Greenhouses and polytunnels

In short: Greenhouses and polytunnels create a warmer, protected microclimate that extends the growing season and offers better conditions for heat-loving plants. The choice between the two depends on budget, space, and length of use.

In more detail: While greenhouses are usually made of glass or sturdy plastic panels, polytunnels use thinner, cheaper plastic sheeting.

In detail

• Temperature regulation: On warm days, sufficient ventilation is important to avoid overheating.
• Site selection: A sunny, wind-protected location maximises heat gain and the structure’s stability.
• Watering: Since rain doesn’t enter directly, watering inside a greenhouse must be done consistently and regularly.
• Humidity: High humidity promotes fungal diseases; regular ventilation significantly reduces this risk.
• Growing advantages: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers especially benefit from the protected, warmer conditions.
• Early sowing: In spring, young plants can be started much earlier than outdoors.
• Pests: The protected climate can also favour pests like whiteflies, so regular monitoring is important (tomaten-anbauen, schaedlinge-natuerlich-bekaempfen).