Greenhouses were once called orangeries in Europe and were originally constructed to grow orange trees inside. You can now grow all sorts of fruit trees in the greenhouse, controlling the environment to ensure that trees make a healthy harvest. Whether you grow fruit in the greenhouse year around or simply move fruit trees inside to protect them from winter cold, the greenhouse is a cozy place for fruit trees in any given time of year.
Greenhouse Conditions
When growing fruit trees in the greenhouse, you’ll want to provide a warm atmosphere for them to thrive. Most fruit trees value temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, including bananas and citrus trees, while tropical fruit trees require temperatures above 60 F. Citrus trees prefer a moist environment, using light, frequent waterings and regular misting.
Winter Growing
In cold climates, it is wise to move purple or citrus fruit trees from the cold and into the greenhouse prior to the first fall frost. Even at a Mediterranean climate, fruit trees can benefit from a move inside on chilly nights in September and October. This may also avoid dormancy, which means that your own fruit trees will create fruits year around.
Drawbacks
One of the significant drawbacks to think about is the expense of operating a greenhouse. Heat and heat the environment can quickly increase your utility accounts, and there are other problems, like heaters drying out trees. It’s also important to think about which fruit trees actually benefit from greenhouse growing and that don’t. For instance, apple trees require cold temperatures to induce budding and make fruit, which makes successful greenhouse growing not feasible.
Benefits
Since fruit trees do best in warm weather and mild winters, growing them in a greenhouse ensures they will get adequate temperatures. And you’ll also have cautious control over all facets of the greenhouse environment, without the troubles outdoor growers have, including rainfall, dry spells and frosts. The greenhouse also shelters fruit trees in damaging windsthat is especially beneficial for citrus trees that cannot tolerate wind.