What is a shade house?
A shade house refers to a structure that is enclosed by agricultural nets and other materials that will allow sunlight, air and moisture to pass through the gaps in the surface of the material. It helps in developing a natural micro environment which is conducive for the plants to grow in. they look similar to a greenhouse but the materials of construction are what differentiates the two. A shade house is generally constructed with shade cloth that protects plants from excessive heat and light. However, a greenhouse and polyhouse is constructed using glass or UV films that promote the intensity of the heat and humidity for the plants which require extremely hot climates to grown in.

Benefits of a shade house:
• Moderation of temperature, humidity, light and dryness
• Increase in yield and quality
• Reduction in crop cycle
• Lesser irrigation as moisture is preserved
• Possible cultivation of off-season crops
• Facilitates drying of yield
• Facilitates production of graft saplings
• Provides protection against pest invasions
• Facilitates the hardening of tissue culture plantlets
• Cost effective and saves resources

There are various types of shade and net houses that provide different advantages. The right type of shade house depends on factors such as the crops that are to be grown, local climatic conditions etc.

1. Site location: the shade house must be located in a place that is well connected with the local market for procuring the inputs as well as quick sale of the yield. The shade house will show maximum output if it is constructed away from industrial areas with high levels of pollution. There should be a free flow of electricity and a good water and drainage system must be in place.
2. Orientation: the orientation of the shade house is largely dependent on two factors- uniformity of light intensity in the shade house as well as the wind direction. Its best to install wind breakers about 30 meters away from the shade house. A single span structure can be constructed in a east-west or north-south direction however, a multi span structure should be constructed in a north-south direction only to ensure uniform light intensity.
3. Materials: A shade house has 2 main components- a frame and cladding material the frame of the shade house provides support for the cladding material to rest on and be protected against wind, rain and other natural calamities. The frame of the shade house is dependent on the size of the shade house and its structure is based on the appropriate design.

The frame is generally constructed using materials like bamboo, wood, angle iron or GI pipes. The cladding materials can be made of plastic nets with different PP threads providing different shade concentrations to the plants.

Each plant has a different requirement for sunlight and shade which can create the most conducive environment for their growth. To ensure that the plants get these optimum climatic conditions it is important to select the right concentration of shade factor.

What is a rainout shelters?
A rainout shelters refers to a structure that is designed to ensure that a certain area of land does not receive any precipitations through rain so that experimentally controlled drought stress can be induced in the protected area. This is done to understand the drought tolerance in plants. These shelters incorporate sensitive rain sensor that actives electric motors to move the shelters across the area using a chain drive to cover the crops incase of rain. A system of drip irrigation can be installed to water the plants and the water levels can be controlled with the automated system. Pesticides and additional nutrients can be distributed using the drip irrigation system as well.

Benefits of rainout shelters:
• Helps in studying the drought tolerance of plants
• Understanding how rainfall influences crops
• Relation between plant productivity and natural irrigation through rain

The rainout shelters provide a precise separation of the roots and the tree canopy from natural rainfall while maintain a natural flow of air, temperature and humidity. Below the soil level, the barriers to prevent the movement of moisture can extend for 1 meter and this prevents lateral movements. Naturally occurring rainfall can be measured and then replicated in a controlled format to understand the effects of drought on the plants and trees.
The rainout shelters are equipped with external environmental sensors that are directly linked to data loggers to measure wind speed, relative humidity, air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture and light at different levels and throughout the location. Creating a sustainable link where the rain water that is run off from the shelter walls can be collected and stored in a tank which can be reused in the shelter as needed for irrigation of other purposes.
A set of rain sensors alert the automatically retractable roofs and curtains of the shelter that close as soon as rain is detected and ensure that little to no rain enters the structure.

There are 2 main designs of a rainout shelter:

1. Moveable shelter: the moveable shelter can be an automatic or manually operated structure where the shelter is closed during rains. The automatic system has a set of sensors that detect rain and signal the electric drive system to close the structure. In a manual system, the structure is closed by wither manually driving the roof or pushing it using human labor over the plot. The manual version can be incorporated in a small scale and is not feasible for multiple structures in the same location or for a larger study.
2. Static shelter: this refers to a structure of a greenhouse that can be rain-proofed as and when required. The main advantage of this is that during non-rainy seasons the greenhouse is well ventilated and the plants are in touch with the natural environment and climate. There are drip irrigation systems installed to ensure that the plants have enough moisture when the greenhouse is closed and converted in to a rain out shelter.

