Protected Plant Production

Overview

Protected cultivation is when plants are grown in a closed or sheltered environment – ultimately improving the plants growth proccess. This is typically done using a greenhouse – but no limited to.

The crops produced in a protected environment can be ornamental – for the home garden and nursery; for the cut flower industry; or food crops for commercial production. Types of plants include:

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Herbs

• Cut Flowers

• Container Plants

• Bedding Plants

• Over-wintering cold-tender species

• Display plants

Aims of the Protected Plant Production course from Warnborough College

• Describe and Evaluate the type and shape of modern growing structures

• Describe and evaluate environmental controls in protected cropping

• Explain the nature of solar radiation, transmission properties of glass and its substitutes

• Determine the water requirements of a crop; and methods of irrigation.

• Relate horticultural principles to the production and harvesting of a range of crops.

• Evaluate the factors involved in marketing protected crops

• Evaluate the factors involved in marketing protected crops

• Undertake risk assessment for a protected crop