Greenhouse for the balcony: 4 models in comparison

Vegetable cultivation
Greenhouse for the balcony: These models are available – tips for purchasing

Growing tomatoes even better with a greenhouse on the balcony

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The cultivation of heat-loving plants is much easier in the greenhouse than outdoors. But what to do if there is no garden? Alternatively, you can switch to the balcony – provided 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 from cold temperatures. In addition, you can start sowing much sooner than is usually the case in our regions (and harvest longer) – provided your balcony meets all the important criteria. What these are and what you need to know before buying is explained in this article. We will also tell you which plants are particularly suitable for a greenhouse and which tips promote a high-yield harvest.

The most important requirements for your balcony

So that a greenhouse can store the necessary heat and give it off to your plants, one thing above all else is needed: 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 of a high-yield harvest. However, that always depends on which plants are to be sown. You should therefore find out in advance how much light (or shade) is required for the desired cultivation.

In addition to the Alignment Your balcony plays that too Weight 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 differently. Added to this is the weight of the plants and the earth. Depending on how heavily your balcony is already loaded, you should inquire 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 consists only of a few stainless steel tubes around which a weather-resistant plastic film is stretched – this makes the model a real lightweight. There are different sizes, so you should consider beforehand whether you would prefer one tall greenhouse prefer with several floors or prefer a ground floor, shallow greenhouse including UV-resistant, waterproof PE tarpaulin (weighs approx. 3 kg each).

2. Wooden greenhouse

On the other hand, a is significantly more expensive to buy flat or tall greenhouse made of wood, such as fir (FSC certified). This makes the model more sustainable and durable, but also significantly heavier at 13 kilograms. But every level is 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, ensures optimal light irradiation.

3. Greenhouse for tall plants

This model is also a high one Foil 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 humid environment inside, the seedlings thrive particularly well as they are protected from pests. In addition, the greenhouse has a high level of light permeability. The waterproof film can be rolled up so that bees can pollinate the flowers. This allows you to 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 opt for one walk-in greenhouse (made of foil, weighs 11 kg) decide. It is by far the largest model in this series and has the advantage that not only your plants fit in – but you too. This allows you to 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 getting a greenhouse for the balcony, consider what you are going to grow. Are particularly good 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 spots. Other plants that you can successfully grow in a greenhouse include (in addition to tomatoes) also cucumbers and potatoes, zucchini and sweet peas.

These tips will promote a high yielding harvest

Sun rays alone are not enough for your plants to grow. The following tips should help you with the cultivation:

  1. If your balcony is facing south, it fulfills the ideal conditions for a greenhouse. Even so, you should keep in mind that your plants are not too much Sun be allowed to refuel – pay attention to a balanced light-shadow ratio so that all vegetables ripen optimally.
  2. Since the air builds up inside the greenhouse, it is important to ventilate it regularly. Make sure you have a good one Ventilation, your plants are less prone to disease. Ideally, you should provide your seedlings with fresh oxygen at regular intervals.
  3. If you want to grow vegetables, you should not use ordinary potting soil. Take a special one instead Tomato or vegetable soil: It supplies your green protégés with the most important nutrients and supports better ventilation of the roots.
  4. Last but not least, the size of the 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 use a small one Raised bed invest.

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