Greenhouses offer an excellent opportunity to extend the growing season, cultivate exotic plants, and create an optimal environment for a variety of crops. However, not all plants thrive within the confines of a greenhouse. Understanding what not to grow is just as crucial as knowing what to plant. In this guide, we delve into the types of plants that may not be the best fit for a controlled environment.
1. Giant Trees and Shrubs:
Greenhouses have limited vertical space, and cultivating giant trees or expansive shrubs can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare. These plants not only outgrow their designated spaces but also require extensive pruning to prevent them from overshadowing other crops. The confined space can hinder their natural growth patterns, leading to an unsightly and unmanageable jungle.
2. Invasive Species:
Introducing invasive plant species to a greenhouse can result in ecological disasters. These plants have a knack for spreading rapidly and outcompeting native species. Containing their growth within the confines of a greenhouse can be challenging, and if they escape, they may wreak havoc on the surrounding environment. It's crucial to research and choose non-invasive alternatives to preserve the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
3. Aggressive Vines:
While some vines can be stunning additions to a greenhouse, certain varieties are overly aggressive and can quickly take over the space. Plants like kudzu or bindweed may seem manageable at first, but their rapid growth and invasive nature can turn your greenhouse into a tangled mess. Opt for less aggressive climbing plants or provide proper support and pruning to keep them in check.
4. Water-Hungry Crops in Excess:
Greenhouses allow for precise control over environmental factors, but water management is still a critical consideration. Plants that demand excessive watering can strain your resources and lead to issues like mold and root rot. While certain crops thrive in consistently moist conditions, it's essential to strike a balance and avoid overloading your greenhouse with water-dependent plants.
5. Plants with Extreme Temperature Requirements:
While greenhouses provide a controlled climate, extreme temperature requirements can still pose challenges. Some plants, especially those with specific chilling or heat requirements, may struggle to adapt to the consistent but not always optimal conditions within a greenhouse. Researching the temperature preferences of your chosen crops is crucial to ensure they flourish rather than wither.
6. Highly Sensitive Varieties:
Certain plants are highly sensitive to changes in light, humidity, or air circulation. In a greenhouse, maintaining ideal conditions can be tricky, and growing overly sensitive varieties may lead to disappointing results. If a plant requires highly specific conditions that are difficult to replicate, it's worth reconsidering whether the controlled environment of a greenhouse is the right fit.
7. Crops with Pests and Diseases:
Introducing plants prone to pests and diseases can turn your greenhouse into a breeding ground for unwanted guests. While a controlled environment can limit some infestations, it's advisable to avoid crops known for attracting pests or susceptible to common diseases. Prevention is key, and selecting disease-resistant varieties can help maintain a healthy and thriving greenhouse ecosystem.
8. Plants with Excessive Maintenance Needs:
While greenhouses offer an environment conducive to plant growth, some plants require meticulous care that may be impractical for the average gardener. High-maintenance plants, whether due to complex nutritional needs or delicate pruning requirements, can become overwhelming in a greenhouse setting. Choose plants that align with your available time and expertise to ensure a successful and enjoyable gardening experience.
Conclusion:
While the allure of a greenhouse is undeniable, selecting the right plants is crucial for a successful and sustainable gardening venture. Avoiding giant trees, invasive species, aggressive vines, water-hungry crops, plants with extreme temperature requirements, highly sensitive varieties, crops prone to pests and diseases, and those with excessive maintenance needs will set you on the path to a thriving and manageable greenhouse garden. Remember, thoughtful planning and research are the keys to turning your greenhouse into a flourishing oasis of greenery.
FAQs
Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini and Lettuce
Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are greenhouse darlings and will thrive in the warmth. Cucumbers, squash and zucchini will also work well and growing them up a trellis or wall is a great way to save a bit of space.
