What Temperatures to Use a Greenhouse for Tomato Plants

Greenhouses are an excellent way to extend the growing season for tomato plants as they can provide a controlled environment to achieve better yields. However, to get the best results, it’s essential to understand the proper temperature requirements for your tomato plants as the wrong temperature can negatively affect the growth and development of your plants. In this article, we’ll dive into what temperatures should be used when growing tomato plants in a greenhouse.

Optimum Temperatures for Tomato Plants

Tomato plants thrive within the temperature range of 65-85℉ (18-30℃). To achieve optimum growth for your plants, you must provide a consistent temperature within this range. At nighttime, tomato plants prefer temperatures between 60-65℉ (15-18℃), and during the day, they prefer temperatures between 75-85℉ (24-29℃). Keeping the temperature within this range will encourage flowering and fruiting, leading to a bountiful harvest.

Heat Stress

When temperatures exceed 85℉ (29℃) during the day, it can cause heat stress to your tomato plants, affecting their growth and development. The plants will exhibit signs of wilting, leaf rolling, and leaf scorching. Moreover, prolonged heat stress can cause blossom drop, which reduces the yield of the plants. Therefore, it’s crucial to regulate the temperature within the recommended range or introduce measures to reduce the heat inside the greenhouse, such as installing shade cloth or using evaporative cooling systems.

Cold Stress

Lower temperatures can also affect the growth and development of your tomato plants. When the temperature drops below 60℉ (15℃) during the night, it can cause cold stress to your plants, slowing down their development and increasing the risk of diseases. To avoid cold stress, ensure that the greenhouse is insulated correctly, and the plants are not exposed to the cold outside temperature.

Humidity

Humidity levels can have a significant impact on the growth of tomato plants in the greenhouse. High humidity levels can lead to the development of fungal diseases such as powdery and downy mildew, while low humidity levels, on the other hand, can lead to stunted growth and the drying of leaves. The optimum humidity level required for tomato plants is between 70%-80%. To maintain the recommended humidity levels, ensure proper ventilation in the greenhouse and avoid overwatering the plants.

Conclusion

Tomato plants thrive well in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse. However, maintaining the optimal temperature and humidity levels are crucial for the success of your plants. As a grower, ensure that you keep the temperature within the optimum range, introduce measures to reduce heat stress, and control your humidity levels. By following these simple measures, you can achieve a bountiful harvest while extending the growing season for your tomato plants.