With climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, it becomes essential to find solutions to protect our gardens from excessive sun and rain. Growing under shelter, thanks to greenhouses and tunnels, offers an effective response to these challenges. Here’s how to use these structures to optimize the health and productivity of your garden.
The benefits of greenhouses and tunnels
Greenhouses and tunnels offer several advantages for gardening:
- Protection against the weather: They protect your plants from torrential rains, strong winds, and intense heat, creating a stable and favorable microclimate for growth.
- Extension of the growing season: These shelters allow for the sowing to start earlier in the spring and to extend the harvest into autumn, or even winter.
- Disease reduction: By controlling humidity and temperature, you can reduce the incidence of fungal diseases and other problems related to extreme weather conditions.
- Optimization of watering: You can manage water supply more efficiently, thus avoiding water stress in plants.
Choosing between a greenhouse and a tunnel
Greenhouses
Greenhouses, whether they are made of glass or polycarbonate, offer robust and durable protection. They are particularly suitable for gardeners who wish to grow sensitive or exotic plants requiring specific conditions.
Advantages of greenhouses:
- Superior thermal insulation
- Precise control of humidity and temperature
- Adaptation to a wide range of plants
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost
- More complex installation
Tunnels
Tunnels, often made of plastic and supported by arches, are a more economical and flexible alternative. They are ideal for seasonal crops and vegetable gardens.
Advantages of tunnels:
- Easy installation and mobility
- Affordable cost
- Suitable for row crops (vegetables, small fruits)
Disadvantages:
- Less durable than greenhouses
- Less control over internal conditions
Installation and maintenance
Installation
- Choose the location: Place your greenhouse or tunnel in a sunny spot, sheltered from the prevailing winds.
- Prepare the soil: Make sure the soil is well-drained and leveled. Enrich it with compost to provide the necessary nutrients for your plants.
- Install the structure: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your greenhouse or tunnel. Make sure to securely anchor the structure to withstand the weather.
Interview
- Ventilation: Open the doors and windows of your greenhouse or tunnel to prevent overheating and excessive humidity. Ventilation is essential to prevent fungal diseases.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the inside and outside of structures to maximize light and prevent the buildup of mold and debris.
- Monitoring conditions: Use thermometers and hygrometers to monitor the temperature and humidity indoors. Adjust the ventilation and watering accordingly.
Recommended Cultures
Under a greenhouse or tunnel, many plants benefit from controlled conditions:
- Vegetables : Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplants
- Herbs : Basil, coriander, mint, parsley
- Fruits: Strawberries, melons, raspberries
- Flowers : Geraniums, begonias, petunias
Conclusion
Growing under shelter with greenhouses and tunnels allows overcoming the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. By providing a controlled environment, these structures promote plant growth, extend the growing season, and reduce the risk of diseases.
Whether you opt for a sturdy greenhouse or a flexible tunnel, you can enjoy a thriving and productive garden, protected from the whims of the weather. Take advantage of these shelters to experiment with new crops and improve your gardening techniques.
Happy gardening under cover!