[Nevermark]

Establishing a massive functioning greenhouse on Mars, before sending people, still seems like a smart idea to me.

In fact, setting up as much automation as possible, pre-people, would be a good way to establish the human safety of Mars flights.

As well as supercharging the productivity and quality of life of the first Marsers when they finally do arrive.

[m4rtink]

IIRC the very original plan was a small glasshouse with a camera. But your idea sounds good as well. :)