When planning a greenhouse, growers usually focus on ideal crops, climate control systems, and irrigation setups. But just as important is understanding what you should not put inside your structure. Whether you're managing a commercial greenhouse or a high-tech growing facility, avoiding certain items is crucial for protecting plant health, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring profitability.
This guide walks you through the top 10 things you should not put in a greenhouse—based on practical insights from real-world growers and greenhouse engineers.
Some crops don’t benefit from a greenhouse environment. These include:
Corn – Requires too much space and doesn’t benefit much from climate control.
Sunflowers – Can grow large and block light for other crops.
Wheat or Barley – Best suited for broad-acre fields, not controlled greenhouses.
Why avoid them?
They consume space, resources, and labor with little added yield advantage indoors.
Certain plants may grow out of control and disrupt your crop ecosystem:
Mint – Spreads aggressively via root runners.
Bamboo – Strong and fast-growing, often cracks foundation or containment.
Problem: These plants can dominate your greenhouse environment, leading to competition for nutrients and light.
Bringing soil directly from outdoors—especially without sterilization—can introduce:
Pests
Weed seeds
Fungal pathogens
Best practice: Use sterilized soil mixes or hydroponic substrates. Wash and disinfect all pots and trays before use.
Heavy or rusty equipment—like tillers or weeders—is often:
Too large for narrow greenhouse aisles
A carrier of contaminants (soil, rust, fungi)
Prone to damaging flooring or irrigation lines
Alternative: Use lightweight, clean, greenhouse-specific tools.
Greenhouses often get hot during the day. This heat can degrade:
Chemical stability of fertilizers and pesticides
Safety—some substances become volatile in high temps
Solution: Store chemicals in a shaded, ventilated, separate structure compliant with agricultural safety standards.
You might consider placing chickens, ducks, or even cats inside to manage pests, but:
Animals damage crops
They carry bacteria (e.g., E. coli)
Manure may lead to ammonia buildup
Tip: Use biological pest controls like predatory insects instead of animals.
Electronics such as Wi-Fi routers, power strips, or even climate sensors can:
Fail under high humidity
Corrode due to condensation
Malfunction if temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F)
Recommendation: Use IP-rated waterproof and heat-rated hardware, or house sensitive devices in sealed climate boxes.
These materials absorb moisture and attract mold, which:
Spreads to plants
Reduces air quality
Increases maintenance efforts
Use metal, plastic, or treated aluminum shelving designed for moist environments.
Old plant debris is often left in corners, but it:
Harbors insects like whiteflies
Spreads fungal spores
Generates mold
Clean frequently: Set a schedule for waste removal and sanitizing surfaces.
Leaving bags, snacks, or personal gear in the greenhouse can:
Introduce outside bacteria
Attract rodents or ants
Distract workers from hygiene standards
Solution: Create a dedicated staff room or locker area separate from crop production.
While not a physical object you "place" inside, neglected equipment functions like a contaminant. Dirty filters, leaking hoses, or broken fans can create more harm than good.
Regular maintenance schedules should be part of your greenhouse SOP (Standard Operating Procedure).
In commercial greenhouses, especially those over 1,000 sqm, improper items can:
Cause crop loss worth tens of thousands of dollars
Waste energy (e.g., through chemical degradation or poor airflow)
Trigger audits or regulatory violations in GAP or organic certifications
By removing unnecessary and harmful items, you protect your bottom line and yield consistency.
Create zones for:
Crop growth
Equipment
Staff access
Storage (chemicals, tools)
Zoning helps separate risk areas from sensitive areas and keeps your greenhouse well-organized.
A modern greenhouse is not just a shelter—it's a high-performance, controlled environment. By avoiding unnecessary or harmful items, you:
Protect your investment
Improve crop health and uniformity
Reduce risk of pest outbreaks or contamination
Streamline workflow for your staff
Want expert advice on setting up or improving your greenhouse layout?
+86 189 2488 9901 +86 189 2455 5194
+86 189 2488 9901 +86 189 2455 5194
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