I had no idea about greenhouses, and for the longest time, I avoided reading up on them as I found it too time-consuming.
However, this completely changed on a surprise trip to Florida. My husband planned a beautiful visit for my birthday, and my dear friend Peter hosted us. Even though I knew he was always into gardening, I didn’t think he would have his own greenhouse. On speaking to him a bit more over a glass of wine, I learned a lot!
As soon as I got back, I took it upon myself to do some long-overdue reading on greenhouses. And soon after, I had one installed. Since my husband and I love tomatoes, I thought why not give it a shot. After some more research and a few tries, I finally managed to grow some tomatoes.
If you are considering following in my footsteps, take some time out to read this guide on how to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse. I have discussed what you will need, essential aspects like temperature and light, and included some tips.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
How To Grow Tomatoes In A Greenhouse
Tomatoes, unlike most herbs, need a little more tender love and care when growing in a greenhouse. This is because it has quite a few conditions that need to be followed to ensure healthy growth. Moreover, they cannot be grown in the same pot as other veggies and need their own space. Not giving them their space increases the chance of pests and diseases.
However, it is pretty beneficial to have your own produce since it ensures quality. The downside is, depending on where you are, growing them can be a bit challenging. Here are some things that need to be considered when growing tomatoes.
Temperature
First things first, the most important thing to remember is that tomatoes need to be grown in specific temperatures. Ideally, the temperature of the greenhouse at night should be 15-18℃. During the day, it should be 21-27℃. But, this is a broad range and can be adjusted depending on how hot or cold it gets in your region.
Also, ensure there is proper air circulation inside the greenhouse. It will help in having exhaust fans in the area. One mistake I made the first time around was not giving each plant its space, which hampered its growth. So, if you’re growing more than one, ensure that they are spaced out.
The Process
You will, obviously, need some tomato seeds or a pre-grown plant. Other than that, a good quality fertilizer and a string are essentials. Place the seeds 2-3 inches under the oil and add the soil nutrients. Once the plant reaches a certain height, tie it using a string, so it does not collapse.
The plant can either be tied to a window rod or a pole above it. However, if that is not possible, you can insert a stake or cane next to the plant and once it's tall enough, tie it to that structure.
Watering The Plant
This is the point where most people have troubles, and it was no different for me. When it comes to tomatoes, it is essential to water them regularly because irregular watering can lead to the plant drying up. At that point, watering the plant with a lot of water will only cause the tomato to swell and eventually crack.
Another big issue that crops up is calcium imbalance. Not watering the plant can cause it to have an imbalance which will lead to the flowers falling and no fruit growing. On the other hand, over-watering the plant can damage it and hinder its growth.
However, over-watering is not as harmful as under-watering. This is why Peter and many other gardener friends advised me to over-water the first time and not re-water the plant until I felt the soil was dry. Each day, the quantity of water reduced as I learned exactly how much water was needed.
Another vital piece of advice I received from Peter was to ensure that the pot or container that holds the plant has enough holes. These holes in the bottom help with the drainage of any extra water, thereby reducing the chances of the plant being exposed to too much water.
Let There Be Light
Ensuring the plants are exposed to adequate light is vital for their growth. While planting the seed or pre-grown plant, make sure it is placed in an area exposed to direct sunlight. However, in case there is no direct sunlight, you can invest in good quality grow lights. These lights, combined with the controlled temperature, will encourage better growth.
Tips
Not all tomato varieties grow properly in a greenhouse. However, some varieties like Sungold, Gardener’s Delight, and Sweet Million usually thrive. If you have a small greenhouse, Sweet Million is an excellent variety to consider since it is made for smaller spaces.
That’s not all; different types of tomatoes won’t grow equally well in the same climate, so it is important to read the label and plant information to ascertain the ideal growing conditions. Remember, since there is no rain in the greenhouse, adding too much fertilizer can burn the plant, so find the right balance.
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Final Words
These are just some of the important pointers to keep in mind when growing tomatoes in a greenhouse. There is a whole lot of information out there that I urge you to explore before embarking on your journey of growing tomatoes.
Plants like these are quite susceptible to pests and diseases, so make sure that you are using good quality soil. In addition to that, good quality fertilizers are necessary. Remember to maintain the climate inside the greenhouse and give the plants adequate nutrients and water. If done carefully and systematically, you can grow tomatoes all through the year.
On that note, I shall take your leave. I hope this guide has encouraged you at least a bit. I shall be back soon with more such guides.
See you next time!