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
What not to grow in a greenhouse
- Giant Trees and Shrubs: ...
- Invasive Species: ...
- Aggressive Vines: ...
- Water-Hungry Crops in Excess: ...
- Plants with Extreme Temperature Requirements: ...
- Highly Sensitive Varieties: ...
- Crops with Pests and Diseases: ...
- Plants with Excessive Maintenance Needs:
Ideally, you'll want to plan ahead if planting in the ground. 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.
Can everything be grown in a greenhouse? ›
Pretty much any type of plant can be grown in a greenhouse, so if you're finding any of your flowers are struggling to grow when left outside, simply bring them into your greenhouse and there's a good chance they'll thrive!
What not to plant with green beans? ›
Do not plant beans near garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, peppers, wormwood, fennel, or gladioli. Alliums such as garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, and shallots will stunt the growth of the beans. Most plants dislike fennel, and it has an inhibiting effect on them.
Can you grow lettuce all year round in a greenhouse? ›
Salad can be grown all year round in a heated greenhouse, but this is rarely economical. A sunny windowsill or conservatory can be successful, provided it does not get too hot. In unheated growing conditions, sowing can begin as soon as light levels and temperatures allow, producing crops from late spring to autumn.
Should my 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.
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.
Do veggies grow better in a greenhouse? ›
A greenhouse is a great asset to any vegetable plot, enabling gardeners to make the most of the sun. Even the smallest, unheated structure will allow gardeners to extend the seasons and produce good crops of a wide range of vegetables.
Do plants grow better in a greenhouse or outside? ›
Increased Health and Yield: Plants grown in the controlled conditions of a greenhouse are often healthier and more productive. Expect lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and bountiful harvests.
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.
Generally speaking, a greenhouse enables you to extend your growing season. However, if you're prepared to invest more on the upfront costs of your structure, some greenhouse models, like Ceres' designs, will allow you to grow anything, year-round, regardless of your local climate.
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.
Can you grow in a greenhouse all summer long? ›
A Ground to Air Heat Transfer (GAHT®) system is one way – it allows the greenhouse to store extra heat in the soil for heating at night. In hot climates (places that get over 100 degrees in the summer), a year-round greenhouse with cooling systems is the only way most growers are able to grow during the summer.
What are the bad things about greenhouses? ›
As structures, greenhouses are not typically biodegradable because they are often made of materials like glass, plastic, aluminium, or steel, which are not biodegradable. Plastics, a common component of modern greenhouses, pose a significant environmental threat.
What grows best 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.
Can I grow in a greenhouse all year? ›
Generally speaking, a greenhouse enables you to extend your growing season. However, if you're prepared to invest more on the upfront costs of your structure, some greenhouse models, like Ceres' designs, will allow you to grow anything, year-round, regardless of your local climate.
Can you put all plants in a greenhouse? ›
Water-Intensive Crops: Plants requiring excessive irrigation may not thrive in the controlled conditions of a greenhouse. Large Trees and Shrubs: Large trees and shrubs are unsuitable for greenhouse cultivation due to space constraints.
