Did you know that greenhouses can be an excellent choice for growing cannabis? Unlike indoor warehouses, greenhouses use way less energy when it comes to cannabis production. That's a big plus for our environment!

Another cool thing about greenhouses? They offer precise control over the growing conditions. One key feature is the light deprivation system. This system lets growers adjust the amount of light the plants get. Why is this important? Cannabis plants need a specific 12/12 light and dark cycle to flower properly. With a greenhouse, achieving this becomes a breeze. So, greenhouses don't just save energy; they also make sure the cannabis plants get just what they need!

If you want to make the most of your greenhouse, here are five things you should consider when choosing a light deprivation system.

Now, not all growers have jumped onto this tech train. Some stick to the old-school way, especially those in homes or three-season greenhouses. They manually pull curtains open and shut twice daily. It's a bit more elbow grease, but it works for them.

However, as more and more people enter the cannabis industry, there's been a big move towards these smart, larger greenhouses. Why? They come with precise control over everything inside, from light to temperature. Automation is quickly becoming the gold standard here.

These smart greenhouses come equipped with intelligent controllers. They keep an eye on the indoor light and, if needed, switch on some extra lights. Depending on the time and the preset rules, these systems can decide when to shut the light out.

Some of these automated setups adjust based on indoor temperatures and the season. They can fine-tune the environment to get the best out of their plants. Yes, setting up this tech magic does cost a bit more upfront. But here's the kicker: with the ability to produce more harvests in a year, the investment pays back quickly. So, in the long run, it's like putting money in the bank, thanks to bigger and better yields!

That is why you can never go wrong with investing in automation for your greenhouse's light deprivation system.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to plunge a cannabis greenhouse into almost total darkness? When a light deprivation system is on point, it can reduce light by more than 99%. That means the plants are tucked in a cozy blanket of near-complete darkness, essential for their growth.

So, how do you ensure that your greenhouse is as dark as it should be? Well, researchers and plant experts are still diving into the details of how much darkness cannabis plants precisely need. However, there are a couple of tricks to minimize light leakage.

Light can sneak in from tiny holes in the fabric, like pinholes on paper. But don't worry, there's a simple fix! Using a material that has multiple layers can easily tackle this 'pinhole effect'.

But the tricky part is light leakage around the greenhouse frame's edges. This usually happens when the light deprivation system is either not installed correctly or not designed to fit snuggly on the frame. It's like having a door that doesn't close properly; light will find its way in!

To dodge this issue, communication is key! Make sure to let your greenhouse designer or builder know exactly which light deprivation system you plan on using. It's even better if the greenhouse company designs the system or collaborates directly with the light deprivation system manufacturer. This way, you're ensuring a tight fit and stepping up your game in keeping the unwanted light out!

When it comes to growing cannabis year-round in a greenhouse, the spotlight is on the design and installation of light-blocking systems. The effectiveness of these systems in keeping out unwanted light is all in the details of how they're put together and installed.

So, think again if you're considering saving a few bucks in this department! Light deprivation systems are crucial, and it's important not to cut corners here.

How do you ensure you're getting the best?

Start by choosing a manufacturer who's been around the block, one with years of experience under their belt. Bonus points if they also provide environmental controls!

But, the real key to success is pairing up with a greenhouse designer who knows the ins and outs of commercial cannabis greenhouses. Someone who's a pro at tailoring greenhouse designs to integrate with light deprivation systems seamlessly is your best bet.

Covering the roof is usually a breeze when setting up light deprivation systems in a greenhouse. But the real challenge? The sidewalls! Due to the unique slope of the greenhouse structure, these sidewalls can be a bit irregularly shaped, making them trickier to deal with.

Creating a blackout system that fits like a glove over these unusual sidewalls can be quite a puzzle. This complexity makes these areas the usual suspects for light sneaking in. Whether cultivating in a simple hoop house or a sophisticated year-round greenhouse, these sidewalls can be the Achilles' heel of your top-notch light deprivation system.

So, what's the game plan? Start thinking about those tricky sidewalls early on when sketching out your custom greenhouse design and choosing your system. A good question to ask your greenhouse designer would be how they intend to handle the greenhouse's sidewalls. This way, you're addressing the challenge head-on and ensuring a snug fit for your system, keeping those sneaky light leaks at bay!

Let's dive into some impressive facts about greenhouses! The University of Wisconsin ran a study and made a remarkable discovery: commercial greenhouses that use thermal curtains can save a whopping 60% on their energy bills throughout the year.

Now, if we talk about commercial cannabis greenhouses, there's another neat trick up their sleeve. Their light deprivation systems, mainly used to control the amount of light plants get, can also work as thermal curtains. That means these systems not only manage light but also help save energy. Two birds, one stone!

The energy-saving capability is all thanks to blackout fabrics with a shiny layer of aluminized fabric. This fabric acts as a shield, reflecting away the infrared radiation, which is heat. These fabrics bounce back the heat on a super-hot summer day, keeping the greenhouse cooler. And when winter nights get chilly, the curtains work their magic again by keeping the warmth trapped inside, reducing the need for heaters.

So, in a nutshell, these energy-saving measures aren't just good for our pockets but also make greenhouses smarter and more efficient places for plants to grow!

Choosing the right light deprivation system is important for cannabis growers who want the best yields. An automated system guarantees the plants' accuracy and the perfect amount of light. It's also crucial for the system to block out almost all light to help the plants grow well. Ensure the system is installed correctly and fits well on the greenhouse's sidewalls. Lastly, make sure that your light deprivation system is energy-efficient.