Can You Grow Coffee in a Greenhouse?
Greenhouses are an effective way to extend your growing season and to protect crops from potential cold spells, so it is logical to ask if you can grow coffee in a greenhouse. The answer may surprise you.
What You Need for Growing Coffee in a Greenhouse
Growing coffee in a greenhouse takes a bit more than traditional gardening. You need to create an environment that is very different from that of the outdoors. Here is what you will need:
- Coffee plants: There are a few varieties of coffee plants that can be successfully grown in greenhouses. Choose the right plants for your climate and your greenhouses environment
- Heat and light: Coffee plants require a minimum temperature of 64°F, so you may need to use grow lights and supplemental heat during winter months.
- Ventilation: Coffee plants are sensitive to humidity, so you will need to make sure you plan for enough airflow in the greenhouse.
- Soil: Coffee plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Fertilizer: Coffee plants require fertilizer to achieve a productive harvest.
Final Thoughts on Growing Coffee in a Greenhouse
If you have the correct set up, growing coffee in a greenhouse is possible. The process is labor intensive, and quite demanding, but if you’re up for the challenge you can create a thriving coffee harvest. Just make sure you do your research and create the ideal environment for your specific plant variety.
