Two years ago, I was a complete beginner in farming. Today, my 30x60 foot greenhouse generates over KSh 80,000 monthly profit. Here's my journey and the lessons I learned along the way.

The Beginning

I started with just half an acre of land and a dream to become financially independent through farming. Traditional open-field farming seemed risky due to unpredictable weather, so I decided to invest in greenhouse technology.

Initial Investment

My total startup cost was KSh 450,000, which included:

• Greenhouse structure: KSh 280,000
• Drip irrigation system: KSh 85,000
• Seeds and initial inputs: KSh 35,000
• Tools and equipment: KSh 50,000

First Season Challenges

My first crop was tomatoes, and I made several costly mistakes:

• Poor ventilation led to fungal diseases
• Overwatering caused root rot in 30% of plants
• Inadequate pest management resulted in whitefly infestation

Despite these setbacks, I still harvested 2.5 tons of tomatoes and earned KSh 180,000 - not bad for a first attempt!

Learning and Improving

I invested in training with Farm With Fred and learned proper greenhouse management techniques. The second season was dramatically different:

• Improved ventilation system
• Precise irrigation scheduling
• Integrated pest management
• Better variety selection

Current Success

Now in my fourth season, I consistently harvest 4-5 tons per cycle with three cycles per year. My monthly profit averages KSh 80,000, and I'm planning to expand with a second greenhouse.

Key Success Factors

• Continuous learning and adaptation
• Proper record keeping
• Quality inputs and varieties
• Market research and customer relationships
• Professional guidance when needed

Greenhouse farming transformed my life, but success requires dedication, continuous learning, and proper management. If you're considering this path, start small, learn from experts, and be prepared to adapt.