Design Suggestions and Greenhouse Management for Vegetable Production in Perlite and Rockwool Media in Florida

The purpose of this publication is to present suggestions and options for designing and operating a greenhouse for vegetable production in solid media systems. While developed through perlite and rockwool research, these recommendations also would apply to other solid media, such as peat, pine park mixes or coco fiber. The major design considerations are those pertaining to the floor design for the media system and irrigation system design. Suggestions also are presented for general greenhouse design and operation for tomato culture. Many of these design and management suggestions would apply to houses with other production systems, e.g., upright bag or peat-trough, and in most cases would be applicable for cucumbers, eggplant, and pepper. First published Oct. 1990.