The greenhouse comes to the rescue where the climate does not allow growing heat-loving plants in open ground. Since the building area is limited, planting density is usually high. However, not all cultures get along well next to each other. Plants should be selected based on the same requirements for conditions of maintenance and care.
Pros and cons of co-growing
The biggest problem is when growing tomatoes and cucumbers together in a greenhouse. These crops have completely different requirements for conditions and care. Tomatoes need relatively dry air and moderate watering and fertilizing with mineral fertilizers. Cucumbers, on the contrary, like high humidity, and for feeding it is better to choose organic matter (mullein, bird droppings).
That is why one of these crops is chosen as the base one. Then suitable neighbors are assigned to her. Benefits of growing together:
- saving landing space;
- the ability to grow 3-4 types of capricious vegetables at the same time;
- reduction in heating and lighting costs compared to several greenhouses;
- the ability to create optimal conditions for each crop using a drip irrigation installation and ventilation system.
At the same time, mixed plantings require attention and bring with them certain inconveniences. The disadvantages of joint cultivation include:
- high probability of cross-pollination;
- increased risk of insect damage to all crops at the same time;
- the difficulty of an individual approach to plants if the greenhouse is small;
- the danger of strong thickening of plantings, which can lead to disease.
To minimize the risk of problems, vegetables in the greenhouse are planted in accordance with the recommended scheme. Be sure to garter and shape the plants, preventing their excessive growth.
Suitable neighbors for tomatoes
Other vegetables from the nightshade family are suitable as neighbors for tomatoes. In the same greenhouse with tomatoes you can plant:
- eggplant;
- Sweet pepper;
- hot pepper.
When growing sweet and hot peppers together, it is better to place them further away from each other, for example, dividing the plantings with several tomato or eggplant bushes. In case of cross-pollination, sweet peppers will form bitter fruits, while hot peppers, on the contrary, will lose some of their pungency in taste.
Along the edges of the ridges you can plant early cabbage, lettuce, radishes, herbs, and greens. These crops have a short growing season, so after receiving a harvest, they can be replanted in the same place.
Favorable neighbors for cucumbers
Cucumbers are allowed to be planted together with related and melon crops. They all need approximately the same conditions for good development and growth. This list of neighbors includes:
- squash;
- zucchini;
- pumpkins;
- watermelons;
- melons
It is better to place the cucumbers in the center of the bed, and place other plants on the sides. Thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites often inhabit the greenhouse. Spicy herbs will help repel pests. Various types of parsley, celery, and mint are especially effective in this regard.
Sometimes seedlings are grown in a greenhouse, which are later transplanted into open ground. For seedlings, it is recommended to allocate a separate place on the edge of the bed. It is better to plant plants with early ripening periods in the greenhouse at the same time, which produce a harvest together. After harvesting the main crops, greens or green manure are planted in the greenhouse. If the building is heated, you can re-grow vegetables or plant strawberries in it.
When growing in greenhouses, it is important not only to take into account the compatibility of crops, but also to follow agricultural techniques. Plants should be inspected weekly to ensure they are healthy and not stunted. Any diseases in a greenhouse develop rapidly, therefore, upon discovering symptoms of diseases, it is necessary to begin treatment immediately.
