Under Section 1-1(q) of Connecticut General Statutes, greenhouses and other structures, used primarily for the production of horticultural commodities, are considered agriculture and farming. This fact sheet explores some Regulations and Codes related to commerical greenhouses in Connecticut.

In orchards, excessive rainfall can lead to oversaturated soils, flooding, and standing water. As a result, observations of plant disease caused by soilborne pathogens often coincide. The excessive free moisture in water-logged soils is problematic for many reasons, the first being stress brought on by the plant roots not having access to oxygen.

Whether expanding a greenhouse operation, or building a new one, zoning approval is required. In some communities, especially smaller ones, this may be easy to obtain. In others, a considerable expenditure in time and money may be required. This usually depends on the level of preparedness (including paperwork), the complexity of the regulations and the feelings of neighbors toward the business.

In most sections of the United States, the ‘wind load’ is the greatest force that a greenhouse will be subject to. Wind load can occur from hurricanes, tornados, or a sudden squall from a passing weather front. The wind forces that act on the greenhouse are influenced by numerous factors, including the basic wind speed, building orientation and exposure, height and shape of the greenhouse, and doors or vents that may be open at the time of the wind occurrence.

Late Spring frosts remain one of the most concerning and devastating weather events for fruit producers in the Northeast U.S. With a shifting climate and increasing weather instability, it is important to know what factors influence Spring frosts. Here, critical temperatures, freeze injury and frost protection are explored to help prepare for the future, keeping in mind that extreme weather events like this will likely continue to occur.