Hydroponic Greenhouse
What to Grow and What Not to Grow
Hydroponic greenhouses can produce larger yields than a traditional greenhouse but for maximum
success the grower must understand what to grow and what not to grow. Some plants may spread
out too much to grow properly in a hydroponic greenhouse. Other plants may be cool weather
plants and will not be able to stand the constant high temperatures that other plants may need to
thrive in. Then there are other plants that need special attention, if you decide to grow
them in a hydroponic greenhouse.
Plants to Grow in a Hydroponic Greenhouse
Strawberries
Strawberries are one fruit that does quite well in this type of growing environment. Plants of this fruit
are compact enough to fit in with the usual layouts of hydroponic greenhouses. You can set the plants
out in a number of configurations and they will still thrive. Also, there are so many varieties to choose
from depending on the size of berry and level of sweetness desired.
Potatoes
Potatoes and other root crops also work well, but only if they are given enough depth to grow
adequately. You have to remember with these crops that they do a lot of their growing in the root
area as well as up in their stems and foliage. If they are cramped for space, it will stunt their growth. You can choose the smaller varieties of the root crops, when available to help offer them enough
depth.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive when grown hydroponically. Of course, they need to have a support system with this
ype of greenhouse setting just as they do in a traditional greenhouse or garden setting. Some varieties
grow larger than other ones though, so choose the type you think you can provide the best support for
in your particular setup. Some other vining veggies that need support include peas, cucumbers and pole
beans.
Mint
There are many varieties of mint that do well in this type of greenhouse, because they enjoy wet
conditions. Mints spread quite a bit and should be given enough space. Other than this requirement, your chosen mint whether it be peppermint, spearmint, ginger mint or another type of mint should
produce nicely for you.
Basil
Basil is another herb to plan to grow in your hydroponic garden setup. The moist conditions provided
to the herb through this system actually enhance its flavor. As with other plants, your yield will most
likely increase with using hydroponic methods of gardening. Many other herbs do well too, but you
need to check the growing conditions they need to make sure before planting them.
Lettuce
Various types of lettuce will provide you with more flavorful harvests. Some people only think of
iceberg variety when lettuce is mentioned, but there is romaine, sweet butter and many more to
choose from for growing your salad greens hydroponically.
Cabbage
Cabbage is one of the cool weather vegetables that does well in this environment. You may need to
adjust growing conditions for the cool weather vegetables. This means you may need to grow the
plants according to their natural seasons. You can change the temperature settings in your greenhouse
according to the crops you decide to cultivate.
Green Beans
Bush-style green beans will adjust quite well with the typical conditions set up in a hydroponic system.
You will be able to harvest plenty for your table and have additional beans to can or freeze. The size
of these is easier to deal with than the pole beans, even though with the right support, as mentioned
earlier, you can also grow pole beans.
Grow What you Eat
You also need to think of which vegetables you and your family will eat when growing them
hydroponically. Remember, your harvests are likely to be larger using this method and therefore, you
will not want to concentrate on crops you do not like to eat. Now, there are some things you
should not or would have a hard time growing in a hydroponic setup.
Plants to Not Grow in a Hydroponic Greenhouse
Plants that take up a great deal of space to grow are impractical to grow in this type of greenhouse.
Watermelon and other melons, squash, and corn are some of these vegetables. They all take a huge
amount of space to grow.
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