The different types of greenhouse
As a general rule, a greenhouse allows you to benefit from a microclimatebut this is more or less rigorous, and more or less suitable for certain crops depending on the type of greenhouse.
Cold greenhouse
This is a greenhouse that is not heated. It can be a tunnel greenhouse Or a glass greenhouse or polycarbonate. If the first helps protect plants from wind, bad weather and, to a lesser extent, frost, the second has the added advantage of letting in the sun’s rays, and therefore, a little heat. It is useful for cold-resistant plants and certain frost-prone plants provided they are protected.
Hothouse
This is a greenhouse which, because the walls are insulated, can be heated. We distinguish :
- The temperate greenhouse where a temperature between 10 and 18° reigns. It is useful for all frost-prone plants, including vegetables.
- The tropical greenhouse where a temperature between 18 and 30° reigns.
Balcony greenhouse
This is a small greenhouse that can be lean against the wall of a house. If you take care to expose it well, in addition to benefiting from the residual heat of the wall, it will receive the few rays of the sun in winter. It is useful for growing winter vegetables and for making seedlings for the coming spring.
Vegetables to grow in a greenhouse in January
At the start of the year, you can start some plantings depending on your greenhouse:
- If you have a cold greenhouse, you can sow vegetables chosen from those which are known to be the least sensitive to cold, such as carrots, radishes, cauliflowers, peas, leeks, cardoons, beets, broad beans, etc. You can also sow lettuce in boxes, provided you install them close to the walls to allow the young plants to benefit from maximum light.
- If you have a greenhouse, you can plant tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, peppers, chili peppers, eggplants, etc. If you only have a cold greenhouse or a balcony greenhouse, but you live in an area where winters are lenient, you can undertake these same crops.
Fruits to grow in a greenhouse in January
In January, there are only a few fruits to grow in a greenhouse. So, if you have a greenhouse, you can sow rhubarb.
Flowers to plant in a greenhouse in January
If your greenhouse is heated, you can sow geraniums and begonias. It is also the time to plant sweet peas, carnations, etc. You will benefit from flowering from the beginning of spring. Be careful, however, not to transplant them too early. Wait until the risk of frost has passed.
Precautions to take
To successfully grow these winter crops in a greenhouse, it is important to take a few precautions:
- Be sure to keep the walls of your greenhouse clean so that light and sunlight can enter.
- Remember to regularly ventilate your greenhouse to renew the air. Take advantage of the days when it is less cold to do this.
- Check the insulation of your greenhouse several times during the winter. It is possible to add bubble wrap as insulation if necessary.
- When you plant, remember to leave enough space between the plants and arrange them in a staggered pattern. This will contribute to better air circulation between them and good diffusion of light to all parts of the plants.
- Even in winter, you must water regularly while avoiding excess water to avoid the risk of frost.
- If you have a cold greenhouse, in the event of a very cold period, do not hesitate to use mulch and winter sails.
- Monitor the health of your plants carefully. At the slightest sign of disease or invasion of unwanted pests, it is important to act quickly to avoid spreading to other plants.
- Regularly check that your greenhouse does not have any holes through which rodents could enter to take shelter and feed on your plants. Remember to clean your tools regularly. It is important to disinfect pots and tools regularly to prevent the spread of disease.