Foil alternative
Greenhouse for the balcony: How to grow your own vegetables without a garden
Growing tomatoes is even easier with a greenhouse on the balcony
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Growing heat-loving plants is much easier in a greenhouse than outdoors. But what to do if there is no garden? Alternatively, you can also go to the balcony – as long as it meets the most important requirements.
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.
The most important requirements for your balcony
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.
Next to the Alignment This also plays a role on your balcony Weight of the greenhouse plays an important role in the purchase. Depending on whether you are looking for a model plastic or Wood decide, the greenhouse weighs 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 also the Height should not be underestimated, as there are often fixed regulations here – for legal reasons.
These greenhouses are suitable for the balcony
1. Greenhouse with floors
A foil 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 would prefer one tall greenhouse with several floors or prefer a ground floor, flat greenhouse including UV-resistant, waterproof PE tarpaulin (weighs approx. 3 kg each).
2. Wooden greenhouse
However, it is significantly more expensive to purchase flat or tall greenhouse made of wood, such as fir (FSC certified). 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 one Film greenhouse for the balcony, with the only difference 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 one 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.
Which plants are suitable for greenhouses?
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. They are particularly suitable radish, as 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.
These tips promote a productive harvest
Sunlight alone is not enough for your plants to grow. The following tips should help you with cultivation:
- If your balcony faces south, it meets ideal conditions for a greenhouse. Still, you should keep in mind that your plants don’t get too much Sun be allowed to refuel – pay attention to a balanced light-shade ratio so that all types of vegetables ripen optimally.
- Since the air accumulates inside the greenhouse, it is important to ventilate it regularly. Make sure you have a good one Ventilation, your plants are less susceptible to disease. Ideally, you should provide your seedlings with fresh oxygen at regular intervals.
- If you want to grow vegetables, you should not use ordinary potting soil. Instead, take a special one Tomato or vegetable soil: It supplies your green protégés with the most important nutrients and supports better aeration of the roots.
- Last but not least, the size also plays a role flower pots an important role in the harvest. Make sure that the containers hold at least ten liters of soil so that your plants have enough space for their roots. Alternatively, you can also use a small one raised bed invest.
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