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 earlier than is usually the case in our climes (and harvest longer) – provided your balcony meets all the important criteria. This article explains what they are and what you need to know before you buy them. In addition, we will tell you which plants are particularly suitable for a greenhouse and which tips will promote a high-yield harvest.
In order for a greenhouse to be able to store the necessary heat and pass it on 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, one has to say that too much sun is no guarantee for a high-yield harvest. However, this always depends on which plants are to be sown. You should therefore inquire in advance how much light (or shade) is required for the desired cultivation.
In addition to the orientation of your balcony, the weight of the greenhouse also plays an important role in the purchase. Depending on whether you choose a model made of plastic or wood, the greenhouse weighs differently. Added to this is the weight of the plants and the soil. Depending on how heavily your balcony is already loaded, you should inquire 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 well suited for the balcony. As the name suggests, it consists of just 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 high greenhouse with several floors or a ground-level, flat greenhouse including UV-resistant, waterproof PE tarpaulin (weighs approx. 3 kg each).
2. Wooden greenhouse
On the other hand, a flat or high greenhouse made of wood, such as fir (FSC certified), is significantly more expensive to buy. This makes the model more sustainable and durable, but also significantly heavier at 13 kilograms. On the other hand, each level is also extremely resilient: each shelf, which is also height-adjustable, can easily withstand up to 15 kilograms. The windows, on the other hand, are made of transparent polycarbonate, which, according to the manufacturer, ensure optimal light exposure.
3. Greenhouse for tall plants
This model is also a high 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. The warm and humid environment inside allows the seedlings to thrive as they are protected from pests. In addition, the greenhouse has a high level of light transmission. The waterproof film can be rolled up so that the flowers can be pollinated by bees. This allows you to decide for yourself when and how long your plants should be left 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. This allows you to get a better impression of how your green protégés are doing on a daily basis. In addition, there is a lot of space for different seeds in the greenhouse.
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 half-shade well. Other crops that you can successfully grow in a greenhouse include (besides tomatoes) cucumbers and potatoes, zucchini and mangetout.
Sunbeams alone are not enough for your plants to grow. The following tips should help you with the cultivation:
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