What is automation of irrigation system?
Automating an irrigation system refers to a process where a device is used to operate an irrigation structure so that the change in the flow, quantity, speed and force of water can be controlled even if the irrigator is not physically present at that particular point. Automation can be of different levels ranging from a simple start and stop mechanism to an advanced model where almost all aspects of the water flow can be remotely controlled.

Coconut farm irrigation:
A coconut tree needs an exact soil water density to grow smoothly where the soil is moist but not soggy. The coconut trees need to be properly watered at least every 24 hours in summer. This amounts to at least 50 liters of water for an adult tree per day. Coconut palm trees respond to summer irrigation. If properly irrigated the production of female flowers and settings can increase drastically. The whole process takes about 3 years to show considerable benefits from the spadix initiation to the ripening of the coconuts. The most commonly used and successful method of keeping the soil moist even after irrigation is by burying the coconut husk to create a natural retention system.

Drip irrigation automation for coconut farms:
Drip irrigation: this refers to a system where water and nutrients are directly given in a plants root at the right time and right amounts so that each plant gets the exact amount of water as and when it is needed for optimal growth. This is the most efficient way of irrigating a coconut farm as it prevents overflooding and soggy soil as well as reduces the chances of dry soil which will inevitably kill the plant roots.
Unlike the traditional systems of irrigations that are used in coconut farms such as flood irrigation and basin irrigation, whose efficiency is less than 50% while the overhead costs like expenditure on labor and electricity is extremely high. Scarcity of water resources also adds to a major disadvantage of traditional irrigation systems.

Benefits of drip irrigation:
• Drastically saves water as the resource is target exactly where it is needed, that is, plant roots, and there is minimum wastage of the same.
• Enhances plant growth and yield as the right amount of water and nutrients are readily provided to the coconut trees at all times.
• Saves energy and labor as the irrigation system is automated and does not require manual handling. Energy is conserved as the drip irrigation system is a more efficient way of watering plants.
• Reduces weed growth and improves efficient use of fertilizers. This is facilitated as there is no unwanted moisture in locations other than the roots of the plants and this reduces the growth of weed. With a decrease in the growth of weed, the labor required to pluck out the weed, which is an extremely manual process is also reduced.

For a coconut tree, generally three to four drippers are given for each tree. The cost of the drip irrigation system will largely depend on the size of the coconut farm, number of trees planted, number of drippers per tree and the pump for the irrigation system.

What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation refers to a system where water flows through a filter into drip pipes of various sizes with emitters located at different spacings. Water is evenly distributed through these emitters directly to the roots of the plants through a slow-release device. This system majorly helps in water conservation by reducing evaporation and deep drainage if properly installed and managed.
Compared to traditional irrigation systems or other automated modes of irrigation like overhead sprinklers or flood systems, the drip irrigation system provides a targeted release of the right quantity of water precisely to the plant roots.

Benefits of drip irrigation systems:
• Adaptable to any farming land and is suitable for almost all soils
• Reduces spread of diseases due to overflooding of irrigation water.
• Higher water efficiency and lower labour costs
• No need to level a field for drip irrigation. This system can irrigate an irregular shaped field as it is extremely flexible to design.
• Little to no loss of fertilizers and nutrients mixed with water
• Reduction of weed growth, leaching and pest invasion
• Can be used on all soil types and field capacity can be maintained with low soil erosion
• Extremely high control of water that ensures the uniform distribution of resources.
• Saves energy as the drip irrigation system is generally operated at a lower pressure than other irrigation systems

Commercial drip irrigation systems:
A commercial drip irrigation system is installed when the irrigation patterns for the specific plants are extremely technical and the farming is on an industrial scale. They are designed by experts and can be customised to suit the need of the shape and size of the plantations.
Most commercial drip irrigation systems have a filter to prevent clogging of the path of flow for the water. There are various technological developments in this field that have successfully attained a ‘No clogging’ method of transferring water. These filters are highly recommended as investing in a filter of good quality will save more than the maintenance and repairs cost spent each time post clogging.

Components of a drip irrigation systems:
• Pump units
• Emitters (drippers)
• Laterals
• Control head
• Main lines and distributary lines

Operating a drip irrigation systems:
A drip irrigation system is usually permanently installed and its instillation does not change based on seasons. However, the flow and amount of water that is emitted is altered based on various external factors. Due to this a drip irrigation system can be easily automated to suit the needs of each plant specifically. The process of automation will require technical knowledge and it is best to get in touch with a professional to understand the exact working of the system based on the needs of the plants cultivated.
Plants can be watered frequently based on the humidity and this provides am extremely conducive environment for the roots to grow and strengthen. Since a drip irrigation system wet only the roots of the plant, it saves 70% more water than other modes of irrigation. The wetting patterns depend on the soil type and this can be controlled, made conducive for the plants with the amount of dripping water.

