Updated at: 29-03-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

Is the greenhouse’s profit per square foot a concern of yours? If that’s the case, you’ve found the right place. The money you can make with a greenhouse is shocking.

What you need to know is as follows.

Whether you choose to grow fruits, vegetables, trees, or flowers in your greenhouse may affect how much money you make per square foot. You should also think about other factors (like the layout of these plants).

I’m afraid you’re going to have to learn more about that. Keep on reading!

Until then, let’s figure out which crops will bring in the most money, and then we’ll know how much to invest in them.

Profitable Crops For Your Greenhouse

What you plant in your greenhouse has a direct impact on how much money you can make per square foot. So, if you’re wondering what crops to plant, here are the most lucrative ones:

#1. Leafy greens

As a result, people are hungry for greens. Their superiority is undeniable due to their numerous health advantages. And you already know the importance of vegetables to your health.

Five Keys to Accurate Greenhouse Production Costing - Greenhouse Grower

In particular, many varieties of salad greens and lettuces are cultivated. They are low maintenance, and can be grown alongside other ornamentals without causing any problems.

To that end, if you have experience growing ornamental plants, transitioning to lettuces should be a breeze. Why so? You only need to learn the fundamentals of growing leafy greens. Then they will be ready to go!

Profit per square foot per year for growing greenhouse lettuce can reach $20.

#2. Bamboo

Bamboo is another worthwhile crop to cultivate in your greenhouse. The amazing thing about this is how quickly it reaches maturity.

Consider this for a moment:

It can reach a height of 2 feet in a single day. You can see the difference in as little as 24 hours.

In addition, it can adapt to a wide variety of settings with ease. As a result, bamboo can be grown in either a warm or cool climate with complete confidence.

Bamboo can cost as much as $200 per plant. Incredible, right? Making money off of a crop that multiplies so rapidly.

#3. Herbs

For a variety of reasons, herbs have always been considered staple crops. There’s a reason they’re always considered part of the hottest market.

Herbs are useful for gardeners in many ways. Why so?

Herbs don’t require your undivided attention. And that’s a plus if you’re already juggling a full schedule.

Not only does growing herbs yield high profits per square foot, but it also requires very little space.

In addition, you can pick from a wide variety of herbs, including chives, basil, oregano, and cilantro.

Your earnings potential is proportional to the value of the herbs you cultivate.

#4. Tomatoes

I’m assuming tomatoes are a staple in your kitchen. On top of that, tomatoes have countless other culinary applications, including in salads, wraps, and pasta sauces. That just proves once again that tomatoes will never go out of style.

Regardless of the season, you know that demand for tomatoes will remain high. In the same vein as the preceding harvest, it can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They are adaptable to any environment for growth.

Tomatoes and bell peppers or chili plants, for example, could be grown alongside one another in a greenhouse to provide some variety.

However, there are many distinct tomato species. Always go for high-yield varieties like Heirlooms.

The annual profit potential per square foot in a greenhouse for growing vegetables is $20.

#5. Ginseng

Ginseng has been an integral part of the history and culture of a number of Asian countries, and its popularity is rapidly expanding in the West.

Is it true that most farmers consider it the equivalent of green gold? As a matter of fact, it’s because of how lucrative it is.

You should plant this crop if you have a lot of room, can wait for it to mature, and are patient. Don’t be surprised if you learn that it takes up to six years to fully mature.

Further, it is impossible to speed up the procedure. Ginseng root harvesting requires patiently waiting for the plant to reach full maturity.

However, here’s a hint:

You should try to sell it before it reaches maturity because potential buyers prefer a non-rooted version.

Anyway, between the seeds, rootless roots, and mature roots, you can get as much as $100,000 per half acre.

How Much You Can Make In A Greenhouse

If you want to get into greenhouse farming or cultivation, one of the most important things you can do is learn how to market your products. And this issue is important in and of itself, apart from the financial implications.

Tomatoes, for instance, can cost anywhere from $1 to $3. However, there are still many variables to consider. It is your responsibility to secure the crop’s distribution channel or supply schedule.

If you’re able to sell all of your inventory, you’ll make even more money than what we’ve already discussed. That’s why I say there are a lot of variables to consider.

The following are additional things to think about when setting up a greenhouse:

  • Target market

Identifying your target market requires familiarity with the demographics of the local population.

  • Crops to grow

It goes without saying that you need to select the crops for your farm.

