Name: Greenhouse Automation Series, Part 1: Pre-Automation Essentials
Start: 2025-10-22T18:00:00Z
End: 2025-10-22T18:00:37.000Z
Location: BrightTALK

Prospiant is a turnkey controlled environment agriculture solutions provider. With us, you can grow confidently because you will benefit from the financial strength and end-to-end expertise built by our heritage companies during more than 185 years of combined business success.

Talking points: 
-Beyond the Basics: Integrating multiple curtain layers, integrating curtains with real-time sensors and climate-control computers, addressing zone-specific needs
-Common issues: common issues (condensation, fabric wear, cable tensioning, motor failure) and how to prevent them; commonly asked questions
-FAQs: possible example questions - Right crack % to leave curtain open for airflow without losing heat, How do I avoid humidity buildup and dripping under the curtain at night?, How much energy savings should I realistically expect from a thermal curtain, etc.?, How do I decide if one curtain layer is enough?, What’s the most common cause of curtain drive failures?, How do curtain strategies differ between glass and poly greenhouses?, How do curtain systems compare in northern versus southern climates?
-Curtain fabrics influence of crop morphology
-practical challenges, optimization strategies, and troubleshooting
-What’s next in curtain materials and strategies and how they’ll change growing practices

Greenhouse Curtain Systems

Explore how AI-driven systems manage everything from irrigation to climate control and lighting without manual intervention.
• Defining full automation
o What does full-automation look like today
o When does full-automation make the most sense
o Examples: automated water tank calculations, mean temperature control, predictive adjustments, etc.
• Integration with greenhouse structure
o Air-handling, ventilation, climate-uniformity, etc. within Venlos and high-tech houses
• Vendor Insights (high-end systems)
• Grower Insights
• Key Takeaways/Q&A
o ROI and long-term savings
o Planning upgrades from semi-automation to AI

Greenhouse Automation Series,  Part 3: Advanced Automation & AI: Fully Automating Your Greenhouse

We'll show how partial or intermediate automation can save time, improve efficiency, and reduce manual oversight without full AI investment. Points covered: 
• Defining semi-automation
o What does semi-automation look like
o When does semi-automation make the most sense
o Examples: computers that execute programmed strategies automatically, etc., etc.
• Benefits and limitations
o Efficiency gains vs. labor costs
o Crop quality improvements
• Vendor insights (mid-level systems)
o Computer systems that automate a majority of the tasks
o Alarm systems and monitoring tools
• Grower insights
o Semi-automated, low-tech  bedding plant grower (hoop houses, automatic watering, timers)
• Scaling toward full automation later
• Key takeaways/Q&A

Greenhouse Automation Series, Part 2: From Manual to AI

Launch a school greenhouse fast, without the uncertainty and guesswork. The Classroom Cultivator sets the standard for a school greenhouse, providing an innovative, hands-on learning space that goes beyond the traditional classroom to keep students engaged. Hear from two of our experienced team members as they go through the advantages and benefits of a school greenhouse!

The Classroom Cultivator is an engineered A-frame greenhouse package designed for school safety and code compliance. It comes with all the core equipment you need, so you can start growing sooner. 

This webinar walks you through: 
• What’s included in the base package
• Optional add-ons
• How installation works
• Startup setups to go live quickly
• Planning and permitting tips for schools

Classroom Cultivator: Everything you need to start growing

Good retail greenhouse design makes people stop. Great design makes them stay—and spend. Every design choice you make shapes what customers notice, how long they stay, and how much they buy.
This webinar explores the design decisions that create big results for your garden center greenhouse. If you want more eyes, longer visits, and better sales, it starts with the space itself.

We’ll cover:
• Design tips for boosting curb appeal and visibility from the street
• Ways to lay out your retail space to maximize shopper flow and comfort
• Cooling strategies that keep customers and plants happy
• Pros and cons of different greenhouse structures for retail use
• Entry/exit design that improves flow, security, and pickup traffic
• How to future-proof your layout

How to Design a Retail Greenhouse that Shoppers Love!