Hydroponics is a relatively new technology that has been rapidly evolving since its introduction about 60+ years ago it was initially originated for academic research and to gain an understanding of the actual essentials of plant growth but has now evolved into a full-fledged industry that helps in the sustenance of the environment while provide a better quality of crops for consumption. Hydroponic farming gives higher output with lesser input of resources.
Its versatility ensures that the farming techniques and variety is appropriate for developing countries as well as high tech space stations. This type of farming can create food produce across the world from desserts to mountains and even in domestic spaces like rooftops of schools or homes. It provides locally produced crops like fresh greens and herbs in all spaces.
The hydroponic industry has a lot of scope for automation as can be seen in its own evolution. Currently it is partially automated but there is a high chance of increasing the technology efficiency and making it completely mechanical. This is in turn dependent on the development of the production systems that may or may not be as cost effective as the traditional farming methods. There is also a lot of possibility to reuse the existing resources within a hydroponic farm to reduce wastage and increase the efficiency. This can vividly be seen in cogeneration projects that utilize the heat from the industry plants but can be expanded in the coming years with a development in geothermal heating options.
The economic prospects for hydroponic agriculture may also advance with the improvement in government recognition. If the government bodies are determined to make a shift to hydroponic farming, then they can offer subsidiaries, tax rebuttals, monetary benefits and other backup options to farmers regionally to give them a minor push to take the leap into hydroponic farming.
In India, hydroponic farms are being set up across the country like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolhapur etc. The competition in the Indian market is not very fierce because the technology is fairly new and its awareness is limited. There is a high growth possibility in the Indian market for hydroponic farming as the population is at a constantly upward graph and the land available for cultivation is unfortunately constant.
The lack of technological awareness and development of hydroponics in India will also lead to a back-end development of the country’s technological feasibility. If hydroponics is adopted by the farmers, it will naturally call for a push in the development of the technology which is available. Adopting hydroponic farming will also increase the quality and quantity of the crop output and reduce the inputs and reuse the wastage. This will create a cascading effect which will demand for an overall development in the country’s output level in all fields.
Hydroponic farming overcomes the shortcomings of traditional farming and offers a more sustainable and healthy option. Many countries have already shifted to hydroponic farming as their primary mode of agriculture and its only a matter of time before India realizes its potential and makes a big shift towards the same.

A Shift from Tradition to Innovation

Indian farmers have long relied on traditional farming methods, utilizing soil, natural water sources, and abundant sunlight to cultivate crops. While these methods have sustained Indian agriculture for centuries, global farming trends are evolving, and India is gradually embracing these advancements.
SOne such revolutionary approach is hydroponic farming—a soilless cultivation method where plants receive nutrients through a liquid solution while sunlight is either naturally harnessed or supplemented by artificial lighting systems. This technology optimizes resource use, making it a viable solution for India's land and water scarcity issues.

How Hydroponic Farming Works

From a scientific perspective, plants require water, nutrients, and light to grow and carry out photosynthesis. Hydroponics replaces traditional soil with a nutrient-rich water solution, ensuring direct and efficient nutrient absorption by plants. Light exposure can be natural or controlled via LED lighting systems, which mimic sunlight to create optimal growing conditions.

This technique eliminates the dependency on fertile soil and significantly reduces water wastage, making it an ideal choice for a country like India, where arable land is shrinking and water resources are under stress.

Hydroponics in India: Current Status & Growth Potential

While hydroponic farming is still in its early stages in India, a handful of progressive farmers and agritech startups have begun experimenting with soilless cultivation. Currently, most hydroponic farms in India focus on growing microgreens, herbs, and exotic vegetables, which cater to urban markets and premium consumers. However, large-scale hydroponic farming of staple crops like wheat and rice is still a distant goal.

The Rise of Commercial Hydroponics

Despite its infancy, hydroponic farming is gaining traction in India due to the entry of large agribusiness firms and foreign investors. Currently, India has approximately 40 operational hydroponic farms, primarily concentrated in South India and metro regions where demand is high and logistics support is available

With the rapid urbanization and growing demand for pesticide-free, high-nutrition produce, hydroponics could reshape the agricultural landscape in India. The rising population and shrinking farmland availability make hydroponics a logical step forward to ensure sustainable food production.