  • Know the regulations

The only thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the greenhouse laws in your area.

  • More considerations

If you don’t already have a greenhouse plan, you’ll need one. Where to get your hands on some seeds is crucial information. In continuation…

Greenhouse Cost

Classification of Expenses Amount
Typical Price $15,000
expense par excellence $25,000
Most Economical $2,500

Greenhouse Cost Per Square Foot

The price of constructing a greenhouse rises in proportion to its floor space. However, as square footage grows, prices per square foot fall. It still adds up to more overall, but the price hike won’t be as dramatic.

The average price for a standard, medium-sized greenhouse is $25 per square foot. Costs range from $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot for large commercial greenhouses made of plastic or fiberglass over a steel framework, depending on whether or not they feature ventilation and plumbing.

Cost of Materials

Greenhouses have only three main components: a frame, siding, and a floor. Wood, steel, glass, concrete, and plastic are just some of the many possible materials for these parts.

In a greenhouse, the frame acts as the building’s skeleton. Greenhouse frames are typically made of weather-resistant materials like steel or hard wood. Compared to steel, wood framing costs about $1 per linear foot.

The siding on a greenhouse keeps out the elements while letting in plenty of light to nourish the plants inside. Greenhouses typically use glass siding, which can be purchased for $2.50 per square foot. However, you will likely need a sturdy steel frame to hold the weight of the glass. Fiberglass and polyethylene are two inexpensive substitutes.

While it is possible to operate a greenhouse without a floor, having one provides a number of advantages. It aids in thermal efficiency, keeps out destructive pests, and keeps weeds at bay. Greenhouse flooring options include rolled rubber flooring, which is a popular choice and costs only $2 per square foot. Greenhouse floors can also be made of concrete, stone, brick, or even mulch. No matter what you decide, make sure it drains well.

green crops grow greenhouse Stock Footage Video (100% Royalty-free) 6956893 | Shutterstock

The Price of Greenhouse Supplies*

Material Cost
In a Embedded Wooden Frame $1.00**
A Structure Made of Steel $2.50**
Frameless Glass Facades $2.50
Roofing Material Made of Polyethylene $0.12
Synthetic Fiber Glass Cladding $0.70
The Use of Rubber Flooring in Rolls $2.00
Ground Surface: Cement $2.00 – $6.00
Having Stone Floors $6.00
Hardwood Floors vs. $5.00
Underfoot Mulch $0.35

Prices displayed that aren’t followed by two asterixes are per square foot. Prices shown with two asterixes indicate that they are per linear foot.

Greenhouse Cost by Type

Each of the various greenhouse designs and styles has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Which one is best for you depends on the weather where you live. There is a wide range of prices, but here are some typical greenhouse examples:

Hoop

Greenhouses constructed with a series of half-hoops can be purchased for $5 to $10 per square foot. The hoop is partially buried, with the greater part of it resting on the surface. Most commonly, a plastic sheet is used to cover the hoops.
Rooftop

Greenhouses that are built on the flat roofs of tall buildings are a common sight in cities. There is a price difference of about $10 to $25 per square foot.

Geodesic

Greenhouses with geodesic domes, also known as geodomes, are circular structures with flat dome roofs. Between $10 and $25 per square foot, depending on the material (glass or plastic, for example). These greenhouses have a small footprint but can house a large number of plants thanks to their vertical orientation. As a result, they are perfect for apartments with limited square footage.

A-Frame

The A-frame greenhouse is a popular choice. The roof is quite tall and slopes gently downwards, forming an A shape. This style of greenhouse is useful in regions that receive heavy snowfall because the slanted roof allows the snow to slide off, rather than accumulate and cause structural damage. The average price per square foot for an A-frame greenhouse is between $25 and $35.

What Each Variety of Greenhouse Will Cost *

In the style of a greenhouse Cost
Hoop Pricing ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot
Rooftop From $10 to $25 per square foot
Geodesic Between $10 and $25 per square foot
A-Frame $25-$35 per square foot

*Price is per square foot.

Is a greenhouse business profitable?

How lucrative is it to start a greenhouse company? In the beginning, a greenhouse can bring in a lot of money if it is situated in an area where people have a strong interest in gardening, plants, and the outdoors. In theory, a greenhouse could make $60,000 to $100,000 annually.

What is the most profitable greenhouse crop?

