The invention relates to a system for cultivating plants, which consists substantially of a combination of a conventional greenhouse and a shelf unit which can preferably be operated automatically. Particularly advantageous combined effects occur, which drastically increase the volume utilization of greenhouses and at the same time considerably reduce the staffing costs for the cultivation of plants and for harvesting. The volume utilization is increased by employing a shelf system arranged relatively close together instead of the ground planting or plant tables which are usually provided in the greenhouse. This shelf system preferably has a plurality of longitudinal and transverse rows and a plurality of levels. Furthermore, the supporting frame of the shelf system itself can be used as a supporting framework for the greenhouse.
