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
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.
What should not be grown in a greenhouse? ›
Plants to Avoid in a Greenhouse
- Melons and Squash. Melons and squash grow very large and spread out. ...
- Potatoes. Moving from melons and squash, we see that potatoes also face challenges in greenhouses. ...
- Sunflowers. ...
- Radishes and Broccoli. ...
- Corn and Tomatoes. ...
- Cauliflower and Broccoli. ...
- Onions and Garlic. ...
- Marigolds and Beans.
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.
What vegetables don't need a greenhouse? ›
Generally speaking, you don't need a greenhouse to grow vegetables which originate in colder countries, such as brassicas, peas and beans, salad crops and herbs. Plants which need a lot of sun will grow quicker and produce more fruit in a greenhouse - these include tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and cucumbers.
Where should you not put a greenhouse? ›
When choosing a site, remember that hot air rises and cold air sinks, so the bottom of slopes can remain frosty longer than higher ground. Some gardens have areas that are damp or prone to surface water, due to poor drainage and lack of sunlight. Avoid locating your greenhouse in such positions.
Why is my greenhouse killing my plants? ›
If the temperature changes rapidly, the plants will take serious damage plants, especially plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers, which are common greenhouse foods. And the humidity in the Greenhouse is too high, which may cause the plants to fail to grow or even die.
What is the negative of greenhouse? ›
Effects of greenhouse gases
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greenhouse strawberry production lets growers extend their growing season, providing the best conditions for their strawberry plants, despite the weather. There are many advantages to growing in a greenhouse. Greenhouse grown strawberries can span a longer production period, supplying the fruit well beyond summertime.
What cannot be grown in a greenhouse? ›
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:
Shade-Tolerant Vegetables and Herbs
- arugula, endive, lettuce, sorrel, spinach.
- collards, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard.
- beets, carrots, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, turnips.
- Broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage.
- mint, chervil, chives, coriander/cilantro, oregano, parsley.
While you can't grow all vegetables in a greenhouse 12 months of the year, you can plant cool-weather vegetables and let them grow through the worst of the winter weather with a simple heating system installed.
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 is the best thing to grow in a greenhouse? ›
Ideas Of What To Grow In Your Greenhouse
- Salad Vegetables. ...
- Fruits and Fruit Trees. ...
- Leafy Greens. ...
- Root and Hardy Vegetables. ...
- Herbs. ...
- Reimagine Your Gardening Dreams With A Greenhouse.
The sun's powerful rays can penetrate glass and other manmade materials, which can be harmful to the plants in your greenhouse. Without ventilation, shade or any other cooling methods, the plants will overheat, damaging their leaves and fruits while drying out the soil.