Here are the Top 7 Most Profitable Greenhouse Crops.

  • Tomatoes. Tomatoes, the most common crop grown in greenhouses, can also be very productive, making them valuable.
  • Lettuce.
  • Peppers.
  • Cucumbers.
  • Spinach.
  • Herbs.
  • Strawberries.

How much does it cost to build a 1 acre greenhouse?

The Average Price of a Greenhouse for One Acre A 1-acre greenhouse can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000. To put it another way, an acre is equal to 43,560 square feet. The average cost per square foot for a multi-acre lot is less than $2, but this can vary widely depending on the specifics of the project.

Can you make money growing vegetables in a greenhouse?

The profit potential of growing and selling greenhouse vegetables at farmers markets and directly to customers is high, especially if you focus on growing seasonal vegetables that are in short supply during the winter or in your region.

How much does it cost to operate a greenhouse?

Once the greenhouse kit has been purchased, annual greenhouse costs average around $100. The cost to maintain glazing can vary greatly from year to year, with some years requiring more than just cleaning.

How much does it cost to setup a greenhouse?

Expenses Associated with Constructing a Greenhouse Greenhouse prices can range from $5,000 to $25,300, with an average professional installation costing $13,893. Depending on the specifics of the greenhouse’s design and the materials used, homeowners can expect to spend as little as $3,500 on the project.

green crops grow greenhouse Stock Footage Video (100% Royalty-free) 6956935 | Shutterstock

What can I plant to make money?

The 8 Most Profitable Plants to Cultivate

  • Bamboo. Growers are struggling to meet the high demand for potted bamboo plants from landscapers and homeowners, with prices reaching up to $150 per plant.
  • Flowers.
  • Ginseng.
  • Floor coverings.
  • Herbs.
  • Trees and bushes for a landscape design.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Grass Plants for Landscape Design.

How much can you make owning a nursery?

The potential earnings of a plant nursery are analyzed. Profitability will be scale- and location-dependent. Profits for a thriving nursery typically range from $40,000 to $625,000 per year.

What crop is in highest demand?

Even when considering only relative value, cannabis is the most valuable cash crop in the world. Next comes maize, then rice, and finally wheat.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a greenhouse?

Compared to prefabricated greenhouse kits, the cost and customization options of a homemade greenhouse are much higher. Greenhouse kits come in a variety of sizes, but you can design and build your own greenhouse to suit any space and needs.

How long does a greenhouse last?

Glass greenhouses are built to last for decades, even centuries; their longevity is at least in part attributable to the material’s substantial weight. Although glass greenhouses are more expensive than polycarbonate greenhouses, the value they add to your home makes the extra expense worthwhile.

Do greenhouses work in winter?

When the temperature drops below freezing, you can grow hardy vegetables in an unheated greenhouse, as well as start annuals, propagate perennials, and overwinter plants that are sensitive to the cold. A typical greenhouse will store the sun’s heat during the day, keeping the plants toasty and comfortable even when the temperature drops at night.

Can you make a living with a greenhouse?

Making a profit from crop production and sale is the lifeblood of any greenhouse operation. Understanding production costs is essential for this. Included are expenses that aren’t easily attributed to a specific crop but should be included for consistency’s sake with all crops harvested in a given year.

Will a greenhouse pay for itself?

To them, it just doesn’t make sense that a small greenhouse would “pay for itself” on the typical farm. In my experience, the value of a greenhouse rises sharply with latitude. It may not be worth the effort to invest in greenhouse vegetable production if you live in a region where stores stock most summer vegetables throughout the winter.

What can I sell in a greenhouse?

There are a variety of commercial crops that can be grown in a greenhouse.

  • Lettuce, both cut and headed. Lettuce is a popular choice of vegetable all year round because of its resilience and adaptability.
  • Spinach. Planting spinach in a greenhouse is like planting a staple.
  • Additional Veggies.
  • Microgreens.
  • Carrots.
  • Seasonal or “Summer” Agricultural Products.
  • Herbs.

It’s A Wrap!

The greenhouse profit per square foot, it is hoped, is already common knowledge. Moreover, this largely is determined by the crops you choose to grow.

Don’t forget that there are other factors besides capital to think about, such as advertising, your intended audience, government oversight, the crops you intend to cultivate, and more.

Before your crop is ready for market, you should research current trends to see what consumers are looking for. Doing so guarantees that you will benefit from it.