Tomato Greenhouses

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are tomato greenhouses and tomato growhouses the same thing?

  Yes, basically they’re both structures specifically designed to house tomatoes which provide shelter from external elements while allowing enough airflow and light inside so that tomatoes can thrive.

• When should I plant tomatoes in a tomato greenhouse?

  The best time depends on where you live. If the greenhouse has some heat for frost protection, then you can plant as early as late February to early March. A small paraffin heater or ‘warm igloo‘ will do the trick.

  Also bear in mind when buying seedlings that many types need at least eight hours of daylight and, if planted too early, they may not flower properly due to lack of sunlight.

  For an unheated greenhouse, then one the danger of frost has passed, you can plant the young plants in the greenhouse. Typically this would be around late May.

• Are there any problems with growing tomatoes in a greenhouse?

  Just with other types of vegetable cultivation, there are always certain risks associated  with growth in any environment. However, these risks tend to be reduced significantly when using greenhouses.

  That’s because most problems associated with outdoor gardens won’t affect your plants in tomato greenhouse, such as pest infestation.

  Additionally, greenhouses offer better control over factors like temperature which helps ensure optimum yields each time.

• What size pots should I use for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse?

  When growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, it’s recommended to use large pots, as they provide more space for root development, which can result in healthier plants and higher yields.

  A pot size of at least 10-15 litres is ideal for growing larger tomato plants in a greenhouse environment. Just remember not to overcrowd them too much. You also have the option of using a grow bag.

  Five litre pots will be fine for smaller bush type tomatoes as long as they are fed regularly.

• What are the best greenhouse watering systems to use for growing tomatoes?

  The best greenhouse watering systems for growing tomatoes include drip irrigation and self-watering containers. These systems help provide consistent moisture to the plants, reduce water waste and prevent soil-borne diseases.

  It’s essential to choose a system that works well with the size of your tomato greenhouse and the specific needs of your tomato plants.

• Can you grow tomatoes all year round in a tomato greenhouse?

  Yes, but you would have to heat the greenhouse over the colder months, which for many is uneconomic. However, you can extend the cropping by removing the vines with the unripe tomatoes still on in late autumn and then leaving them in the greenhouse to slowly ripen in the late autumn sun.

• What are the best types of tomato to grow in a tomato greenhouse?

  There are many tomato varieties to grow, but the best for you will depend on your individual preferences and climate.

  However, varieties such as cherry and bush tomatoes and sun golds tend to do well in greenhouses since they thrive in warm and humid conditions, while also producing a large crop of sweet fruits. Other varieties such as beefsteak and roma are also worth considering if you have the space.

• Can I grow tomatoes and cucumbers in the same tomato greenhouse?

  Yes, you can grow both tomatoes and cucumbers together in a greenhouse for tomatoes. Tomatoes and cucumbers are both warm-weather plants, so they tend to do well when grown together in the same space.

  However, it’s important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation and enough space between plants so that they don’t compete for resources or become overcrowded.

• Are there any other plants that I should grow with tomatoes?

  Yes, we call these companion plants, which are grown next to tomatoes that help keep pests away from the crops being grown. A popular choice gardeners use to do this are marigolds which also don’t take up too much space.

  Poached egg plants, fennel, dill and yarrow are also good tomato companions, because they attract beneficial bugs, such as ladybirds, which eat other insects that will damage your crops.

  Finally, planting mint near tomatoes not only deters pests, but it also improves their health, enhances their flavour and provides you with a nice herb for the kitchen and your drinks!

• How often should you water tomato plants in a greenhouse?

  Tomato plants need to be watered regularly to ensure their growth and vitality – they are thirsty plants. In a greenhouse setting, tomato plants should be watered at least once or twice per week, and more often during hot, dry spells, until the soil is moist but not soggy.

• How can you support tomatoes in a greenhouse?

  Tomatoes grown in greenhouses benefit from extra support to keep them upright and away from the ground.

  This can come in the form of stakes, cages, trellises or even strings attached to the wall or ceiling of the tomato plant greenhouse. Using these supports helps ensure that the tomatoes are exposed to sufficient airflow, light and nutrients.

  If you have purchased optional seed tray shelves for the Tomato House, these can be used as a tying point for the tomato canes.

• Do tomatoes grow better in a greenhouse?

  Yes. Tomatoes grown in greenhouses tend to produce higher yields than those grown outdoors due to climate control and protection from pests and diseases. Greenhouse-grown tomatoes are also much more reliable and predictable throughout the growing season.

  For extended cropping, plant a few tomato plants outside as well and these will ripen up later than the ones inside the greenhouse.