As the sun climbs higher in the sky and temperatures rise, your greenhouse transforms into a haven of possibilities. But with summer's heat comes the question: what plants will thrive in this warm, controlled environment? Fear not, fellow greenhouse enthusiasts!
This guide explores a selection of summer superstars that will transform your greenhouse into a vibrant and productive paradise.
1. The Luscious Tomato (Heirloom, Cherry, Roma)
- Plant Profile:Tomatoes are a classic greenhouse inhabitant, offering juicy rewards for your efforts. Choose from heirloom varieties prized for their unique flavors, cherry tomatoes perfect for snacking, or Roma tomatoes ideal for sauces.
- Summer Considerations:Tomatoes love warmth and sunshine, making them ideal for summer greenhouses. However, excessive heat can hinder fruit set.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Provide ample ventilation, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Consider installing exhaust fans in your greenhouse, like the technologically advanced Riga Greenhouse from Mulberry Greenhouses, to ensure proper air circulation. Shade cloths strategically placed outside your greenhouse can also help regulate temperature. For consistent moisture delivery, explore automated watering systems – a convenient option for busy gardeners.
2. The Delightful Pepper (Bell, Cayenne, Jalapeno)
- Plant Profile:Spice up your summer with a variety of peppers! Bell peppers come in a vibrant rainbow of colors, while cayenne and jalapenos add a kick to your culinary creations.
- Summer Considerations:Peppers thrive in warm, sunny conditions. However, similar to tomatoes, excessively high temperatures can affect fruit production.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Lumen & Forge Greenhouses available at Mulberry Greenhouses boast excellent light penetration, making them perfect for peppers. Maintain good air circulation with proper ventilation and strategically placed exhaust fans. Like tomatoes, peppers benefit from consistent moisture. Explore watering systems to ensure optimal hydration, especially during hot summer days.
3. The Exotic Cucumber (English, Slicing, Pickling)
- Plant Profile:Cucumbers are a refreshing and versatile summer crop. Choose from English cucumbers for salads, slicing cucumbers for sandwiches, or pickling cucumbers for preserving.
- Summer Considerations:Cucumbers prefer warm temperatures but struggle with excessive heat and dryness.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:MONT Greenhouses offer ample space for trellising cucumber plants, allowing them to climb vertically and maximize growing space. Shade cloths can be used to diffuse intense sunlight during peak summer hours. Maintaining humidity is crucial for cucumbers. Group your plants together to create a microclimate and consider installing a humidifier if needed.
4. The Elegant Eggplant (Black Beauty, Italian White, Japanese)
- Plant Profile:Eggplants add a touch of sophistication and culinary versatility to your summer harvest. Black Beauty is a classic choice, while Italian White and Japanese varieties offer unique culinary experiences.
- Summer Considerations:Eggplants thrive in warm weather but can suffer from heat stress if temperatures soar too high.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Solexx Greenhouses provide excellent light diffusion, preventing scorching on delicate eggplant leaves. Maintain good air circulation with proper ventilation and strategically placed fans. As with other summer crops, consistent moisture is key. Explore watering systems to ensure optimal hydration during hot weather.
5. The Bountiful Herb Garden (Basil, Mint, Cilantro)
- Plant Profile:Fresh herbs elevate any summer dish. Basil, mint, and cilantro are just a few possibilities, offering a constant supply of flavor throughout the summer months.
- Summer Considerations:While herbs generally enjoy warm weather, some varieties, like cilantro, can bolt (flower prematurely) in excessive heat.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Exaco Livingten Greenhouses offer a variety of sizes to accommodate a dedicated herb garden. Shelves for greenhouses can maximize space utilization, allowing you to grow a diverse selection of herbs. For some heat-sensitive herbs like cilantro, consider using grow lights to extend their growing season and prevent bolting.
6. The Regal Summer Squash (Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Pattypan Squash)
- Plant Profile:Summer squashes are a fast-growing and rewarding summer crop. Zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash offer versatility in the kitchen.
- Summer Considerations:Summer squashes thrive in warm weather but can suffer from powdery mildew in overly humid conditions.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Exaco Livingten Greenhouses offer excellent ventilation, crucial for preventing powdery mildew on summer squash. Fans strategically placed within the greenhouse can promote air circulation and reduce humidity. Maintain consistent moisture with watering systems, but avoid overwatering, which can also contribute to mildew problems.
7. The Flavorful Summer Salad Mix (Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach)
- Plant Profile:Enjoy a constant supply of fresh, leafy greens for your summer salads with a dedicated greenhouse salad mix. Lettuce, arugula, and spinach are just a few possibilities.
- Summer Considerations:While some leafy greens tolerate warm weather, others, like lettuce, can become bitter in excessive heat.
- Greenhouse Success Tips:Riga Greenhouses boast excellent ventilation systems, crucial for keeping temperatures cool and preventing bitterness in leafy greens. Shade cloths can be used strategically to diffuse intense sunlight during peak summer hours. For heat-sensitive varieties like lettuce, consider using grow lights to extend their growing season and prevent bolting. Humidity control is important for leafy greens. Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust ventilation or introduce dehumidifying solutions if needed.
With a little planning and the right accessories, your greenhouse can be a haven for a diverse range of plants, not just during the summer months. Mulberry Greenhouses offers a variety of top-quality greenhouses and expert advice to help you create a thriving year-round growing environment.