Not every greenhouse works well for aquaponics. The right one keeps your systems running smoothly to create the perfect environment for fish, plants, and beneficial microbes to thrive. It can save you money on energy costs. The wrong one? It can lead to unstable conditions, higher bills, and lower yields.

This webinar is about helping you make the right choice for your setup. We’ll cover:

•     Why your greenhouse matters – how the right setup helps your system thrive
•     What to look for – structure, airflow, temperature control, and more
•     Best greenhouse types for aquaponics – real pros and cons
•     Keeping fish, plants, and water at peak health – managing light, airflow, and temperature
•     Cutting costs & saving energy – smart strategies to lower expenses
•     Lessons from real aquaponics projects – what worked, what didn’t, and why
•     Live Q&A – bring your questions, we’ve got answers

Aquaponics & Greenhouses: How to Choose and Operate the Right Setup

Cold frames are a time-tested, cost-effective way to protect crops and extend your growing season—but are they the right fit for your operation? In this technical deep dive, our experts will break down the advantages and disadvantages of greenhouse cold frames and share real-world project insights from growers just like you.

We'll answer: 
What can a Ground-to-Ground greenhouse do for you?
What are the differences between cold frames and high tunnels?
When is it time to consider a high tunnel?
What has worked well for customers and what would they do differently?
What limitations do cold frames and high tunnels have?
What optional features can be added to a high tunnel?

Join us for a straight-shooting, no-fluff discussion! This is your chance to get the inside scoop on greenhouse cold frames—without the sales pitch.

Growing in Greenhouse Cold Frames: Pros, Cons, & Real-World Results

Greenhouse Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and Solving Common Issues

Even the best greenhouses wear down over time—frames shift, leaks form, doors stop sealing, and suddenly, you’re battling temperature swings, weak points, and rising repair costs.

This webinar is all about spotting structural problems early and fixing them before they turn into expensive headaches.

Our greenhouse expert will walk you through real-world issues and discuss how you diagnose, repair, and prevent common greenhouse issues:
• Finding and fixing leaks – stop water and air leaks before they impact your climate
• Reinforcing frames and supports – strengthen weak points and prevent structural failures
• Dealing with damaged glazing – patching, replacing, and sealing poly, glass, and panels
• Fixing doors, vents, and access points – keeping everything properly sealed and functioning
• Preventing long-term damage – maintenance tips to extend your greenhouse’s lifespan.
• Live Q&A – get expert advice on your toughest greenhouse repair challenges.

Troubleshooting: A Panel Discussion with Wadsworth

Boost Your Greenhouse Profits with the Right Benching Setup

Don’t let wasted space cost you profits! If your greenhouse benching system and layout don’t squeeze every inch out of your available growing space, you’re missing out on extra revenue. 

Join our webinar to learn how the right benching system and layout can improve space efficiency and overall productivity in your greenhouse. 

You’ll learn: 
• Key questions to define your needs
• Best materials for strength and durability 
• Pros/Cons of different bench types 
• Bench-top options for your set-up
• Layout tips to maximize space and improve workflow
• Considerations for airflow, irrigation, and drainage

What types of greenhouse benching/material handling equipment do you recommend?

Has your old greenhouse seen better days? Don’t let it go to waste. Whether it’s outdated or just not pulling its weight, this webinar will show you how to breathe new life into it. Fix it. Maximize it. Transform it. 

This is your roadmap to getting more out of what you already have. With the right upgrades, you can turn your greenhouse into a lean, efficient, modern machine—or repurpose it for something completely new. 

What You’ll Learn:
•              How to assess your structure and create a step-by-step plan
•              Cooling, shading, heating, glass replacement—what's worth the investment?
•              Tips for working in phases to maximize your budget and timeline
•              Creative ways to repurpose your greenhouse, from retail to event venues
•              Benefits of updating control systems and other key features 
•              Real-life examples of greenhouse retrofits that delivered big results.

Every day you wait, that old greenhouse is costing you. It deserves a second chance. Sign up now and discover how to turn it into something amazing. Let’s make it work for you again!

