenhouse. Greenhouses are more for those who want to reduce money spending and need a constant harvest since that’s what greenhouse allows them. Also, it reduces the risks of pests and ruined crops due to harsh climate conditions, besides keeping your harvest’s life going. The greenhouse structures enable temperature controlling and fast blooming. Yet, the product’s quality won’t be affected. However, it will all depend on the selected strain, as each type will have different requirements.Hemp Greenhouse Design
There are various greenhouse designs available, but make sure you choose the most reliable and cost-effective solution for your hemp cultivation activity, always making sure you can easily extend it when needed.- For almost any crop, including hemp or marijuana, a poly-connected greenhouse is a versatile choice. When required, you can improve it, and it is the most economical greenhouse solution for large-scale growers. The single-piece arch rolled into a gothic peak offers superior control of condensation. The gutter vents provide the most effective and efficient airflow along with the other natural ventilation alternatives.
- A cold-frame greenhouse, also called a hoop house, is a very affordable solution for growing year-round hemp or marijuana as well. Farmers can equip hoop houses with greenhouse-quality polys, and they are a great starter greenhouse for any grower level by installing either fans or natural ventilation.
Greenhouses for Growing Hemp
If you don’t have the time to build a greenhouse from scratch, you can find a prefabricated greenhouse on the internet or specialized stores. Some are cheap, and some are more expensive. It is up to you what you need and can afford. Next, we brought you a couple of options you may consider if you’re interested in buying one.- Full Bloom offers professional automated greenhouses designed specially to cultivate hemp. Visit their website to know more about their models and prices.
- Ceres is a famous company that builds greenhouses for high-yielding cannabis. Hence, it is more for commercial use than for small growers. Check their Greenhouse here.
- EcoSteel has cost-efficient greenhouses for long-term use you can customize for your requirements. See what they have to offer in their video gallery.
