Want to get the most out of your polycarbonate greenhouse? With its ability to transmit up to 90% of natural light while offering excellent insulation and weather resistance, a polycarbonate greenhouse provides the perfect environment for growing a wide range of plants.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these modern structures offer unique benefits that support healthy plant growth. The twin-wall panels diffuse sunlight evenly, preventing scorching while maintaining a stable temperature inside. This makes polycarbonate greenhouses ideal for year-round gardening—but to achieve the best results, it’s important to choose plants that will thrive in this environment.
Key Takeaways
- Leafy greens, fruiting vegetables, and berries thrive particularly well in polycarbonate greenhouses due to the controlled environment and diffused light.
- Temperature management is crucial, with optimal daytime ranges between 18-24°C and proper ventilation needed to prevent overheating.
- The twin-wall construction provides superior insulation and even light distribution, making it ideal for year-round growing of various plants.
- Herbs and microgreens can be successfully cultivated year-round, with fast-growing varieties producing harvests in 2-4 weeks.
- Regular monitoring of temperature, humidity (50-70%), and ventilation is essential for maintaining optimal growing conditions.
Key Benefits for Plant Growth in Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Polycarbonate greenhouses offer excellent UV protection, shielding plants from harmful radiation while ensuring they receive the right amount of light for healthy growth. Their impact-resistant panels are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing durability and reliability in various climates.
The lightweight construction makes installation and maintenance easier compared to traditional glass structures, while the energy-efficient design helps maintain a stable growing environment by retaining heat and reducing the need for additional heating. These greenhouses are also a cost-effective alternative to glass, offering long-term savings. With durable, long-lasting materials, polycarbonate structures require fewer replacements, making them a smart investment for any gardener.
Best Plants and Vegetables for Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Polycarbonate greenhouses create optimal growing conditions for vegetables through consistent light diffusion and temperature control. The twin-wall panels protect plants while allowing 90% of natural light transmission for healthy growth.
Leafy Greens and Salad Crops
Leafy vegetables thrive in polycarbonate greenhouses due to the filtered light and regulated moisture levels. Here are top performers:
- Lettuce varieties grow year-round with harvests in winter from late summer plantings
- Spicy salad leaves produce continuous crops throughout summer and early autumn
- Pea shoots provide fresh greens during spring months
- Spinach develops tender leaves in partially shaded conditions
- Swiss chard produces multiple harvests from a single planting
Fruiting Vegetables
- Tomatoes grow vigorously with proper vertical support
- Peppers develop thick walls in regulated heat
- Cucumbers climb efficiently on greenhouse trellises
- Aubergines produce higher yields in controlled environments
- Green beans thrive with adequate ventilation systems
Vegetable Type | Light Requirements | Temperature Range (°C) |
---|---|---|
Leafy Greens | Partial to Full | 15-20 |
Fruiting Crops | Full Light | 20-25 |
Growing Fruits and Berries

Polycarbonate greenhouses provide the perfect setting for growing fruits and berries by regulating temperature and evenly diffusing light. Their twin-wall design helps maintain a stable climate while shielding plants from harsh weather, ensuring healthy growth in all seasons.
Year-Round Fruit Options
Polycarbonate greenhouses enable continuous fruit production throughout the seasons:
- Strawberries: Produce fruit 3-4 weeks earlier than outdoor plants with protection from frost and pests
- Blueberries: Thrive in controlled humidity levels between 65-75%
- Raspberries: Grow successfully in temperatures between 20-25°C
- Grapes: Benefit from the diffused light and protection from rain
- Figs: Excel in the warm greenhouse environment
Fruit Type | Optimal Temperature | Humidity Range | Growing Season |
---|---|---|---|
Strawberries | 18-22°C | 60-70% | Spring-Autumn |
Blueberries | 20-25°C | 65-75% | Year-round |
Raspberries | 20-25°C | 60-65% | Summer-Autumn |
Seasonal Considerations
Each season requires specific adjustments for optimal fruit production:
Spring:
- Plant strawberry runners in March
- Start grape vine pruning
- Monitor ventilation as temperatures rise
Summer:
- Increase watering frequency
- Provide shade during peak heat
- Hand-pollinate where needed
Autumn:
- Reduce watering gradually
- Remove spent fruit plants
- Clean growing areas
- Maintain minimum temperature of 5°C
- Protect dormant plants
- Plan next season’s layout
Herbs and Microgreens

