Indoor vs outdoor vs greenhouse
Lesson 3.1a: Indoor vs. Outdoor vs. Greenhouse Cultivation
Learning Objectives
By the end of this sub-lesson, students will be able to:
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation.
- Understand how environmental conditions, cost, and regulation impact each method.
- Select the most suitable cultivation method based on business goals and geographic context.
Overview Table
| Feature | Indoor | Outdoor | Greenhouse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environment Control | Full control (temp, humidity, light) | No control (weather-dependent) | Partial control (natural + mechanical) |
| Cost | High setup & energy costs | Low-cost, minimal tech | Moderate cost (structure, light assists) |
| Yields | High per square foot | Large-scale but less dense | Moderate to high, seasonally influenced |
| Light Source | Artificial (LED, HPS, CMH) | Sunlight only | Sunlight + supplemental lighting |
| Pest Risk | Low (sealed environment) | High (natural exposure) | Moderate (can use netting/filters) |
| Harvests per Year | Up to 5–6 | 1–2 depending on climate | 2–3, can be more with heating & lights |
| Flavor/Quality | Consistent but less terpene-rich | Terpene-rich, natural flavor | Balanced flavor, variable by setup |
| Sustainability | Least sustainable (power-heavy) | Most eco-friendly, low input | Sustainable with proper design |
Detailed Comparisons
Indoor Cultivation
- Ideal For: Urban growers, high-end product, precision farming.
- Technology Required: Grow lights, HVAC, CO₂ enrichment, dehumidifiers, filters.
- Benefits:
- Year-round growing.
- Controlled conditions = consistent product.
- Suited for high-THC or custom medical strains.
- Challenges:
- High energy bills.
- Intensive startup and maintenance costs.
- Carbon footprint concerns.
Outdoor Cultivation
- Ideal For: Large rural farms, traditional techniques, organic practices.
- Environment: Requires good climate, natural soil, and security.
- Benefits:
- Minimal overhead.
- Natural light improves terpene production.
- Best for environmentally conscious operations.
- Challenges:
- Dependent on weather and season.
- Increased pest, mold, and theft risks.
- Legal zoning and environmental concerns.
Greenhouse Cultivation
- Ideal For: Balanced growers looking to scale sustainably.
- Setup: Polycarbonate or glass structure with light/air management.
- Benefits:
- Blends sun with environmental control.
- More sustainable than indoor.
- Good year-round potential in mild climates.
- Challenges:
- Still susceptible to outdoor variables.
- Initial setup costs.
- Need for monitoring and technical knowledge.
Case Study Activity
Scenario: You are planning a cannabis farm in British Columbia. You have a moderate budget, access to farmland, and want a long-term sustainable operation.
Discussion Prompt:
Which method (indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse) would you choose, and why? Consider climate, regulations, market demand, and environmental footprint.
✅ Review Questions
- What are two major advantages of greenhouse cultivation over outdoor?
- Why might an indoor grower choose LED lighting over HPS?
- What cultivation method produces the richest terpene profiles naturally?