Advantages of Hydroponic Farming in India

Efficient Land and Water Usage

• Hydroponics requires 90% less water than soil-based farming, making it suitable for drought-prone regions.
• Vertical hydroponic farms maximize space efficiency, producing more crops per square meter compared to traditional farming.

Reduced Dependency on Weather & Soil

• Farmers no longer have to rely on rainfall patterns or soil fertility, which varies across different states.
• Indoor hydroponic farms ensure year-round cultivation, increasing crop yield and consistency.

Lower Pest and Weed Infestation

• Controlled environments reduce the risk of pests and diseases, leading to higher-quality produce.
• Minimal or no use of chemical pesticides results in healthier, toxin-free crops.

Higher Profitability & Market Demand

• Hydroponic crops often sell at premium prices due to their superior quality and longer shelf life.
• With urban consumers demanding organic and chemical-free food, hydroponic farming presents a lucrative opportunity for Indian farmers.

Challenges and Future Scope of Hydroponics in India

Current Challenges:

• High Initial Investment – Setting up a hydroponic farm requires advanced infrastructure, including nutrient delivery systems, climate control, and LED lighting.
• Limited Awareness & Expertise – Many farmers lack knowledge about hydroponic techniques and benefits.
• Crop-Specific Limitations – Large-scale hydroponic cultivation of grains like wheat and rice is still in the experimental stage.

The Road Ahead: A New Agricultural Revolution?

If proper policies and government support are implemented, hydroponic farming can lead to a new green revolution in India. With increasing land constraints and growing food demands, transitioning to soilless farming could help improve food security while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Initiatives Supporting Hydroponic Farming

• Government Schemes & Grants: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various state governments are promoting hydroponic farming through subsidies and research programs.
• Private Agritech Companies: Several startups are helping farmers transition from traditional farming to hydroponics, providing training, investment opportunities, and technological assistance.

Hydroponic farming is revolutionizing agriculture by enabling soil-free cultivation of plants using nutrient-rich water solutions. This method reduces water consumption, optimizes space usage, and accelerates plant growth, making it a highly efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional farming. As global food demand rises, hydroponics is set to become a mainstream agricultural solution.

But with multiple hydroponic systems available, choosing the right one depends on factors like budget, crop type, available space, and technical expertise. Let’s explore the six main types of hydroponic farms, their advantages, challenges, and best use cases.

Deep Water Culture (DWC) – Ideal for Beginners

Best for: Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and herbs

Cost: Low

Maintenance: Minimal

Deep Water Culture (DWC) is one of the simplest and most cost-effective hydroponic methods. It involves suspending plants in net pots above a water reservoir filled with a nutrient-rich solution. The roots remain submerged, ensuring a constant supply of water and nutrients.

Key Benefits:

• Affordable & easy to set up – Requires only a reservoir, net pots, and an air pump
• Minimal maintenance – Once set up, it requires little daily intervention
• Fast plant growth – Consistent nutrient availability speeds up plant development

Challenges:

• Not suitable for large or deep-rooted plants
• Oxygen deprivation can occur if air pumps fail

Wicking System – Passive Hydroponics for Small-Scale Farming

Best for: Herbs, microgreens, and small vegetables

Cost: Very Low

Maintenance: Minimal

The wicking system is a low-tech hydroponic method that doesn’t require electricity or pumps. Plants are grown in a moisture-retaining medium (such as coco coir or perlite) while a wick (rope or felt strip) pulls nutrient-rich water from the reservoir to the roots.

Key Benefits:

• No electricity needed – Works purely through capillary action
• Best for beginners – Simple and easy to manage
• Low maintenance – Ideal for small-scale or home setups

Challenges:

• Not suitable for large plants due to limited nutrient delivery
• Risk of root rot if the growing medium retains too much moisture

Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain) – Best for Flexible Crop Growth

Best for: Root vegetables, strawberries, and peppers

Cost: Moderate

Maintenance: High

The ebb and flow system periodically floods the plant roots with a nutrient-rich solution, which is then drained back into the reservoir. This mimics natural irrigation cycles and helps plants absorb oxygen efficiently.

