Curious about how to start an organic greenhouse?
You’re not alone. Organic growing is rising in popularity, and for good reasons.
Our organic greenhouse tips will help you start your own family-friendly organic garden that produces delicious, healthy food for your family, friends, and meals year-round.
What are the benefits of organic growing?
Growing food with organic systems uses 45% less energy and doesn’t contribute to the accumulation of toxins in waterways. Organic greenhouses foster a healthier world by encouraging soil health and supporting natural ecosystems.
Growing organically also cuts carbon emissions by 40% compared to conventional farming and growing methods, lowering your growing cost for years to come.
Unlike non-organic goods, organic foods go from farm to table without synthetic ingredients. This means that you’ll avoid exposure to substances linked to health issues like a weakened immune system.
Since organic growing avoids chemical additives, organic foods are also more environmentally friendly and support local biodiversity. Chemical pesticides are often fatal to helpful pollinators like bees, so organic farming and growing provides much-needed support to the honeybee population.
What makes an organic greenhouse “organic”?
Organic greenhouse farming excludes synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators. Instead, organic growing favors natural methods. These methods rely on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, organic wastes, legumes, green manures, and even mineral-bearing rocks to feed their soil and supply their plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Can my greenhouse be certified organic?
Yes! Your greenhouse farming operation–in this case, your greenhouse–can be certified as organic. Organic greenhouse vegetable, herb, and flower production is actually a widespread practice by certified organic farmers and market gardeners.
You might find a few organic growers at your local farmer’s market or start selling your own organic crops at one.
The National Organic Program (NOP) provides certification standards and rules organic farming operations, including greenhouses, need to follow for USDA organic certification.
For instance, your soil needs to be free from prohibited substances like chemical pesticides for at least three years. You can use artificial lights in your greenhouse, but you’ll need organic or untreated seeds.
Here’s how to get USDA organic certified:
- Find a local accredited organic certifying agent.
- Create a stable organic system plan. (We can help you with this.)
- Follow the rest of the USDA organic certification process with help from your agent.
How do I start developing my organic greenhouse vision?
Each greenhouse and each grower is unique, so developing your vision is a great place to start.
You can start by asking yourself a few questions:
- Which fruits, vegetables, and herbs do I love to eat?
- Which plants spark joy when I see or smell them?
- Who do I want to share this experience with? (Friends, family, neighbors, or any other members of my community?)
- Where would I like to place this greenhouse?
- How much time and money am I ready to invest in my dream?
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet. Our team at Shakti Farm Design has years of experience designing and crafting organic greenhouses alongside our clients, no matter how big or small their vision may be.
If you’re excited about organic greenhouse growing, speaking with a professional can help you chart and navigate your path to the greenhouse of your daydreams.
How do I start an organic greenhouse now that I have my vision?
Now that you have your vision, you’re ready to consider the following:
- Do I currently have my own equipment, tools, and materials?
- How much experience do my community or I have with any greenhouse growing?
- What kind of help do I need to make my vision come to life?
Shakti Farm Design can help you make your organic greenhouse dream a reality.
Our designs and gardens are crafted to evoke a meditative quality when you move through your organic oasis. We’re here for you from start to finish, including the design, building, creating permaculture inspired soil foundation, and year around growing process. We also provide you with a fully customized book of information on your specific greenhouse, its maintenance needs, and detailed notes on what to grow at different times of the year based on your favorite herbs, vegetables, and flowers.
If you’re ready to explore the vast world of greenhouse growing and how to start an organic greenhouse, you can book your 15-minute free consultation via our contact page.
We’re truly excited to help you plan, build, and enjoy the greenhouse and organic crops of your dreams.