THE GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT

When you step inside a greenhouse, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a perfect tropical oasis managed by science and technology.

The Greenhouse
Since the southern coast of British Columbia has a mild climate, our growers use recyclable Dutch Venlo style greenhouses.

This means our greenhouses are constructed out of single panes of glass, which allows for better light transmission into the greenhouse. The greenhouse is constructed of aluminum and steel and is designed to let in the most light possible. We do not pave over the floor of the greenhouse. Instead, our growers lay down a thin, white plastic cover that keeps out weeds. Each year that plastic cover is replaced when new planting begins.

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is one of the major items plants need for photosynthesis and growth. It allows for stronger cell development, increased fruit set – the stage where the plant’s flowers are fertilized - and fruit production. Our growers deliver carbon dioxide through tubes made of thin plastic film that run at the plants’ bases. Growers adjust carbon dioxide levels so that it seeps out gently during the day giving the vegetable plants a bath in carbon dioxide.

Heating Systems
Although the southern coast of B.C. has a mild climate, greenhouses still need heat on cooler summer days and during the other seasons, so plants can grow and thrive almost year round. Our growers use high efficiency boiler systems to heat their greenhouses and to maintain the region’s good air quality. Most of our greenhouses use natural gas, which is the cleanest burning hydrocarbon fuel. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of burning natural gas and is captured and released into the crop.

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