Key Benefits:

• Versatile – Suitable for a variety of plants
• Water-efficient – Recirculates unused nutrient solution
• Encourages strong root development due to periodic drying cycles

Challenges:

• Requires frequent monitoring of flooding cycles, evaporation rates, and nutrient balance
• Pump failure can lead to dehydration

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – A Recirculating System for Small Plants

Best for: Lettuce, basil, kale, and small herbs

Cost: Moderate

Maintenance: High

NFT involves growing plants in a sloped channel where a thin film of nutrient-rich water continuously flows over the roots. Unlike DWC, the roots are not fully submerged, allowing better oxygen absorption.

Key Benefits:

• Highly water-efficient – Uses a recirculating system with minimal waste
• Faster nutrient uptake due to continuous exposure to fresh nutrients
• No soil-borne diseases since roots are suspended in air

Challenges:

• Pump-dependent – Any failure can cause root drying
• Roots may clog the channel, reducing nutrient flow

Drip System – Scalable for Commercial Use

Best for: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers

Cost: Moderate to High

Maintenance: Medium

The drip system delivers a precise amount of nutrients directly to each plant’s root zone through small drip emitters. Excess solution is collected and recirculated or discarded.

Key Benefits:

• Highly customizable – Feeding schedule can be automated
• Water-efficient – Uses a controlled nutrient supply
• Scalable – Works for both small and large commercial setups

Challenges:

• Regular monitoring required – pH and nutrient levels fluctuate
• Clogging issues can occur in small tubing

Aeroponics – High-Tech & Oxygen-Rich Farming

Best for: High-value crops like strawberries and medicinal plants

Cost: High

Maintenance: High

Aeroponics is a cutting-edge hydroponic method where plant roots are suspended in air and misted with a nutrient solution. This allows for maximum oxygen exposure, leading to rapid plant growth.

Key Benefits:

• Uses 95% less water than soil-based farming
• Higher oxygen absorption leads to faster growth
• Minimal disease risk due to soil-free growing conditions

Challenges:

• Expensive setup – Requires misting pumps, sensors, and advanced monitoring
• Pump failure can cause root dehydration within hours

What Is hydroponic farming?
Hydroponic farming is a soilless agricultural method that allows plants to grow by absorbing nutrient-rich water solutions instead of relying on soil. In this system, plant roots are either submerged in a nutrient solution or supported by an inert medium such as perlite, coconut fiber, or vermiculite. This technique enables efficient nutrient absorption, faster growth, and higher yields, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional farming, especially in regions with poor soil quality.

Essential Components for Hydroponic Farming

To successfully implement hydroponic farming, the following elements are crucial:

Fresh Water & pH Balance

• Water should have a balanced pH (ideally between 6.0 - 6.5) to support optimal plant growth.
• Adjust pH levels using natural or commercial solutions available in agricultural stores.

Root Support

• Since soil is not used, plants require an alternative medium to anchor their roots.
• Best materials: Perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, or coconut coir.
• Avoid compact materials that retain excessive water, leading to root rot

Oxygen Supply

• Plant roots require oxygen for respiration, which is naturally available in soil-based farming.
• Two methods to ensure oxygen availability in hydroponics:

1. Leave an air gap between the nutrient solution and the plant roots.
2. Use an air pump or air stone (similar to those in aquariums) to oxygenate the water.

Light Source

• Natural sunlight is sufficient for outdoor setups.
• Indoor farms require artificial grow lights like LEDs, which mimic sunlight.
• Each plant type has unique lighting needs—adjust the intensity and duration accordingly.

Nutrient Solutions

• A mix of essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ensures plant health.
• Farmers can prepare customized solutions at home or purchase pre-mixed hydroponic nutrients.

Advantages of Hydroponic Farming

1. No Dependence on Soil

• Over 50% of the world’s topsoil has been lost due to erosion and pollution
• Soil variability no longer affects plant growth—crops can be cultivated anywhere, regardless of soil quality.

2. Reduced Labor & Maintenance

• Eliminates the need for tilling, weeding, pesticide application, and soil maintenance.
• Requires less manpower, reducing overall farming costs.

3. Water Conservation

• Hydroponic systems use 98% less water than traditional farming.
• Water recirculates in a closed-loop system, minimizing waste.

4. Faster Crop Growth & Increased Yields

• Crops grow 30-50% faster due to direct nutrient absorption.
• Farmers can control light, temperature, hydration, and nutrient intake, optimizing plant growth.
• Studies show that hydroponic systems can yield 200x more than conventional methods.

