Plants for Greenhouses: A Guide to Growing Your Own Year-Round Haven

Greenhouses are an excellent way to extend your gardening season and grow a wider variety of plants. With a greenhouse, you can control the temperature, humidity, and light to create the perfect environment for your plants. However, deciding what plants to grow in your greenhouse can be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best plants for greenhouses and how to care for them.

1. Herbs

Herbs are a great choice for greenhouse gardening. They're easy to grow, take up little space, and add flavor to your meals. Some popular herbs to grow in a greenhouse include basil, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. These herbs prefer warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, making them perfect for greenhouse growing.

A potted basil plant thriving under greenhouse conditions.

To care for your herb plants, make sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch, but don't overwater as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize your herbs once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most popular greenhouse crops. They're easy to grow and produce a high yield in the right conditions. Varieties like cherry tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes do well in greenhouses. They require plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture.

Red cherry tomatoes on the vine in a greenhouse.

To care for your tomato plants, make sure they receive at least eight hours of sunlight per day. Water them regularly and fertilize every two weeks. You may need to stake or trellis your plants as they grow to prevent them from falling over.

3. Peppers

Peppers are another great greenhouse crop. They come in many varieties, from sweet bell peppers to spicy jalapenos. Peppers need warmth and sunlight to thrive, making them ideal for greenhouse growing.

Colorful pepper plants growing in a greenhouse.

To care for your pepper plants, make sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water them regularly and fertilize every two weeks. You may also need to stake or support your plants as they grow.

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a delicious addition to any salad or sandwich. They grow well in a greenhouse, where you can control the temperature and humidity. Cucumbers require plenty of sunlight and consistent moisture to thrive.

A freshly harvested cucumber grown in a greenhouse.

To care for your cucumber plants, make sure they receive at least eight hours of sunlight per day. Water them regularly and fertilize every two weeks. You may need to trellis your plants to keep them off the ground.

5. Orchids

If you're looking for something a little more exotic, consider growing orchids in your greenhouse. These delicate flowers require a specific set of conditions to thrive, which can be challenging to replicate outside of a greenhouse.

An elegant orchid blooming in a greenhouse.

To care for your orchid plants, make sure they receive bright, indirect sunlight. Water them sparingly, and avoid getting water on their leaves or blooms, as this can cause damage. Use a specialized orchid fertilizer, and make sure the humidity levels in your greenhouse are between 40-60%.

6. Salad Greens

If you enjoy fresh greens in your salads year-round, then growing your own salad greens in a greenhouse is a great option. Lettuces, spinach, and kale do well in the cooler temperatures of a greenhouse, and you can harvest them continuously throughout the season.

Kale plants thriving in a greenhouse.

To care for your salad green plants, make sure they receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Water them regularly, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You may need to protect your greens from pests like aphids or snails.

7. Citrus Trees

Citrus trees can be challenging to grow outside of their native habitats. However, in a greenhouse, you can create the perfect environment for these tropical fruits. Lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits all do well in greenhouse environments.

A vibrant lemon tree growing in a greenhouse.

To care for your citrus trees, make sure they receive at least eight hours of sunlight per day. Water them regularly, and use a well-draining soil mix. Fertilize them every three months with a citrus-specific fertilizer.

8. Succulents

Succulents are incredibly trendy right now and for good reason. They're easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Succulents do well in warmer environments, making them perfect for greenhouse growing.

A collection of colorful succulents growing in a greenhouse.

To care for your succulent plants, make sure they receive bright, indirect sunlight. Water them sparingly, and avoid getting water on their leaves or blooms, as this can cause damage. Use a well-draining soil mix, and fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Greenhouse gardening offers endless possibilities for growing plants year-round. Try growing some of these plants and see how they thrive in your greenhouse environment. Happy gardening!