A greenhouse has several advantages: It offers space for several plants and protects them from wind and rain, but also cold temperatures. In addition, you can start sowing much earlier than is usually the case in our region (and harvest longer) – provided your balcony meets all the important criteria. What these are and what you need to know before purchasing them is explained in this article. We will also tell you which plants are particularly suitable for a greenhouse and which tips promote a productive harvest.
In order for a greenhouse to store the necessary heat and give it to your plants, it needs one thing above all: sun. In other words, a balcony that is mainly in the shade is less suitable. Conversely, however, it must be said that too much sun is no guarantee for a productive harvest. However, this always depends on which plants are to be sown. Therefore, you should find out in advance how much light (or shade) is necessary for the desired cultivation.
In addition to the orientation of your balcony, the weight of the greenhouse also plays an important role when purchasing it. Depending on whether you choose a model made of plastic or wood, the greenhouse will weigh different amounts. Added to this is the weight of the plants and the soil. Depending on how heavily your balcony is already loaded, you should find out about the maximum load. And the amount should not be underestimated either, as there are often fixed regulations here – for legal reasons.
1. Greenhouse with floors
A film greenhouse is particularly suitable for the balcony. As the name suggests, it simply consists of a few stainless steel tubes around which a weather-resistant plastic film has been stretched – making the model a real lightweight. There are different sizes, so you should consider in advance whether you prefer a tall greenhouse with several floors or a ground-level, flat greenhouse including a UV-resistant, waterproof PE tarpaulin (weighs approx. 3 kg each).
2. Wooden greenhouse
However, a flat or tall greenhouse made of wood, such as fir (FSC certified), is significantly more expensive to purchase. This makes the model more sustainable and long-lasting, but also significantly heavier at 13 kilograms. But each tier is also extremely resilient: each shelf can easily withstand up to 15 kilograms, which is also height-adjustable. The windows, on the other hand, are made of transparent polycarbonate, which, according to the manufacturer, ensure optimal light.
3. Greenhouse for tall plants
This model is also a tall foil greenhouse for the balcony, with the only difference being that it has no shelves and therefore offers more space for large plants – such as tomatoes, cucumbers or peppers. Due to the warm and moist environment inside, the seedlings thrive particularly well as they are protected from pests. The greenhouse also has a high level of light transmission. The waterproof film can be rolled up so that the flowers can be pollinated by bees. This means you can decide for yourself when and how long your plants stay in the fresh air.
4. Walk-in greenhouse
If you have a large balcony or a spacious terrace, you can also opt for a walk-in greenhouse (made of foil, weighs 11 kg). It is by far the largest model in this series and has the advantage that not only your plants fit in it – but also you yourself. This means you can get a better impression of how your green protégés are doing every day. In addition, there is a lot of space in the greenhouse for different seeds.
Not every plant likes it warm and humid, so before purchasing a greenhouse for the balcony, you should think about what you want to grow. Radishes are particularly suitable because they are very easy to care for and can be harvested after just a few weeks. They like it sunny, but also tolerate partially shaded places well. Other plants that you can successfully grow in a greenhouse include (in addition to tomatoes) cucumbers and potatoes, zucchini and sugar peas.
Sunlight alone is not enough for your plants to grow. The following tips should help you with cultivation:
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