We surveyed more than 100 greenhouse growers in the U.S. and Canada to gauge the industry’s use of various structures. This year, we found that fewer growers are planning to add covered production than previous years. In 2016, 52% of respondents planned to expand. Just three years later, the number is down to 39%.
Perennials are gaining popularity, up 19% from last year, with bedding plants/annuals remaining in the top two for the third year running. Read on for more insights into the industry. — Kate Spirgen
Editor’s note: Due to rounding, not all answers add up to 100%.
Perennials and bedding plants/annuals have been the top choices for growers for years and continue to gain popularity. Perennials are up from just 38% last year to 57%, and bedding plants/annuals saw a slight uptick from 49% to 53%.Other responses include: high hoop houses, gutter-connected hoop houses, free-standing saw tooth roof, pit style and modular expandable Polyethylene film has been the top choice for years, but polycarbonate sheet has been on the rise in recent years, up 6 percentage points since 2016. Shade cloth and screens are also increasing from 4% three years ago to 13% this year.Other responses include: none, foggers, HAF fans, open sides and water chillers Compared with previous years, far fewer growers are planning to add space in the coming year. In 2018, 62% of respondents planned to expand and in 2017, 51% planned to add space, whereas this year, only 39% do. Natural ventilation is still the top choice for growers, followed by exhaust fans, which have been in the No. 1 and 2 spots, respectively, for the past five years.
