Advantages of greenhouse farming technology in Kenya

Greenhouse in Nanyuki

1. Greenhouse maximizes the use of space.

Greenhouses structure are made with u.v treated polyethylene that helps in providing warmth and screening harmful rays to reach the plants.

The greenhouse cover is made of three basic  layers namely anti drip, U.V treatment, air space to help in holding or retaining the in absorbed heat ,this helps in creating a stable temperature within the greenhouse regardless of change in the  external weather, anti fungal, uva, I.r among others.

A greenhouse structure houses hybrid vegetable varieties that can be harvested for a long period of between 3 to 12 months and produce quality and vigorous growing vegetables.

In Kenya we do have the best climate with stable agro productive environment along the equator.

Greenhouse uses drip irrigation kit that has perforations at different spacing according to the vegetables spacing. This helps in reducing water wastage since each plant receives water at the exact spot for root absorption.
It also saves in labor force since you only need one person to open the valve for drip system to function.

Drip system also helps in controlling weeds due to its spot watering that control widespread watering favorable for weed growth.

2. Greenhouse plants variety.

Greenhouse plants are bred to produce the best quality in terms of taste , vigor, extended harvesting period, size, nutrition, color and post harvest longevity. Outdoor plants harvesting period is short, most have weak rind and do have low shelf life after harvesting.

3. Plants that grow and are profitable in a greenhouse.

Before planting any vegetables in a greenhouse you need to consider the availability of market, price of the vegetable, transport cost and shelf life.

Here are some of the vegetables.

1. Tomatoes
2. Capsicums
3. Straw berry
4. Cucumber
5. Kales ( mfalme f1)
6. Indeginious vegetables.


Hortitechno provides the best greenhouse and agro consultancy services.

Method of greenhouse Soil sterilization in Kenya

Indeterminate tomatoes variety after soil sterilization

Soil science helps us understand its aspect be it biological, physical or chemical composition in relation to plants or vegetable production in greenhouses and open field farming. We at hortitechno produce and services ensures that we test and understand the soil before we do any work.

 We do soil testing to understand the microbes living in the soil, we do have helpful and harmful . The solanaceae family that we have tomato, capsicum, egg plant , Managu e.t.c is affected by a bacteria causing wilting. When we do testing of the soil and finds this bacteria its advisable for farmer to do soil sterilization to kill the bacteria and pot the sterilized soil to prevent contamination.

Methods of sterilization.

Steaming

Soil sterilization using steaming is the most reliable way since wee retain the chemical composition and the physical structure of the soil. This is done by using heated water steam that is directed in air tight covered soil and it takes eight hours to be fully sterilized.

Frying.

Soil frying is also another common way people use in sterilization, it also does kill the pathogen the only dis advantage it has is change of chemical and physical properties of the soil . the methodology is done by putting soils in pan and placing the pan on heat, during heating the soil is mix over and over for uniform distribution of heat.

Chemicals

Chemicals are also used to do soil sterilization mostly in flower farms, for vegetables and fruits we tend to discourage this method. When not done properly it can leave residue on the final product.

All this methods work and the best is  soil steaming, at greenhouse Kenya we always make sure you plant on good soil.

How to know you are ready for a greenhouse in Kenya

Wooden greenhouse in Gambogi

Land.

You need to have a farm to do your greenhouse and any farming in Kenya. You can acquire land through buying or leasing .
The land must have good soil and good gradient to allow smooth flow or drainage of rain water.

If the land is rocky we advice client's to import soil.

Water.

Good farming require clean and adequate water that is reliable during the growth of the plants to harvesting.

Good water must also be with the right pH for greenhouse plants to thrive however in cases where the water is alkaline or acidic we advise the farmers on the way to improve to allow good environment for greenhouse vegetables to grow.

Security.

Security of the farm is important to protect the greenhouse and other farm properties through damage caused by animals like cow and theft.


Greenhouse farmers are advised to have a fence around the greenhouse to keep it safe from human and animal damage.

Greenhouse also can be build in the compound where people live this ensures security and also allow access easily.

Market.

Greenhouse tomatoes variety in Kenyan market are bred to have a long shelf life after harvesting and are also vigorous in growth.

Tomatoes can take up to 21 days from breaker before they go bad. This gives the farmer ample time to look for the market.

The quality and enhanced taste of greenhouse grown vegetables gives a farmer good edge in competitive advantage over open field farms.

What affect the market for greenhouse vegetables is pricing due to influx of open grown vegetables in the same market.

Organized market like supermarket and institution gives a steady price despite the influx in prices.

Climate.

Weather conditions affect the type of greenhouse installed in Kenya. In cold area like larger central province and rift valley we do greenhouse with limited ventilation. In hot climate we increase ventilation and construct tall greenhouses to aid ventilation.

Our greenhouse are strong and can with stand wind speed of upto 120km / hour. We always consider wind and sun to guide us in Green house orientation in Kenya.



Farmhand/management.
Manure