Denis Kakooza, a resident of Nabuta village Mukono district, wants to invest in greenhouse farming in his backyard but he does not know how to start.
He wonders if he can have a greenhouse installed in his backyard so that he can grow food in it. He is not alone.
James Wasswa is another person interested in greenhouse farming, but he does not know how to start.
What is greenhouse farming?
Greenhouse farming is a practice of growing crops in a controlled environment. Here, the amount of sunlight, water and exposure of crops to other weather conditions is controlled, Joy Nabirye, a greenhouse expert, says.
She says greenhouse farming is possible anywhere. It can be installed in the backyard or in a field to enable growth of plants in a controlled manner.
Nabirye notes that there are different types of greenhouses – a metallic greenhouse and a wooden greenhouse. Each type comes with a different cost.
What to plant in a greenhouse
Lawrence Wangechi, a greenhouse farmer, says any crop can be planted in a greenhouse although currently fruits and vegetables are the most preferred.
He says greenhouse farming is good because crops grow under controlled weather conditions. The soil is prepared in a special way to allow proper crop growth in a greenhouse.
Wangechi adds that the other advantage is that the yields of greenhouse farming are of high value compared to those planted in open field.
He says since crops grow under controlled conditions, crops retain their colours, nutrients are never lost hence them being valued highly.
How to take care of crops in a greenhouse
Margaret Katono, a greenhouse farmer, says it is important to prune, spray, and water crops. All these are done in a moderate way.
She says during the dry season, the plants will need more water so ensure that there is enough water supply in the green house for proper crop growth.
“While spraying, observe the pre-harvest rules. All these rules are indicated on the spraying chemical. Read them and observe them,” she advises.
