Canada: Van Belle's new greenhouse in full production

"The greenhouse is full and we are now starting to ship from it," says Dave Van Belle, owner of Van Belle Nursery. Last year, they decided to expand the greenhouse and shipping space to accommodate their larger production goals. They added a 5 acre sized greenhouse and the total acreage under cover of Van Belle Nursery is currently 14 acres. Key to the greenhouse is the 2 acre shipping area with nine docks.

Van Belle Nursery owns four growing sites with a total size of 100 acres. This greenhouse is used for the Retail Ready division of Van Belle Nursery. This division supplies retailers in Western Canada with trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals.

Apex Greenhouse
The new greenhouse is a Westbrook Apex Greenhouse and is 21 feet to the gutter. "We went to 21 feet to benefit from the moderating temperature effects of a high greenhouse. Besides that, it also gives us maximum crop flexibility for the future." The vents are at the peak and will be controlled by Argus. Furthermore, the water capture from rainfall and irrigation will be stored and treated in above ground water tanks on the site. "The water capture will be 99 percent, so no city water is needed," says Van Belle.

Shipping area
Key to the greenhouse is the 2 acre shipping area. LED lights are installed over the shipping area. Everything from the Retail Ready division is being shipped from the new site at the moment. There will be 9 docks in total at this site, to allow for future growth. "Since we we were used to shipping everything from 3 docks, this expansion really helps us."

A timelapse of manufacturing the greenhouse.

"All in all, we are very happy with the new Westbrook greenhouse, and are eager to ship from this site. The crops look good so far and the challenge, as always, is making sure we ship on time. Spring bookings are very strong and if the weather keeps co-operating, it should be a good year," concludes Van Belle.