Freestanding or multi-span greenhouse?

In planning a new greenhouse, selecting the style is one of the most important decisions a grower must make. Generally, for someone starting out in the business or expanding a small operation, the free-standing greenhouse is the best choice. For a larger, established business with strong markets, the multi-span is preferred.

The following table compares their advantages and disadvantages.

John Bartok Jr. is an agricultural engineer and emeritus extension professor at the University of Connecticut. Contact him at jbartok@rcn.com.