Expansion plans

Photo: Evgeny, R. Gino Santa Maria| Adobestock

In this year’s Greenhouse Management State of the Industry survey, most growers were “somewhat confident” the greenhouse market will grow in 2023. That’s not as rosy of an outlook as most years. Despite the uncertainty, growers said they planned to increase plant production, with the top crops being edibles, perennials and bedding plants.

Growers shared some good news — profits were solid this year with 41% reporting double-digit profit margins and 37% said their net profit will be higher in 2022 compared to last year. Those profitable years are helping to fund greenhouse improvements.

Growers are making efficiency improvements and investing in automation to help with the labor shortage. Kevin Wright, owner of Clearview Nursery in Souderton, Pennsylvania, said he’s not planning to expand his labor force next year. Instead, he’s been making investments in equipment such as a potting machine and a pot stacker.

Other respondents said they’ve adopted more automation (19%) and identified ways to use labor more efficiently (25%).

Growers identified several things they’d like to change about their greenhouse going into 2023, including automating tasks and replacing equipment such as boilers. Growers also revealed that during the last 12 months they have added energy curtains, made HVAC improvements, added permeable surfaces and adopted solar energy. Irrigation improvements have also been implemented this year, including more drip lines, ebb-and-flood benches and capillary mats.

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