When it comes to greenhouse gardening, it is essential to be mindful of what plants are suitable for this controlled environment. While lettuce, spinach, kale, mustard greens, carrots, beets, peas, broccoli, and asparagus thrive in a greenhouse, there are some plants that are not well-suited for this setting.
One type of plant to avoid putting in a greenhouse is large trees. Trees such as oak, maple, or pine have extensive root systems that can quickly outgrow the limited space within a greenhouse, leading to structural damage and hindering the growth of other plants.
Additionally, plants that require a lot of space to spread out, like watermelon or pumpkin, are not ideal for greenhouse cultivation. These plants need ample room to sprawl and may struggle to thrive in the confined space of a greenhouse.
Plants that are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as tropical species like orchids or hibiscus, may not fare well in a greenhouse, as the temperature can fluctuate more than in an outdoor setting, leading to stress and potential damage to the plants.
Similarly, plants that require specific pollinators, such as certain fruit trees that rely on bees for pollination, may not be suitable for a greenhouse environment where natural pollinators may not have access. Without proper pollination, these plants may not bear fruits.
Some plants, like certain herbs or flowers, benefit from exposure to outdoor elements like wind and rain to develop strong stems and roots. In a completely controlled greenhouse environment, these plants may grow weak and prone to damage when eventually exposed to outdoor conditions.
Plants that are aggressive growers, such as mint or bamboo, can quickly take over a greenhouse, crowding out other plants and becoming difficult to control. These types of plants are better suited to open garden spaces where their growth can be managed more easily.
Furthermore, plants that are prone to pests and diseases, such as roses or certain fruit trees, can be challenging to protect in a closed greenhouse environment. Without the natural predators found in outdoor ecosystems, pest infestations can quickly escalate.
Crops that require a significant amount of space for root development, like potatoes or certain types of squash, may not reach their full potential in a greenhouse environment where container growing is often necessary, limiting the space available for roots to spread.
Plants that need a period of cold dormancy to thrive, like certain bulbs or perennial flowers, may struggle in a greenhouse setting where the temperature is regulated year-round. Without the natural cycle of cold weather, these plants may not flower or produce as expected.
Plants that are highly sensitive to humidity levels, such as desert succulents or cacti, may not do well in the higher humidity environment of a greenhouse. These plants are adapted to low humidity conditions and may rot or develop fungal issues in a greenhouse setting.
Finally, plants that require specific day-length conditions to flower or fruit, like some varieties of tomatoes or strawberries, may not be suitable for greenhouse cultivation where artificial lighting may disrupt their natural cycle. These plants rely on the changing day lengths of the seasons to trigger growth stages.
