What Grows in a Greenhouse: A Guide

Soil Management in Greenhouses

One of the key aspects of successful greenhouse gardening is managing the soil effectively. To reduce the build-up of soil borne diseases in greenhouse borders, it is recommended to dig out the soil every three to five years and replace it with bought-in topsoil or good garden loam. This practice helps to maintain the soil’s fertility and prevents the spread of diseases.

In cases where soil problems are suspected, grafted plants such as aubergines and tomatoes can be beneficial. Grafted plants have a vigorous rootstock that helps them resist diseases and enhance their overall growth. Alternatively, if the soil is suspect, large pots and growbags can be used as an alternative to planting directly in the soil. These containers provide a controlled environment and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

To further protect the soil from diseases, it is advisable to cover it with plastic sheeting, preferably white. This covering helps to prevent the spread of soil-borne pathogens and maintains a clean and sterile environment. Pots or growbags should be placed on the plastic sheeting to provide adequate drainage and protect the plants from direct contact with the soil.

It is worth noting that potting media, including growbags, can be reused at least once for different crops if there are no diseases present. This practice helps to save costs and reduces waste in the greenhouse.

Disease Management in Greenhouses

Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that can be conducive to the development of diseases. Therefore, it is crucial for gardeners to be vigilant in disease management to ensure the health and productivity of their plants.

Common diseases to watch out for in greenhouses include:

• Damping off: a fungal disease that affects young seedlings, causing them to wilt and die.
• Grey mould: another fungal disease that thrives in humid conditions and affects a wide range of plants.
• Powdery mildew: a fungal disease that manifests as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers.

To prevent the spread of diseases, it is important to practice good hygiene in the greenhouse. This includes:

• Regular cleaning of tools and equipment.
• Removing and destroying infected plant material.
• Providing adequate air circulation and maintaining proper humidity levels.

In cases where diseases are detected, timely intervention is essential. This may involve:

• Removing infected plants.
• Utilizing appropriate fungicides or biological controls.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that focus on prevention and minimizing chemical inputs should be implemented to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the greenhouse ecosystem.

Pest Management in Greenhouses

Just like diseases, pests can pose a significant threat to greenhouse crops. It is important to be aware of common pests found in greenhouses and implement effective pest management strategies.

Glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, and glasshouse leafhoppers are among the common pests that infest greenhouses. These tiny insects can multiply rapidly and cause damage to the plants by feeding on their sap or transmitting diseases.

To manage pests effectively, a combination of approaches should be employed:

• Regular scouting and monitoring to detect pest populations at an early stage.
• Biological controls, such as introducing beneficial insects that prey on pests, can be an effective and environmentally friendly method of pest management.

In cases where pests reach high levels, chemical controls may be necessary. However, it is important to use pesticides judiciously and follow the recommended dosage and application techniques to minimize negative impacts on the environment and beneficial organisms.

History of Greenhouses

The utilization of greenhouses for year-round cultivation and protection of plants dates back centuries. The Romans were the first to grow out-of-season crops using mica sheets to create a greenhouse effect.

Greenhouses as we know them today became increasingly popular in the late 18th century with the availability of large sheets of glass. The use of glass allowed for better light transmission and improved temperature control inside the structures.

In the 19th century, greenhouses evolved further with the development of heating techniques. Some greenhouses were heated by wood-burning fires or flues, similar to those used by the Romans. Smaller greenhouses even utilized rotting horse manure to emit heat and keep plants growing during the winter months.

A notable example of a large greenhouse from this period is the Crystal Palace greenhouse in London, built for the Great Exhibition in 1851. It was kept warm using rotting manure and compost, showcasing the innovative heating methods employed at the time.

Following World War One, the popularity of greenhouses declined due to a lack of maintenance personnel. However, in the 1940s, greenhouses made a comeback with the introduction of plastic as a substitute for glass. This advancement made greenhouses more affordable and accessible to home gardeners.

Today, greenhouses play a vital role in enabling home gardeners in cold regions to start seeds early and maintain plants throughout the year. They have become a valuable resource for extending the growing season, protecting delicate plants, and providing a controlled environment for different types of cultivation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Greenhouse

Selecting the right greenhouse involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal growing conditions for the chosen plants. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Plant Requirements: Different plants have specific temperature and humidity requirements. It is vital to understand these needs before creating a suitable environment within the greenhouse. Some plants may tolerate cold temperatures and can be grown in an unheated greenhouse, while others may require precise temperature and humidity control to thrive.

• Space Considerations: The size of the greenhouse should be determined based on the plants you wish to grow and the available space. Consider how much table or shelf space you need for your plants and whether you will require electricity for heating and lighting.

• Soil Management: If the greenhouse will be planted directly in the ground, soil management becomes crucial. It may be necessary to replace the soil every few years to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

• Cost Considerations: The cost of a greenhouse includes the structure itself and the cost of heating it in winter. Larger greenhouses tend to heat up and cool down slower than smaller ones. Additionally, the size of the greenhouse can be influenced by factors such as available space and whether it is freestanding or lean-to style.

• Experience Level: The size of the greenhouse can also be influenced by the gardener’s experience. Beginners may prefer to start with a smaller greenhouse to manage and maintain.

proper consideration of plant requirements, space, soil management, cost, and experience level are essential when selecting a greenhouse. With careful planning and implementation, home gardeners can enjoy the benefits of year-round cultivation in their own green havens.

---

Check this out:

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to grow in a greenhouse?

One of the best things to grow in a greenhouse would be herbs such as basil, mint, and thyme. They not only require warmth but also benefit from the controlled environment of a greenhouse, allowing them to grow quickly and produce abundant yields. Additionally, their aromatic leaves can add a delightful fragrance to the greenhouse, making it a sensory haven.

Another excellent option for greenhouse cultivation is leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale. These cool-season crops can flourish in the warmth of a greenhouse, offering a continuous supply of fresh and nutritious greens throughout the year. With the advantage of protection from pests and harsh weather conditions, these leafy greens can thrive in the controlled environment, resulting in vibrant and healthy harvests.

What grows inside a greenhouse?

A greenhouse is a haven for various plants and vegetables that require controlled and favorable conditions for growth. Inside the greenhouse, one can find a plethora of vegetables thriving in the protected and regulated environment. From early stages, hardy vegetable plants are nurtured, enabling them to be transplanted outdoors before the usual season. Additionally, tender crops such as aubergines, cucumbers, peppers, chillies, and tomatoes flourish during the summer months, maximizing their yield and quality. The greenhouse provides optimal temperatures, humidity levels, and protection from unfavorable weather conditions, allowing these vegetables to flourish and be harvested earlier than their outdoor counterparts.

What type of plants are usually found in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses are typically filled with a wide variety of plants, but there are some types that are commonly found in these controlled environments. One common type of plant found in a greenhouse is bulbs, such as paperwhites and daffodils, which can be easily forced to bloom under greenhouse conditions. Additionally, flowering plants like pelargoniums and geraniums thrive in the warm and controlled environment of a greenhouse, allowing them to flower for extended periods throughout the year. Moreover, greenhouses often house small cacti and succulents, as these plants naturally grow in dry places and can benefit from the controlled humidity levels provided by a greenhouse setting.

Can anything grow in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses offer a unique opportunity to cultivate a wide range of plants and vegetables. The controlled environment allows for optimal growth conditions, enabling plants that may not thrive in the open to flourish. From exotic flowers to delicate herbs and even tropical fruits, the possibilities are endless inside a greenhouse. By carefully selecting a diverse array of crops, greenhouse owners can maximize their profits while cultivating plants that are not well-suited for outdoor cultivation.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4