If you exceeded your production costs budget this past year or your yields were lower, you might suspect that your greenhouse is the root of the problem. You could be right.

There are many parts of a greenhouse that can wear out, become obsolete or require replacement on even the highest-quality greenhouse. It might be that you simply need to do a little maintenance, but there are several signs that signal it’s time for a major upgrade. Here are six of them:

Sub-Optimal Energy: Whether it’s air leaks, a heating system that isn’t running efficiently or lacks the latest technology or a fan or heat exchanger that is malfunctioning, there are many ways that inefficient energy systems can tank your budget. When your greenhouse has more patching than original parts, or when your heating system requires a costly repair, it may be time for an upgrade.

Glazing: It’s important to filter light properly so that lower leaves have the light they need. Infrared material for the inner layer is essential, since it can save you up to 15 percent in heating costs for your greenhouse. Proper glazing is also critical for plant yield, and if your glazing requires panel replacements, has too many cracks or is showing too much buildup of condensation, it may be indicators of the need for an upgrade.

Fogged or cracked coverings are a clear indication that it’s time to invest in a greenhouse upgrade. It may be possible to replace panels, or you may decide that you need a more extensive improvement to your greenhouse.

Outdated Technology: If your greenhouse is over a decade old and hasn’t had a significant upgrade in that time, outdated technology may dictate your need for an investment. Some growers assume a ten-year replacement or upgrade schedule because technology reliably replaces itself in that amount of time. Keeping pace with technology is keeping pace with your competitors.

Decreased Crop Yield or Unhappy Plants: Whether you saw smaller yields in the past year or noticed that your plants weren’t thriving, it’s possible that your greenhouse is to blame. From structural damage to inefficiency or air leaks, a lackluster harvest may be your strongest signal that a greenhouse upgrade is in your near future.

Limited Space or Functionality: When your commercial growing business or retail greenhouse is ready to expand, a new or additional greenhouse may be the right upgrade.

If space is not the concern, it may be the functionality. Your business may have shifted to a crop that requires a different configuration or ventilation system. You may decide that you want to improve the temperature control or update inefficient irrigation systems. There are many ways that a lack of greenhouse functionality can limit your business. Whether you are adapting to a shifting business focus or wanting to improve the growing environment, an upgrade might be the right step.

Visible Damage: Rust. Cracked beams or panels. A sagging foundation. These are all signs that are easy to see, and it’s nearly impossible that your plants aren’t being affected. Your employees may also be negatively affected; it’s not pleasant to work in an environment where the setting has become an eyesore or physical harm may be a possibility. Damage may be evident in a variety of ways:

• Broken heating, cooling or ventilation systems: Whether you need to replace an overworked, old system or you have experienced a mechanical issue requiring a replacement, these systems are critical to greenhouse functionality.
• A malfunctioning control system: A perfectly appointed controller makes it easy to manage your growing environment. A non-functioning one should be remedied with an upgrade.
• Damaged benches, irrigation systems and fans are all items that need addressing with a greenhouse grade.

Identifying these signs begins with an evaluation of your greenhouse structure. Then, you might create a priority list so that you can address the most important issues first. As you budget for future years, be sure to build in some greenhouse upgrade funds.

At Stuppy Greenhouse, we offer greenhouse models that can be customized to your setting, needs and unique growing requirements. Contact us to learn more about how Stuppy creates ideal greenhouse environments.