A polycarbonate greenhouse lets you enjoy fresh, flavourful herbs and microgreens all year round. Its controlled environment provides the perfect conditions for delicate herbs to flourish and fast-growing microgreens to thrive, giving you a steady supply of homegrown ingredients in any season.
Popular Greenhouse Herbs
Polycarbonate greenhouses offer ideal conditions for growing these essential culinary herbs:
- Basil: Grows best in full sun with temperatures between 18-24°C. Plant in well-drained soil and harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.
- Parsley: Tolerates partial shade and prefers temperatures between 15-20°C. Space plants 15cm apart in moist, nutrient-rich soil.
- Mint: Adapts to various light conditions and thrives in temperatures of 15-21°C. Plant in separate containers to prevent spreading.
- Oregano: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Maintain soil temperatures between 16-21°C for optimal growth.
Herb | Temperature Range | Light Requirement | Soil Type |
---|---|---|---|
Basil | 18-24°C | Full sun | Well-drained |
Parsley | 15-20°C | Partial shade | Moist, rich |
Mint | 15-21°C | Adaptable | Moist |
Oregano | 16-21°C | Full sun | Sandy, well-drained |
Quick-Growing Varieties
These fast-growing options produce harvests in 2-4 weeks:
- Microgreens: Plant densely in shallow trays with organic potting mix
- Radish sprouts
- Pea shoots
- Sunflower shoots
- Mustard greens
- Baby Leaf Crops: Sow seeds 2cm apart in rows
- Baby spinach
- Young lettuce
- Rocket
Variety | Days to Harvest | Growing Method | Light Level |
---|---|---|---|
Radish Microgreens | 7-10 days | Dense sowing | Medium |
Pea Shoots | 10-14 days | Dense sowing | Medium-high |
Baby Spinach | 21-28 days | Row planting | Medium |
Baby Lettuce | 21-30 days | Row planting | Medium-low |
Essential Growing Tips

Growing plants in a polycarbonate greenhouse requires precise environmental control for optimal growth. Here’s how to manage key growing conditions effectively.
Managing Ideal Temperature
Polycarbonate greenhouses maintain temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F) during the day for most plants. Opening vents at 20°C prevents overheating in summer months. Here’s how to control temperature:
- Install thermometers at plant level to monitor zones
- Use shade cloth from March to September to reduce heat gain
- Position heat-loving plants (tomatoes eggplants) in warmer spots
- Place cool-season crops (lettuce spinach) in shadier areas
- Add thermal mass with water barrels to stabilise temperature
Ventilation and Humidity Control
Environmental Factor | Optimal Range | Monitoring Frequency |
---|---|---|
Day Temperature | 18-24°C | 3x daily |
Night Temperature | 13-18°C | 2x daily |
Humidity | 50-70% | 2x daily |
Ventilation | 15-30 mins | Morning/Evening |
Conclusion
A polycarbonate greenhouse makes it easy to grow a wide range of plants all year round. Its excellent light transmission, insulation, and durability create the perfect environment for everything from leafy greens to fruits and herbs.
By managing temperature, humidity, and ventilation, you can ensure your plants thrive in any season. These versatile structures let you enjoy fresh produce and vibrant plants no matter the weather.
Success comes down to choosing the right plants and maintaining ideal growing conditions. With a well-maintained polycarbonate greenhouse, you’ll have a productive and flourishing garden all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes polycarbonate greenhouses special for plant growth?
Polycarbonate greenhouses transmit up to 90% of natural light whilst protecting plants from harsh weather. Their twin-wall panels evenly diffuse sunlight and provide excellent insulation, creating an optimal environment for year-round plant cultivation. They’re also more durable and cost-effective than traditional glass structures.
What vegetables grow well in a polycarbonate greenhouse?
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard thrive particularly well. Fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines also flourish due to the controlled environment. The consistent light diffusion and temperature control create ideal growing conditions for most vegetable varieties.
Can I grow fruits in a polycarbonate greenhouse?
Yes, fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, and figs grow excellently in polycarbonate greenhouses. The controlled temperature and humidity levels create perfect conditions for fruit development. With proper care and maintenance, you can achieve successful yields throughout the growing season.
What herbs and microgreens can I cultivate?
Common herbs like basil, parsley, mint, and oregano grow well year-round. Microgreens and baby leaf crops are particularly successful due to the controlled environment. These plants benefit from the greenhouse’s stable temperature and humidity levels, producing fresh herbs continuously.
What is the ideal temperature range for a polycarbonate greenhouse?
The optimal daytime temperature range is 18-24°C (65-75°F). To prevent overheating, use shade cloth and position plants strategically. Regular ventilation is crucial for maintaining proper temperature levels. Monitor and adjust conditions daily for best results.
How do I maintain proper ventilation and humidity?
Use daily venting and fans for air circulation. Adjust watering schedules based on humidity readings and ensure proper air flow throughout the greenhouse. Good ventilation helps prevent disease and promotes healthy plant growth. Monitor humidity levels regularly and adjust accordingly.
How long do polycarbonate greenhouse panels last?
With proper maintenance, polycarbonate panels typically last 10-15 years. They’re UV-resistant and highly durable, though they may show some yellowing over time. Regular cleaning and proper installation help extend their lifespan significantly.
Is polycarbonate better than glass for greenhouses?
Polycarbonate offers several advantages over glass, including better insulation, lighter weight, and greater impact resistance. It’s more cost-effective and easier to install, though it may scratch more easily than glass. The material provides excellent light diffusion for optimal plant growth.