Knowledge Center · Yield
Greenhouse yield planning guide
Short answer: plan yield by fixing the crop and market first, setting a realistic target per m², then sizing structure, climate control and fertigation to hold the crop in range all year, and checking results weekly. This guide gives the steps and a template you can print.
The grower's journey, step by step
1. Choose the crop and market
Fix the crop, variety type, product grade and buyer (export, retail programme or local wholesale). The market sets the quality standard your yield must meet.
2. Set a realistic target per m²
Start from published trials or your own records for that crop in a similar climate. Use the yield planner for a first estimate, then lower it for your first season.
3. Match the structure to the target
Higher targets need more light, height and climate control. Compare polytunnel, multi-span and Venlo options against the target, not only on price.
4. Integrate climate control
Size cooling, heating, ventilation, screens and CO₂ for your local summer and winter conditions. Connect the climate computer to irrigation so watering follows light and plant demand.
5. Plan water and fertigation
Check water volume and quality, decide on recirculation and disinfection, and set the fertigation recipe for each growth stage.
6. Plan the team and season
Set planting dates, harvest window, labour per hectare and the agronomy support you need during the first cycles.
7. Monitor weekly and adjust
Record harvest, quality and climate data every week against the plan. Change the target or the settings when the numbers drift.
Climate-control integration
A yield target only holds if the climate system can keep the crop in range on the hottest and coldest days. Plan these together:
| Temperature | Day/night set points by growth stage; heating and cooling sized for local extremes. |
|---|---|
| Humidity | Ventilation, dehumidification or fogging to stay in range and limit disease. |
| Light | Shade and energy screens; supplemental lighting only where the yield gain covers its running cost. |
| CO₂ | Enrichment when vents are closed; little effect when the greenhouse is fully ventilated. |
| Irrigation link | Climate computer triggers fertigation by radiation sum and drain readings. |
Climate control systems guide · Yield planner · Yield improvement calculator
Printable yield planning template
Choose "Save as PDF" in the print window to keep a copy.
| Item | Your plan |
|---|---|
| Crop / variety type | |
| Target market and quality grade | |
| Growing area (m² / ha) | |
| Target yield (kg/m² per year) | |
| Structure type | |
| Summer / winter design temperatures | |
| Cooling and heating method | |
| Climate set points (temp, RH, CO₂) | |
| Water source, volume and quality | |
| Fertigation and recirculation | |
| Planting date and harvest window | |
| Team and agronomy support | |
| Weekly KPIs to track | |
| Budget range and financing | |
| Decision date / next step |
SeedMatchGroup · seedmatchgroup.com/yield-planning-guide
FAQ
- What is greenhouse yield planning?
- It is setting a realistic production target per m² for a crop, then specifying the structure, climate control, irrigation and team needed to reach it, and checking progress against that target each week.
- How does climate control affect yield planning?
- Yield targets assume the crop can be held within its temperature, humidity, light and CO₂ range. The climate system must be sized for local summer and winter design conditions; otherwise the target needs to be lowered.
- Where do I get yield numbers for my crop?
- Use published trials or your own records for your crop and climate. Our yield planner uses published greenhouse studies as a starting point; local results can differ.
Turn the plan into supplier-neutral quotes
Send your completed plan. We review commercial projects from USD 250K and return comparable proposals, free for buyers.
Start a greenhouse RFQ