Five Strategies for Managing Rising Greenhouse Production Costs

Since labor, energy, and input costs are rising, it is crucial for all greenhouse growers to reduce production costs and boost efficiency. Costs for fuel and energy alone have increased by more than 30% since last year. Although consumer spending on lawn, garden, and greenhouse products has been high, which has helped offset some costs, growers can't count on that to continue. 

The good news is that there are tried-and-true ways that will help minimize those expenditures and, in some cases, produce significant savings, according to a recent blog post from the team at Stuppy Greenhouse. Some of these are simple to carry out, while others call for some upfront money. However, capital upgrades have a relatively rapid payback period, making the effort worthwhile.

putting into practice energy-saving techniques like insulating the foundation wall's perimeter and decreasing the thermostat's set point at night.

Including under-bench heating will improve young plant germination and roots because it produces a more uniform root zone temperature than an air-heating system.

Whenever possible, utilize passive ventilation, and program the environmental control system to gradually turn on the cooling.

By carefully installing temperature sensors, clearing gutters, and maintaining your equipment, you can maximize its performance.

protecting water.  It could be time to take into account closed systems that treat, contain, and reuse irrigation water as drought-affected areas continue to grow.