Like the temperature, the greenhouse lighting system plays an important role in the success of your tomato garden. Plants will not be able to photosynthesize if indoor conditions are incomplete. Tomatoes thrive in full sun, but since we don't want to overheat the greenhouse, supplemental lighting is the best solution to meet your lighting needs.
How much lighting is used to grow tomatoesin greenhouse commercial
In general, the amount of lighting that tomatoes require in a commercial greenhouse is 60 Watts / m2 for 16 to 18 hours per day. This is recommended for both planting and transplanting by the Alberta government. Since you will have a commercial tomato greenhouse, planning the lighting system and how to achieve this requirement is critical.
Sowing
In the seedling nursery, high pressure sodium lights will provide this condition. However, the location of the lights is also prominent. Place the lights 6 feet above the seedlings and 9 feet between each light. Each row of light will have 12 feet of space between them.
Transplant
Once you see the first real leaves appear, you will need to transplant the seedlings. The amount of lighting remains the same, but Alberta also recommends adding carbon dioxide supplements. Based on their findings, this combination will improve early yields.
Eventually, you will have to reduce the duration of the lighting to 12 hours a week before starting the second transplant. In this way, you can condition the transplants to the main greenhouse changes and avoid minor shocks. Otherwise, its development will stop.
How lighting affects tomatoes in commercial greenhouses
Now that you know the amount of lighting required for growing tomatoes. You must learn what makes lighting crucial in a commercial greenhouse. For starters, the color of growing lights affects plant growth because. They will dictate the similarity to the spectrum your plants use. In addition, we all know that the maximum intensity of light will create the best fruit set.
This is the same reason why you will notice a higher yield in the spring compared to the fall. Also, failing to provide optimal lighting conditions will even prevent tomato plants from developing flowers. Instead, they will only produce leaves and stems until there is light to support the flower and fruit.
You also need to be consistent in providing optimal conditions throughout the growing season. For example, if the plants experience a sudden limitation, they run the risk of bearing smaller fruits. This will reduce the yield and even the quality of your crop.
What is the best light for growing tomatoes in a commercial greenhouse?
To grow tomatoes in a commercial greenhouse, you need to know what type of light would be the best option. High pressure sodium lights are an inexpensive option in a commercial greenhouse. Cornell University also mentioned that they are great for increasing the intensity of light and extending the length of the day.
However, you should always check the high pressure sodium light settings for uniform lighting throughout the greenhouse. But what about the LED lights? Are LED lights the right choice for commercial greenhouse tomato production ?
The LED lights help to increase the number of fruits and the yield. Furthermore, its use compared to other supplementary lighting shows an increase in energy savings. Over time, you will have lower expenses and higher profits.
Growing tomatoes is a good business?
Growing tomatoes is a good business due to the rapid growth of the industry. Using a greenhouse for production is a good strategy. This is because you can always offer tomatoes at a great price, especially when they are out of season.
You won't have to worry about unpredictable weather and illness. The use of a greenhouse will guarantee a constant production volume and. While you will also need to allocate a budget for the interior. You can always learn about economic strategies. As mentioned by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The success of a commercial greenhouse tomato production will depend on your managerial skills.
Proactivity and constant attention are vital characteristics that you must possess.
Conclution
As mentioned above, growing tomatoes in a commercial greenhouse is an excellent investment to venture into. However. You must know the proper handling practices. Including the amount of lighting used to grow tomatoes in a commercial greenhouse. For sowing and transplanting. The recommendation is 60 Watts / m2 for 16 to 18 hours a day.
Ensuring adequate lighting in the greenhouse has a considerable impact on the production and yield of your crops. For the type of lighting system to be used. The extensions discussed the advantages and disadvantages of LED lights and high pressure sodium lights. The choice between the two will depend on which one you think is more beneficial for your situation.
In general, the lighting system is part of a greenhouse that gardeners should never neglect. Regardless of which crop you have, you must meet its requirements to ensure a productive greenhouse.
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