5.Controlled Environment & Year-Round Production

• By eliminating weather dependencies, hydroponic farms create ideal growing conditions throughout the year.
• Protected from pests and diseases, reducing the need for harmful pesticides

6. Maximized Space Utilization

• Requires 90% less land than traditional farming.
• When combined with vertical farming, hydroponics saves up to 99% of land space.

7. Stable Pricing & Predictable Harvests

• Since crops grow in a controlled setting, farmers can predict exact yields and quality.
• Enables fixed-price contracts with retailers and restaurants.

8. Shorter & More Efficient Supply Chains

• Hydroponic greenhouses can be built in urban areas, eliminating the need for long-distance transportation.
• Reduces energy costs associated with refrigerated storage and transport.
• Local production ensures fresher produce reaching consumers faster.

9. Higher Quality & Nutrient-Dense Food

• Crops ripen naturally on the plant, preserving maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Studies confirm that hydroponically grown produce often contains higher vitamin and mineral levels compared to conventionally farmed crops.

The Future of Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponic farming is rapidly emerging as a sustainable agricultural solution that maximizes efficiency, conserves resources, and ensures food security. With advancements in automation, AI-based monitoring, and vertical farming, hydroponics is expected to play a pivotal role in future food production worldwide.

By adopting this innovative farming method, individuals and businesses can contribute to reducing environmental impact, optimizing land use, and ensuring consistent food supply. Whether for commercial farming or home-based urban gardening, hydroponics offers a scalable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

What is a greenhouse insect screen?
A greenhouse insect screen is an essential barrier designed to prevent pests and insects from entering a greenhouse while maintaining optimal airflow and light transmission. Also referred to as an anti-fly netting system, these screens come in a variety of mesh sizes tailored to block specific insects, ensuring a protected growing environment for plants. By using insect screens, farmers and greenhouse operators can reduce dependency on chemical pesticides, enhance plant health, and prevent the spread of plant-borne diseases caused by insects.

Pests like aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and fruit flies can severely damage crops by feeding on leaves, transmitting viruses, and laying eggs within plant tissues. Over time, many of these pests develop resistance to conventional pesticides, making physical barriers like insect screens an eco-friendly and long-term solution for greenhouse management.

Key Benefits of Using Greenhouse Insect Screens

• Effective Pest Control: Blocks harmful insects, reducing infestations and protecting plant health.
• Lower Chemical Usage: Minimizes the need for chemical pesticides, making the farming process more organic and cost-effective.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Saves resources by eliminating frequent pesticide applications.
• Improved Plant Quality: Ensures healthier crops by reducing exposure to pest-related damage.
• Optimal Greenhouse Conditions: Facilitates proper air circulation, moderates shading, and ensures sufficient light penetration.
• Weather Protection: Shields crops from strong winds, hail, and harmful UV radiation.

When Should You Install Insect Screens?
To maximize their effectiveness, insect screens should be installed before the peak insect season begins. Early installation ensures that pests are blocked from entering before they have a chance to breed within the greenhouse.

Many farmers choose to install screens as soon as seedlings sprout or immediately after transplanting to protect plants throughout their most vulnerable growth stages. Screens can later be removed during the flowering phase, allowing natural pollination while maintaining a balance between beneficial and harmful insect populations.

Types of Greenhouse Insect Screens and Their Applications

Choosing the right mesh size is crucial for effective insect control. Here’s a breakdown of different mesh sizes and their specific uses:

1. 17 Mesh – Ideal for protecting against fruit flies, grape moths, and fruit butterflies. Also provides resistance to wind and hail.
2. 25 Mesh – Offers protection against fruit flies, birds, and bats. It also serves as an effective windbreaker.
3. 40 Mesh – Commonly used in commercial flower and vegetable greenhouses, providing high durability and flexibility for seamless production.
4. 50 Mesh – Designed to block leaf miners, tobacco whiteflies, thrips, and aphids. Features strong tucked selvedges for enhanced durability.
5. 75 Mesh – Provides maximum protection against all types of greenhouse pests, while also shielding plants from UV radiation, solar exposure, strong winds, and hailstorms.

Encouraging Beneficial Insects Inside the Greenhouse

Not all insects are harmful to plants—some are essential for natural pest control. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and green lacewing larvae help control populations of soft-bodied pests such as aphids. However, adult beneficial insects may leave the greenhouse if conditions aren’t favorable.

By installing fine-mesh insect netting, these beneficial predators remain inside, continuously feeding on pests and maintaining ecological balance. To further encourage them to stay, greenhouse operators can create a hospitable environment by ensuring adequate humidity, food sources, and resting areas within the greenhouse structure.