Most cannabis growers start on a small scale. It takes a lot of experimentation to learn the process. Once the process has been mastered, it needs to be fine-tuned. This requires a learning curve.
As a grower, you will eventually look back at how you started and shake your head in wonder. The way you do things now will be very different from the way you did things back then.
As time passes, you will want to expand your grow operation. This will require more space. Your greenhouse is no longer big enough. You must make the important decision to enlarge your greenhouse.
Choosing to expand your grow operation is not as easy as it sounds. There are several factors you need to take into consideration.
1. Don’t expect it to happen overnight
As with any restructuring project, there is a lot of paperwork you need to complete. The cannabis industry is highly regulated, so you’ll need to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops. Save yourself a lot of frustrations by having realistic expectations.
Speak to other growers and listen to their experiences. The stories they tell will give you some insight into what to expect.
Save yourself the frustration of unrealistic expectations by accepting that things may take longer than you anticipated.
2. Navigate the bureaucracy before you start
Do the research needed on what is required for you to expand your operation. Determine if you need a permit or not. It’s unwise to put in a bigger greenhouse only to find out that you’ve erected it illegally.
The county zones areas. Different zones have different rules. You might not be allowed to erect such a structure in your current location. That means you’ll have to consider relocating.
Knowledge before the fact is essential. Where you need permits, apply for them and wait until they are granted.
Building inspectors will come and make sure your greenhouse complies with the county regulations.
3. You could consider moving your operation
Before you commit to erecting a more significant greenhouse, decide if this is where you want to be. If you’re wavering about it, don’t do anything until you’ve made the final decision. Research other areas and changing your location.
This is a decision with long-term consequences. Act in haste, repent at leisure is the adage to remember.
You can even give your geographical location some thought. If you’re in a climate that isn’t friendly to the growth of cannabis, you’re spending a fortune on heating and cooling.
4. Make a sound decision about your greenhouse
There are many greenhouses to choose from. They come in different shapes and sizes. The protection they offer your cannabis may vary.
The climate you’re growing your cannabis in will determine the type of greenhouse you buy. Another factor is the size of the land you have access to.
Get advice from others before you decide. You can learn a lot about what to do and what not to do based on their experiences. This allows you to make an informed decision.
5. Consider using light deprivation in your greenhouse
Light deprivation is a way to give you the chance to grow crops continuously. A greenhouse equipped with a blackout system will help you.
Exposing your plants to a selected amount of light can make them flower all year round. It can ensure you 2-3 harvests in a calendar year. This will increase your revenues. The investment in your greenhouse will pay itself off quickly.
Choosing between an interior and exterior light deprivation system depends on the climate you’re doing your growing in. An exterior light deprivation system may cost less. Harsh winters in your climate will require an interior light deprivation system.
6. Keep up with the times
You can get your greenhouse to do some of the work for you if you buy the right one. Smart greenhouses allow you to program the greenhouse to perform specific functions. You can set it up to control your heaters and air conditioners.
Your circulation and light deprivation systems can be programmed to come on at certain times and switch off at others.
You already know what is needed for your crop to grow. Let your greenhouse help you accomplish your goals.
7. Think about your future needs
Look at the greenhouse you want to install and ask yourself if it is big enough to accommodate another expansion or two. Choosing a greenhouse that will allow you only a small increase in size is not a wise investment.
Complete a business plan and look as far as ten years into the future. Is your greenhouse going to last until then?
Investigate the possibility of getting a greenhouse you can expand later. Alternatively, make sure you have enough land to erect another greenhouse in the future.
8. Let the experts help you
Greenhouse manufacturers have turned much of their attention to the growing cannabis market. Choose a vendor that offers excellent services.
Look at customer reviews and evidence that the manufacturer is reputable. Make personal contact with a salesperson who can answer all your questions and advise you.
Consider after sales service options before you make decisions. Don’t go with the cheapest options. A little more money invested can go a long way.
9. Choose the right help for your operation
Hiring staff to help you with your grow operation is critical. Make sure they are hardworking and trustworthy. As your enterprise grows, you’ll no longer be able to do everything yourself. Find people you know will help and not hinder you.
Interview candidates before you take them on. Prior experience in the industry is an advantage, but so is an eagerness to learn.
10. Don’t ever think you know it all
Grow techniques are evolving by the day. The technology you can use to increase the effectiveness of your process. Keeping up to date with industry standards and regulations is essential. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law unintentionally.
Commitment to the status a lifelong learner when it comes to your trade will help you expand your grow operation and your bottom line. After all, you don’t want to miss out while your competitors gain an advantage.
