Greenhouse farming has become one of the most reliable ways for Kenyan farmers to achieve high yields, quality produce, and year-round income. But the secret behind a profitable greenhouse is not just the structure, it is the irrigation system that keeps your crops consistently fed and hydrated.
At Bestfix Irrigation, we have helped hundreds of farmers install efficient greenhouse systems using drip irrigation, HDPE fittings, and professional irrigation layouts that reduce water wastage while increasing yield.

1. Choose the Right Greenhouse Structure
Before installing irrigation, you need a greenhouse that suits:
- Your climate
- Budget
- Type of crops (tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, strawberries)
Your choices include:
- Wooden greenhouses (affordable)
- Metallic greenhouses (durable)
- Tunnel greenhouses (budget-friendly)
2. Install a Proper Drip Irrigation System
A profitable greenhouse depends on controlled water delivery, and drip irrigation is the most effective method.
✔ Benefits of Drip Irrigation in a Greenhouse:
- Saves 50–70% water
- Prevents diseases caused by wet leaves
- Ensures equal water distribution
- Supports fertilizer application (fertigation)
- Reduces labor by 80%
Recommended Components:
- Drip Lines (0.3mm or 0.4mm)
- Mainline HDPE Pipes (25mm – 63mm)
- Filtration Unit (screen filter or disc filter)
- Control Valves
- Drip Fittings (takeoffs, connectors, start connectors)
Learn more about drip irrigation efficiency from FAO:
https://www.fao.org/land-water/water/water-management/drip-irrigation/en/
3. Water Source & Pressure Management
To make your irrigation efficient, ensure:
- Clean water source (borehole, tank, shallow well)
- Proper pressure (use a pressure regulator)
- A raised tank for gravity flow or a pump for pressurized systems
A good water setup minimizes:
- Blocked drippers
- Uneven water distribution
- Crop stress
Visit our HDPE Pipes & Fitting https://bestfix.co.ke/product-category/hdpe-pipes-fittings/s section — perfect for mainline supply.
4. Fertigation System (Boosts Profit by 30%+)
Profitable greenhouses integrate fertigation, which means feeding the plant through the irrigation line.
You can use:
- Venturi injectors
- Fertigation pumps
This makes feeding:
- Faster
- Accurate
- Less wasteful
5. Proper Layout Design Inside the Greenhouse
For maximum profit:
- Align your drip lines straight and evenly
- Keep paths for easy harvesting
- Allow uniform sunlight by spacing rows correctly
- Install the main supply line at the entry
A clean layout increases plant health and makes management easier.
6. Maintain the Irrigation System Weekly
To avoid losses:
- Check for blockages
- Clean the filter
- Inspect for leaks
- Flush the system weekly
- Replace damaged drippers
This ensures your plants get consistent water, giving you uniform yields.
7. Expected Profitability of a Properly Irrigated Greenhouse
A well-irrigated 8×15m greenhouse of tomatoes can return:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total production | 4–6 tons |
| Selling price per kg | KES 50–80 |
| Projected income | KES 250,000 – 480,000 |
With proper irrigation, yields are high and market quality is consistent.
Conclusion
Building a greenhouse is one thing but making it profitable requires a smart, efficient irrigation system. Drip irrigation, strong HDPE pipelines, and weekly maintenance create an environment where crops thrive and returns increase.
At Bestfix Irrigation, we offer:
- Drip kits
- HDPE pipes
- Irrigation fittings
- Greenhouse construction
- Full installation support
Everything you need to build a greenhouse that makes money, not losses.