Retrofits and Upgrades: Breathing New Life into Older Greenhouses

Let’s wrap up this greenhouse project!  In this webinar, we’ll show you how the finishing vendor touches for the punch-list makes a greenhouse operational.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
• How controls and shade systems, motor and drive systems, and coverings integrate into your build
• Crucial discussions to have between owners, designers, and project managers for smooth systems integration.
• Key systems considerations: electrical needs, energy codes, greenhouse size, location-based needs, and more
• Bringing it all together for seamless vendor collaboration, trainings and making it work seamlessly the first time.

Dear Grower: Let’s Work With the Vendors

Hear from our in-house project experts as they discuss project management - what's involved, what happens on site and the various challenges they face.

Dear Grower: Let’s Make This Greenhouse Happen

Hear from our in-house experts about the various ways of heating a greenhouse.

Greenhouse Heating Options

Bringing your greenhouse vision to life starts with smart design choices. Every decision you make with your designer impacts the cost and performance of your greenhouse, now and in the future.

In this webinar, we'll show you how your greenhouse design sets the foundation for creating a greenhouse that's functional, cost-efficient, and compliant.

What We’ll Cover:
• Codes and Regulations: Understand how local and state codes, permits, and regulations shape your design. We’ll discuss loading requirements and why energy codes are becoming a bigger deal to stay compliant.
• Engineering 101: Learn how design elements—like material gauges and truss types—affect the cost and structure of your greenhouse.
• Behind-the-Scenes Design: From creating drawings for manufacturing parts to getting your sign-off, we’ll cover the average timeline for design and the steps to prepare you for a successful build. 

"Let’s Design Your Greenhouse" is the second part of our "Dear Grower" series that guides you through building a greenhouse from concept to construction and beyond.

Dear Grower: Let’s Design Your Greenhouse

Join us for the first webinar in our “Dear Grower” series, where we'll guide you through the ins and outs of starting this journey right. Elmer Grosser, a former project manager and current Owner of Diefenbacher Greenhouses, and Keith Bemerer, a Prospiant Sales Rep, will share their insights on what it takes to build a strong, successful partnership from the get-go.

Building a greenhouse is a big deal, and it all starts with that first call: “I want to build a greenhouse.”

But what comes next? How do you get on the same page with your sales rep and make sure that what you discuss translates into reality?

In this session, you’ll learn:
• The key questions to ask your sales rep when you're ready to start talking about a new greenhouse
• What both you and your sales rep need to bring to the table to make this project work
• How to figure out exactly what you want in your greenhouse—and where to find inspiration
• Tips for navigating the tricky balance between your wish list and what’s realistic
• How to plan for the future, so your greenhouse meets your needs for years to come
• Best practices for keeping the relationship strong before, during, and after the build—whether it’s a one-off project or the start of something bigger.

Dear Grower: So You Want to Build a Greenhouse?

Building a commercial greenhouse isn’t a quick cash grab; it’s a serious investment.  

The final price tag of a commercial greenhouse depends on a slew of factors you need to consider before you build to avoid hidden surprises and cost overruns that derail your budget, so let’s have a frank talk about money matters.

Join our greenhouse experts for a panel discussion as we dive into how to make smart moves when determining building costs to get exactly what you want in your greenhouse without sacrificing quality and while getting the best return on your investment.

How Much Does a Commercial Greenhouse Actually Cost

Our in-house experts discuss everything you need to know about purchasing a greenhouse when you're planning to grow leafy greens!

Everything you need to know before purchasing a greenhouse for leafy greens

You don’t have to jump straight into full greenhouse automation or break the bank to get started. Start with systems that fit your current needs, then layer in more automation as you scale.

Part one of this three-part webinar series combines expert insights with real-world grower experiences to show you what’s possible with greenhouse automation, what to prepare for, and how to choose the right level of automation.
What We’ll Cover:
• Automation possibilities for different structure types
• Matching automation to your goals and budget
• Steps to automate your operation progressively
• How to prepare your greenhouse for automation in the future
• Cost/benefit thinking that goes beyond price

Greenhouse Automation Series, Part 1: Pre-Automation Essentials

Greenhouse

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Greenhouse Automation Series, Part 1: Pre-Automation Essentials

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