The Florida greenhouse vegetable industry in the 1999-2000
season includes an estimated 80 acres of crops. The three major
crops are colored bell pepper, tomato and European cucumber. Smaller
greenhouse acreage is dedicated to herbs (primarily basil), lettuces, specialty
leafy greens, edible flowers and strawberry. The Florida greenhouse
vegetable industry includes one of the largest operations in the US and many
small operations intensively producing specialty crops. Greenhouse
structures include fan, pad, and naturally ventilated
structures. The most frequently utilized production system in Florida is
soilless bag culture with perlite, rockwool, or peat mixes. Floating
hydroponic systems and nutrient film technique are also used for lettuce and
some herbs. New vertical production systems are gaining popularity for
several specialty crops.
