Imagine stepping into your greenhouse and being greeted by a thriving ecosystem of plants working together in perfect harmony!
Calgary's unique climate can be a real challenge for gardeners. With its short growing season, chilly nights, and occasional summer hailstorms, it's no wonder many of us turn to greenhouses.
But why stop there? Let's supercharge your greenhouse game with the magic of companion planting!
Let's dive into the secrets of companion planting tailored for Calgary's distinctive climate.
Consider Calgary's Greenhouse Climate
Before we jump into plant pairings, let's talk about what makes Calgary's greenhouse environment unique:
- Short growing season (typically May to September)
- Wide temperature swings (hot days, cool nights)
- Low humidity
- High altitude (3,557 feet above sea level)
- Intense sunlight
Your greenhouse helps mitigate these challenges, but companion planting can take your garden to the next level!
Top 5 Companion Planting Combos for Calgary Greenhouses
Calgary's unique climate presents both challenges and opportunities for greenhouse gardeners.
By leveraging the power of companion planting, you can create a thriving ecosystem that maximizes your greenhouse's potential.
Let's explore five winning plant combinations tailored to Calgary's distinctive growing conditions.
Tomatoes and Basil
Tomatoes love Calgary's sunny days, but they can struggle with our cool nights. Enter basil! This aromatic herb repels pests and enhances tomato flavor.
Basil thrives in similar conditions, making it a perfect greenhouse partner. For maximum benefit, plant basil around the base of your tomato plants.
Cucumbers and Nasturtiums
Cucumbers can be tricky in Calgary's dry climate, but nasturtiums are here to help!
These colorful flowers attract pollinators and deter pests like aphids. They also add a splash of color to your greenhouse – talk about a win-win.
Peppers and Marigolds
Peppers adore our intense summer sunshine but can fall prey to pests. Marigolds act as a natural pest deterrent, and their bright blooms liven up your greenhouse.
As a bonus, they can handle Calgary's temperature fluctuations very well.
Lettuce and Chives
Love fresh salads? Lettuce and chives are your go-to combo! Lettuce appreciates shade in our intense summer sun, while chives help deter aphids.
Both thrive in cooler spots of your greenhouse, perfect for those chilly Calgary nights.
Carrots and Onions
Carrots and onions form a dynamic duo beneath the soil. Onions repel carrot flies, while carrots help break up the soil for onions.
This pair loves Calgary's cool nights and can extend your growing season well into fall.
Creating the Perfect Greenhouse Environment
Now that you've got your plant pairings let's optimize your greenhouse for Calgary's unique conditions:
Temperature Control
Calgary's fluctuating temperatures can be challenging, especially during the shoulder seasons when nights get cold.
As one of our customers, Carol, shared, "The nights in Calgary are cold during the shoulder seasons. However, the greenhouse allows us to extend our season, and we are looking forward to a great tomato harvest."
Use a combination of ventilation and heating to keep your greenhouse at an ideal 65-75°F during the day and no lower than 55°F at night.
As another satisfied customer noted, a small electric heater can make a huge difference, helping you start your growing season earlier.
Humidity Management
With Calgary's dry air, managing humidity is crucial.
You can increase humidity by grouping plants, using pebble trays filled with water, or installing a small fountain or mister.
Carol also mentioned they successfully extended their growing season by creating the right environment early, allowing them to start bedding plants a few months earlier.
Light Levels
While Calgary boasts plenty of sunshine, the intensity of summer days can overwhelm sensitive plants. Consider using shade cloth to protect them!
Soil Mixtures
Creating a well-draining soil mix that retains moisture is essential to keep your plants thriving.
A blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost works wonders in Calgary’s dry climate.
Another of our customers, Karen, noted the benefits of this setup, mentioning the "amount of vegetables we harvested this past summer," including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, radishes, and onions.
This balance in your soil helps you enjoy an extended harvest, as they did.
They continued to pick fresh produce until the end of October—two months longer than expected!
Your Calgary Greenhouse Oasis Awaits!
Armed with these companion planting secrets, you can create a thriving, productive greenhouse ecosystem here in Calgary.
Imagine plucking sun-warmed tomatoes in September or harvesting crisp lettuce well into October!
Ready to transform your Calgary greenhouse into a year-round gardening paradise? Explore our DIY greenhouses tailored to Calgary’s weather, or contact us for personalized advice.
Why Planta Greenhouses?
- Wind resistant up to 65 mph (learn more about how our greenhouses hold up in high-altitude climates).
- Withstands a snow load of up to 98 psf (480kg/square meter).
- Made with a heavy-duty galvanized steel frame.
- Polycarbonate panels provide 100% protection against UV rays.
- The bell-shaped Sungrow greenhouse allows the wind, snow, and hail to slide off the sides.
- Extendable (Sungrow, Sigma, and Farmer models can be extended beyond 100ft)
- Made in Europe and exclusively imported
- Maintenance-free