The Ultimate Guide to Greenhouse Gardening: What to Grow and When

August 17, 2024

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Spring (March - May)

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    Early Vegetables:

    • Lettuce, Spinach, and Kale: These cool-season leafy greens thrive in the early spring when temperatures are still moderate.
    • Radishes and Carrots: Quick-growing root vegetables like radishes and carrots can be sown early and harvested within weeks.
    • Peas: Peas are perfect for early spring planting. Their vines can climb up trellises, making efficient use of vertical space.
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    Herbs:

    • Basil, Parsley, and Cilantro: Herbs like basil, parsley, and cilantro can be started early in the spring and will flourish as temperatures rise.
    • Chives and Mint: These hardy herbs can be planted early and will continue to produce throughout the season.
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    Seedlings:

    Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants: Start these summer favorites indoors in early spring to give them a head start. Transplant them outdoors when the risk of frost has passed, or keep them in the greenhouse for an extended growing period.

Summer (June - August)

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    Warm-Season Vegetables:

    • Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Peppers: Summer is the peak season for heat-loving plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. In a greenhouse, you can control the temperature and humidity, ensuring a bountiful harvest.
    • Zucchini and Squash: These prolific producers thrive in warm conditions and can yield an impressive amount of fruit.
    • Beans: Whether bush or pole varieties, beans grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times during the summer.
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    Tropical Fruits:

    • Melons and Citrus: With the warmth of a greenhouse, you can grow tropical fruits like melons and citrus even in regions where they wouldn’t typically thrive.
    • Pineapple and Bananas: If you have the space, try growing pineapples or bananas. These plants require a lot of heat and sunlight but can be very rewarding.
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    Flowers:

    • Geraniums, Petunias, and Marigolds: Brighten up your greenhouse with a variety of colourful summer flowers. These species love the warmth and can continue to bloom well into the season.
    • Orchids: For a more exotic touch, consider orchids. While they require careful attention to humidity and light, they can thrive in a greenhouse environment.

Autumn (September - November)

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    Fall Vegetables:

    • Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts: These cool-season crops can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest. They appreciate the cooler temperatures of autumn.
    • Beets and Turnips: Root vegetables like beets and turnips grow well in the cooler conditions of autumn and can be stored for winter use.
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    Leafy Greens:

    • Swiss Chard and Mustard Greens: These greens are hardy and can withstand the cooler autumn temperatures.
    • Endive and Escarole: For a unique addition to your fall salads, try growing endive and escarole in your greenhouse.
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    Late-Harvest Herbs:

    Rosemary, Thyme, and Oregano: 

    Perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can be brought into the greenhouse in autumn to continue producing fresh leaves through the winter.

Winter (December - February)

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    Cold-Tolerant Vegetables:

    • Spinach, Kale, and Collards: These leafy greens are incredibly cold-tolerant and can be grown even during the winter months in a greenhouse.
    • Leeks and Garlic: Plant leeks and garlic in late fall or early winter for a harvest in early spring.
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    Winter Squash and Pumpkins:

    • Winter Squash: While traditionally harvested in the fall, you can start winter squash in late winter for an early harvest the following year.
    • Pumpkins: Similar to squash, pumpkins can be started in late winter for a fall harvest.
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    Forced Bulbs:

    • Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths: Brighten up the winter months by forcing bulbs to flower indoors. These can be planted in pots in the fall and moved into the greenhouse to bloom in late winter.
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    Year-Round Crops:

    • Microgreens: Quick-growing and packed with nutrients, microgreens can be grown year-round in a greenhouse. They’re perfect for adding fresh greens to your winter meals.
    • Mushrooms: If you have a shaded, humid corner of your greenhouse, consider growing mushrooms. They require little light and can be harvested year-round.

Maximizing Your Greenhouse's Potential

To get the most out of your greenhouse, here are some additional tips:

Rotate crops:

To maintain soil health and prevent pests, practice crop rotation by planting different crops in different areas of your greenhouse each season.

Utilize vertical space: 

Use shelves, hanging baskets, and trellises to make the most of the vertical space in your greenhouse.

Climate control: 

Invest in fans, heaters, and ventilation systems to maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year.

Succession planting:

Stagger plantings so that you can harvest crops continuously rather than all at once.