Before the first plants are planted, one of the most important growth conditions must be guaranteed with optimal soil for the greenhouse and precisely dosed admixtures of humus, compost and other substances. Garden owners should carry out a thorough soil analysis beforehand.

Using a good quality soil for the greenhouse is particularly important

Although the roots of plants grown under glass are not visible and grow underground, the soil, compost, substrate and soil used in a greenhouse are important for growth and well-being. Not to forget, a really healthy one Soil is inhabited by many useful creatures, which have a significant influence on the healthy growth of the plants.

Soil for greenhouses and soil fertility

In principle, the soils for greenhouse plants do not differ from those for outdoor planting. They make the difference higher floor temperatures under glass or foil, which allow the degradation and conversion process of the soil components to run much faster. Soil fertility is mainly characterized by:

  • the six levels of pH (neutral to extremely acidic);
  • the rooting capacity of the soil for the greenhouse;
  • the ability of the soil to hold air and water;
  • the heatability of the earth;
  • the nutrient content and its continuous availability;

Soil analysis as a basis for high-yield planting

Laboratory tests of soil samples from allotments came to the conclusion that the majority of soils are oversaturated with potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The reason: due to compost, stable manure, lime and mineral fertilizers, there are many more nutrients in the soil than plants can use. It is therefore advisable to have a soil analysis made in the laboratory, which reflects the actual condition of the greenhouse soil and helps to rule out malnutrition in later planting. It is advisable to take a sample (500 grams in total and mix well!). ten different places in the greenhouse.

Homemade soil for a greenhouse

If the result of the laboratory test speaks for an overall good structure of the soil, the greenhouse soil can easily be produced by adding substrates and other additives. The following overview shows some examples:

kind mixture
Peat-free potting soil 25% bark humus, 25% garden compost, 50% garden soil or: 35% wood fibers, 30% bark humus, 25% garden compost, 10% clay
seed soil 1/3 mature compost (compost), 1/3 washed quartz sand (0 to 3 mm), 1/3 peat
Soil for alpine plants 1/3 mature compost (compost), 1/3 good garden soil, 1/3 peat - possibly with sand
cactus soil 1/3 sand, 1/3 lava or primary rock gravel or expanded clay granules, 1/3 standard soil
Soil for cuttings propagation 1/2 peat, 1/2 washed quartz sand
Plant / potting soil 1/3 mature compost (compost) or bark humus, 1/3 good garden soil, 1/3 peat

Source: "The small greenhouse - technology and use" Verlag Eugen Ulmer, 70599 Stuttgart

tips

The soil for your greenhouse can also be easily improved from time to time by planting green manure plants. Particularly good values can be achieved with spelt, field beans, lucerne and winter vetch.

Category:

Garden design