What is Greenhouse Construction in Kenya?
Greenhouse construction in Kenya involves the use of wooden, PVC pipes, concrete, or metallic frame structures covered with greenhouse polythene to create a controlled environment for plant growth. This micro-climate helps to give your plants warmth and ideal conditions for optimal growth.
Choosing the Right Company and Materials
When building a greenhouse in Kenya, it's essential to choose the right company and materials based on the location and cost of the area.
It's important to work with qualified technicians when constructing a greenhouse in Kenya. These professionals will help establish critical parameters such as wind direction, the history of the farm, water source and reliability, soil sampling for testing, security, and availability of windbreakers.
Cost of Greenhouse Construction in Kenya
The cost of greenhouse construction in Kenya varies depending on the design, quality of materials, and location of installation.
For instance, the cost of a wooden greenhouse is between K.sh 50,000 to K.sh 100,000 per unit, while a metallic greenhouse costs between K.sh 150,000 to K.sh 280,000 per unit. However, building a wooden greenhouse is cheaper than buying one since you'll save on professional installation costs.
Materials Required for Greenhouse Construction in Kenya
The materials required for building a greenhouse in Kenya vary based on the type of frame used. For wooden greenhouses, you'll need posts and poles, nails, greenhouse polythene, insect nets, a technician, cement, ballast, and sand. For metallic greenhouses, you'll require the metallic frame, greenhouse polythene, anti-insect nets, profile, tapping screws, labor, and professional guidance. Additionally, you'll need a drip irrigation system to irrigate your plants in the greenhouse.
Steps to Building a Greenhouse in Kenya
To build a greenhouse in Kenya, follow these simple steps:
- Choose strong, straight, and durable materials such as wood with a thickness of at least 1.5mm for metallic frames.
- Select a site with good drainage and that's not too steep.
- Measure the area for the greenhouse using the Pythagoras theorem.
- Get quality greenhouse materials such as 200 microns of polythene for your covering. For hot areas, anti-insect netting is recommended for ventilation.
Conclusion
Greenhouse construction in Kenya is an effective way of ensuring optimal crop growth. With the right materials, company, and professional technicians, you can build a low-cost greenhouse in Kenya. Always remember to seek professional advice before building a greenhouse to ensure that you get the best results.