What is the easiest thing to grow in a greenhouse? ›
Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini and Lettuce
Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are greenhouse darlings and will thrive in the warmth. Cucumbers, squash and zucchini will also work well and growing them up a trellis or wall is a great way to save a bit of space.
Do and don'ts of greenhouse? ›
Do avoid extremes in temperature. Keep an eye on the thermometer reading in your greenhouse, and be prepared to ventilate—even if the air outside is much cooler. Don't let your plants go dry—and don't try to keep up a regular watering schedule.
Where should you not put a greenhouse? ›
Don't put your greenhouse directly under trees. They'll cast shade, which encourages green algae to build up, blocking even more light, while falling branches and leaves can cause damage and block guttering. Honeydew from insects on the foliage of trees can make the glass or plastic sticky and dirty.
Can everything be grown in a greenhouse? ›
Have you ever wondered what you can cultivate within the confines of a greenhouse? The answer is just about anything, although some plants will require a little more of an engineered environment and specialized care than others.
Should a greenhouse be in full sun? ›
The best spot to place a greenhouse is the sunniest spot. It's important that the structure (and therefore the plants within it) receive at least six hours of winter sun exposure.
Can you grow in a greenhouse all summer long? ›
You may want to keep some plants heat-loving plants like beans and squashes inside your greenhouse all summer long. Sometimes, this can help you achieve an even larger crop harvest.
What is the negative of greenhouse? ›
Greenhouse gases have far-ranging environmental and health effects. They cause climate change by trapping heat, and they also contribute to respiratory disease from smog and air pollution. Extreme weather, food supply disruptions, and increased wildfires are other effects of climate change caused by greenhouse gases.
Why can greenhouses be bad? ›
The industry produces over 3.3 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, which significantly impacts climate change. Even though greenhouses themselves aren't bad for the environment, constructing greenhouses produces pollution and adversely affects the environment.
At what temperature is a greenhouse too hot? ›
First and foremost, it's essential to understand what the perfect temperature for your DIY backyard greenhouse should be. Ideally, anywhere between , 80-85°F (26-29°C) is the golden standard throughout the spring and summer months. Anything higher than 90°F (32°C) is cause for alarm.
Greenhouses, whether of glass or plastic, can overheat in sunny weather. Plants can be protected from excess heat by shading and ventilation.
Should you close a greenhouse at night? ›
The high temperatures can kill plants or cause heat stress. They also create a breeding ground for mould and viruses. On sunny days you should open all vents and doors. Leave them open through the night if the temperature remains high.
What can't you grow in a greenhouse? ›
Plants to Avoid in a Greenhouse. Avoid growing melons and squash, potatoes, sunflowers, radishes and broccoli, corn and tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, onions and garlic, marigolds and beans, eggplant in a greenhouse.
What vegetables grow best in a greenhouse? ›
Some of the top vegetables to cultivate in a greenhouse for year-round harvesting include spinach, lettuce, kale, chard, and other leafy greens. Additionally, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs like basil and parsley can also be grown in a greenhouse.
Can you grow tomatoes year round in a greenhouse? ›
Luckily, with a greenhouse you are not limited to the summer months; you can grow delicious tomatoes whenever you want. Tomatoes can be picky plants, but with a little bit of practice anyone should be able to produce their own supply of these mouth-watering delights year-round.
What is the easiest base for a greenhouse? ›
Integral Base
This is by far the easiest option, as it does not require any further building or construction, as it forms part of the frame itself.
What vegetables do well in a greenhouse? ›
Vegetables to grow in the winter greenhouse: Vegetables best for greenhouse vegetable gardening in the winter include lettuce, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. However, what you are actually able to successfully grow depends on the night time temperatures you decide to keep.
What are the most profitable plants to grow in a greenhouse? ›
Leafy greens can be very easy to grow and very profitable if done well. There is a wide variety of greens available to grow, such as arugula, mache, cress, sorrel, and Asian greens, and most seed companies also offer pre-mixed salad greens selections, which can be a strong seller.
