Building a successful grow facility requires careful planning and integration of key technologies to optimize space, efficiency, and long-term scalability. From substrate selection and fertigation systems to vertical grow racks and lighting strategies, every element plays a role in maximizing yield and resource efficiency.
In this GRO-TALK panel discussion, industry experts from Grodan, Pipp Horticulture, Fluence, and Catalyst BC break down the best practices for designing and future-proofing modern grow facilities. Watch the full panel below:
Meet the Experts
This expert panel brings together leaders in facility design, cultivation technology, and crop optimization to discuss how to build an efficient grow operation:
Marielle Taft – Senior Crop Specialist, Grodan
Anders Peterson – Director of Horticulture, Pipp Horticulture
Casey Rivero – Cannabis Solutions Architect, Fluence
Michael Williamson – Director of Cultivation, Pipp Horticulture & Chief Operating Officer, Catalyst BC
Key Takeaways from the Panel
1. Planning Your Grow Facility from the Ground Up
Whether starting with raw space, a retrofit, or a new greenhouse, growers must align facility design with production goals.
Key factors to consider include substrates, planting density, HVAC, and automation plans early in the process.
2. Avoiding Costly Design Mistakes
Water sanitation must be integrated into fertigation system design to avoid contamination risks.
HVAC miscalculations and improper humidity control can lead to inefficiencies—precise planning is key.
The panel shares real-world mistakes to help growers design a future-proof facility from day one.
3. Maximizing Efficiency with Integrated Systems
Grodan stone wool, Fluence LED lighting, and Pipp vertical grow racks work together to maximize growing space, optimize light efficiency, and automate irrigation processes.
Proper system integration ensures uniform plant growth, resource efficiency, and reduced labor costs.
4. Ensuring Long-Term Success with Training & Support
Growers must work closely with manufacturers and crop specialists to set up proper irrigation, fertigation, and climate control strategies.
Ongoing training, troubleshooting, and data analysis help maintain optimal facility performance.
5. Future-Proofing for Sustainability & Scalability
Drain measurement, automation, spectral tuning, and water reuse strategies are essential to keep up with technological advancements.
Facilities should be designed with scalability in mind, allowing for adjustments as industry demands evolve.
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