Growing plants in a greenhouse not only extends the growing season but also allows you to enjoy fresh, organic produce throughout the year. With controlled temperature and humidity, you can cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables, regardless of the outdoor climate. Here are some of the best options for greenhouse gardening.
Vegetables
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes thrive in warm environments and produce fruit faster at optimal temperatures, making them ideal for greenhouse cultivation. The controlled conditions provide the warmth and ventilation that tomatoes need. However, ensure your greenhouse receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and higher yields.
Lettuce:
Lettuce prefers a humid environment, which makes greenhouses perfect for its growth. Lettuce enjoys light, it doesn't require direct sunlight. You can use grow lights to accelerate its growth. Lettuce matures quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks, making it a continuous, low-maintenance crop.
Bean Sprouts:
The warmth and humidity in a greenhouse are ideal for growing bean sprouts. The optimal temperature range is 65–75°F. In these conditions, bean sprouts grow rapidly and are ready for harvest in about a week. Delayed harvesting can result in tough stems.
Onions:
Onions are well-suited for greenhouse cultivation, as they thrive in warm, stable environments. They are low-maintenance and only require regular watering. Onions also take up little space, making them perfect for small greenhouses like 8x10 greenhouse kit.
Fruits
Strawberries:
Although strawberries are cold-tolerant, growing them in a greenhouse allows for an earlier bloom and harvest—1 to 2 months ahead of outdoor crops. You can also maximize space by planting strawberries in hanging baskets, keeping them off the ground while benefiting from the greenhouse’s warmth.
Lemon:
Lemon trees are well-suited for potted greenhouse growing, as they thrive in warm conditions year-round. You can keep them indoors during the cold months and move them outdoors when temperatures rise.
Figs:
Figs can tolerate temperatures as low as 28°F (-2°C), but during colder months, a greenhouse provides the warmth they need to thrive. Once the weather warms up, you can move potted fig trees outdoors.
Conclusion
The controlled environment of a greenhouse offers plants optimal temperature and humidity, creating ideal growing conditions. With proper care and attention to each plant's needs, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all year long.
