How to Be Greenhouse Farmer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 24, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Greenhouse farming is a practice that has seen a major rise in popularity in recent years, thanks to its numerous benefits. By growing plants in a controlled environment, farmers are able to produce a greater yield and higher quality crops, while also reducing their reliance on the unpredictable weather. Additionally, greenhouse farming allows for a longer growing season, meaning farmers are able to take advantage of extended periods of growth and capitalize on more opportunities to sell their produce. As a result of these advantages, greenhouse farming has become an increasingly viable option for farmers looking to maximize their crop yield and increase their profits.

Steps How to Become

Research. Do some research to understand the basics of greenhouse farming, and identify any local resources that can help you get started.
Make a Plan. Make a detailed plan of your greenhouse farming goals and objectives. Consider the resources you need, and the size and type of greenhouse you want to build.
Site Selection. Select a suitable site for your greenhouse. Ensure there is enough space for the type of greenhouse you want to build, and make sure there is adequate sunlight and drainage.
Build the Greenhouse. Build the greenhouse according to your plan. You can either build it yourself, or hire a contractor to do it.
Install Equipment. Install any necessary equipment, such as fans, air conditioners, and irrigation systems.
Plant. Acquire plants and seeds for your greenhouse, and get them into the ground.
Monitor. Monitor the environment in your greenhouse to ensure it stays within the ideal range for your crops.
Harvest. Once your plants are mature, its time to harvest your crops.

Greenhouse farming is a reliable and efficient way to produce crops and vegetables in a controlled environment. It allows for greater control over temperature, humidity, sunlight, and other environmental factors, allowing farmers to optimize crop yields and quality. In addition, the use of greenhouses enables farmers to extend their growing season, providing them with more options for harvesting and selling their produce.

Furthermore, due to the enclosed nature of greenhouses, they are much less prone to pests and diseases than traditional outdoor farms, leading to a higher quality product and greater yields. As a result, greenhouse farming can be a reliable and efficient way to increase crop yields and quality while decreasing the risks associated with traditional farming methods.

You may want to check Poultry Farmer, Dairy Cattle Rancher-Farmer, and Sugarcane Farmer for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and maintain greenhouse environment and equipment
Plan and implement crop production schedules
Plant, thin, prune and harvest crops
Maintain accurate records of crop production and sales
Research and develop new planting methods
Manage staff, including hiring and training
Track and order supplies and materials
Apply fertilizers, pesticides and other products as needed
Monitor and control pests, weeds and diseases
Inspect crops for quality control
Market and sell products to customers
Attend trade shows to promote products

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of agricultural practices, such as planting, harvesting, and crop rotation.
Understanding of soil conservation techniques and crop nutrition.
Ability to operate greenhouse equipment, such as irrigation systems, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation fans.
Ability to diagnose pest and disease problems and develop integrated pest management plans.
Ability to identify and apply appropriate fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.
Ability to recognize and respond to changing weather conditions.
Knowledge of greenhouse environment control systems and their operation.
Understanding of greenhouse structure, construction, and assembly principles.
Knowledge of safety protocols and regulations for working with hazardous materials.
Ability to recognize the market value of crops and adjust production accordingly.

Greenhouse farming is a specialized technique that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. A successful greenhouse farmer must understand the basics of climate control, soil health, irrigation, and pest management. By understanding and manipulating these factors, a greenhouse farmer can create an optimal environment for plants to thrive.

Good climate control means that temperatures, humidity, and air circulation can be adjusted to suit the needs of the plants. Healthy soil is essential for strong root growth and nutrient uptake, so a good farmer should know how to create and maintain the ideal soil for their plants. Irrigation is essential for proper hydration and growth, so a greenhouse farmer must understand the best methods of providing water to their crops.

Lastly, pest management is critical for keeping plants healthy, so a farmer must be able to identify pests, develop strategies to prevent infestations, and take action if necessary. By mastering these skills and more, a successful greenhouse farmer can produce high-quality crops year-round.

Hemp Farmer, Hay Farmer, and Market Gardener-Farmer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in greenhouse farming?
How do you handle the daily challenges of greenhouse farming?
How would you measure success in greenhouse farming?
What strategies do you use to maintain a healthy greenhouse environment?
How do you ensure outdoor pests are not invading the greenhouse?
How do you optimize soil fertility for greenhouse crops?
How do you manage water and humidity levels to ensure optimal crop growth?
How do you handle emergency situations that may arise during the course of greenhouse farming?
What techniques do you use to reduce labor costs and maximize efficiency?
What techniques do you use to monitor and assess crop performance?

Common Tools in Industry

Soil Moisture Meter. Tool used to measure the amount of moisture in the soil. (eg: soil moisture meter with digital display)
Garden Trowels. Hand-held tool used to dig and mix soil. (eg: stainless steel garden trowel)
Fertilizer Spreader. Tool used to spread fertilizer evenly across a garden bed. (eg: broadcast spreader)
Pruning Shears. Tool used to trim and shape plants. (eg: long-handled pruning shears)
Hose and Sprinkler System. Tool used to water plants. (eg: oscillating sprinkler system)
Weed Wrench. Tool used to remove stubborn weeds from the ground. (eg: heavy-duty weed wrench)
Plant Labels. Tool used to identify plants in the greenhouse. (eg: waterproof plastic plant labels)
Rake. Tool used to level soil and spread mulch. (eg: metal garden rake)
Watering Can. Tool used to water plants by hand. (eg: plastic watering can with rose head)
Leaf Blower. Tool used to blow debris away from plants. (eg: electric leaf blower)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Agronomy
American Society for Horticultural Science
American Horticultural Society
United States Department of Agriculture
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association
American Society for Plant Biologists
Association of Commercial Horticulture Producers
Commercial Greenhouse Growers Association
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
International Society for Horticultural Science

We also have Sheep Farmer, Horse Rancher-Farmer, and Pecan Farmer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Greenhouse. A greenhouse is a building with walls and roof made of transparent material, such as glass, in which plants are grown.
Hydroponics. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.
Fertilization. Fertilization is the process of adding nutrients to soil or other growing mediums to enhance plant growth and health.
Lighting. Lighting is the use of artificial light sources to provide illumination for plants in an indoor environment.
Irrigation. Irrigation is the application of water to land or crops to assist in their growth and maintenance.
Pest Control. Pest control is the management of insects, rodents, and other pests in order to reduce their negative effects on plants and crops.
Pruning. Pruning is the practice of trimming or removing parts of plants in order to shape their form, maintain health, and promote growth.
Climate Control. Climate control is the adjustment of temperature and humidity levels in a greenhouse in order to provide an ideal growing environment for plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Greenhouse Farmer? A1: Greenhouse Farmer is a cloud-based software platform designed to help farmers and agricultural professionals manage their greenhouse operations. It provides tools for tracking crop growth, managing resources, and optimizing production. Q2: How many users does Greenhouse Farmer have? A2: Greenhouse Farmer currently has over 2,000 customers in more than 30 countries. Q3: What type of data does Greenhouse Farmer track? A3: Greenhouse Farmer tracks a wide range of data including temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, soil moisture, lighting, and nutrient levels. Q4: What kind of features does Greenhouse Farmer offer? A4: Greenhouse Farmer offers features such as automated alerts, resource management, crop tracking, analytics, and advanced reporting capabilities. Q5: How much does Greenhouse Farmer cost? A5: Greenhouse Farmer offers three different pricing plans starting at $29/month.