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Are you considering growing plants in a greenhouse but feeling overwhelmed with the options? While a greenhouse gives you control over certain growth conditions like humidity, there are other key points to consider, and guesswork won’t cut it.
It’s essential to approach this venture from an informed stance to ensure success. But don’t worry – in this article, we’ve got you covered as we’re about to show you what to grow in a greenhouse for beginners. We’ll arm you with all the information you need to make the most of your greenhouse and grow thriving plants.
From choosing the right plants to understanding temperature and light requirements, we’ll cover everything you need to know about greenhouse gardening.
So, if you’re ready to take your gardening game to the next level, read on and discover the ins and outs of growing plants in a greenhouse!
What To Grow In A Greenhouse For Beginners
1. Herbs
We all know the multifunctional purpose herbs serve in any garden. Herbs can very well thrive in the greenhouse but not without some precautions. You must be careful about the invasive ones like mint and know how best to position their containers.
All in all, there is no need to fear as there are a lot of herbs and spices that would thrive pretty seamlessly in a greenhouse. The good part is that they are common ones that we usually need in everyday cooking and for traditional medicinal purposes.
These herbs include turmeric, lemongrass, basil, ginger root, oregano, parsley mint, and more. For every herb that loves the outside environment, five more enjoy the greenhouse’s frost-free condition.
The reason why most herbs and spices thrive effortlessly in greenhouses is that they originate from areas where the climate is warm, so adaptation for them is straightforward.
Many more herbs like them will also relish the idea of surplus humidity.
2. Some Flowers
Okay, we’ve made mention of herbs, spices, and vegetables, and you’re probably wondering if there is anything to plant that will bring that dazzling effect.
We, as a result of this, present to you; Flowers!
Yep. Ornamental plants will, no doubt, significantly affect your greenhouse and change the dynamics of its whole visual.
There are many flowers to choose from, each with its unique attributes.
Flowers like chrysanthemums, poinsettias, geraniums, and bougainvilleas are low-maintenance ones that even a novice can comfortably grow.
Other ones, like roses, orchids, and African violets, are slightly more technical as they require constant humidity and temperature.
Whatever flower you grow will transform your space from drab to glam.
3. Consider Cactus
Being desert plants, cacti plants would naturally prefer things or live on the much drier side. They, together with other succulents, will be perfect for greenhouses with controlled humidity.
We recommend easy growth and care options for those just starting. An example of such is the rat-tail cactus or prickly pear. If you choose to go with the rat-tail cactus, a suggestion would be to grow them in a hanging pot. Trust us, and they sure would look divine that way.
For succulents, including the Burro’s tail and string of hearts in your hanging pots as well.
Now, step back and access the whole arrangement.
It’s all coming together, isn’t it?
4. Houseplants
The plants under this category can best be described as a balance between being too showy, like ornamental flowers, and seriously green, like herbs.
What are these plants?
We’re talking houseplants like caladiums, begonias, and zebra plants.
You can even bring the tropics to your greenhouse by introducing some ferns. Do not be scared to experiment with the different cultivars of ferns and begonias.
When it comes to a houseplant, there is one point that you need to factor in; it is the fact that there are only so many of them that thrive under a higher-than-normal level of heat and humidity. Therefore, it is best to know what you are getting before you purchase.
Check out the ficus and every other variant under it; for instance, they cannot stand being trapped in a wild place like the greenhouse.
5. Salad ‘O Clock
If nothing else comes to your mind about what you can quickly grow in your greenhouse, think of fruits and veggies. If you are also at a loss as to the exact type that you should grow, think about some of the ingredients that you would need to prepare salad, and you will get your answer.
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc., are samples of veggies that you would have no issues growing. They are also hardy, thriving in most seasons, especially summer and spring. You can always also be sure of a bountiful harvest.
For crops like zucchini and cucumber, making them grow on a trellis can help if you have limited space.
Looking for plants that can add some greenery to your space? Lettuce can grow quite quickly in your greenhouse. People with small spaces can also incorporate microgreens. They need a shallow pot and would not take too much of your space.
6. Plants For The Year Round – Broccoli, Onions, Cabbage, Carrots, Turnips Etc
Let us expand the list of cold hardy plants that are worth considering to include spinach and kale. The benefit of planting these is that they will see that you have your veggies available even during the cold season.
One tip to acquaint yourself with when growing them is that they crave cool temperatures. Knowing this will make you know how to adjust when seasons like Fall come around.
There are also some perennial crops that you can plant to see that you have veggies returning every year without necessarily replanting them.
An excellent example of such is Asparagus; even though a single-yield crop, you can be sure that it will be back year after year.
7. Strawberries
We are not just only talking strawberries here but lemons, grapes, figs, peaches, etc. We’re sure your excitement level is over the roof with that addition.
Growing fruits in greenhouses is a common practice, mainly because they are pretty non-problematic to grow. Strawberries, for instance, have the added advantage of fitting well in limited space, so you do not have to worry about spacing for it.
Other fruits like apricots, oranges, and apples would also do well in a greenhouse. They are dwarf fruit trees and so would not need much space. You can have them planted in containers to save even more space, but take them out when the warm season approaches.
Do not consider fruits like pineapple, grape vines, and melon if you do not have enough space. For these last set of fruits mentioned, the issue is space constraint. They do very well in greenhouses but need enough space to grow well.
Do not deprive yourself of the magnificence a grapevine offers if you are a hands-on gardener and your greenhouse is spacious. Else, you can switch your focus to other fruits.
8. Potatoes
One tuber that you can grow without issues in a greenhouse is potatoes. Now if there are space constraints, you can grow them in bags or containers.
They do not need to sprout before you can transplant them into your greenhouse. The good thing about planting potatoes is that if you play your cards right, you will enjoy a bountiful yield all year.
Playing your cards right involves knowing when to plant, usually in early Spring.
The greenhouse would be sure to keep your plant frost free.
Common Problems Usually Faced When Planting In A Green House
Pest
Reasonably expected, right?
Pest attack is one of the issues plaguing a greenhouse. For those new to it, you should prepare against aphids, white flies, and red spider mites.
These pests are capable of wreaking havoc on your crops and affecting their yield. Quality pest control will keep your greenhouse free from these insects.
Powdery Mildew And Molds
Don’t look surprised or confused when you see some of your crops come down with powdery mildew or molds. One of the causes of mold is the unsuitable combination of low light and high temperature. This combo turns leaves into being very soft and susceptible to gray molds.
Arm yourself instead with these tips on how to prevent it from happening and treatment for that which has already happened below.
Ensure That The Place Is Well Ventilated
Have installed greenhouse vents to guarantee adequate ventilation whenever you need it.
Seeing that the crops are well spaced out and not grown closely together is another way to ensure good air circulation.
Use A Well-Drained Soil
If you use containers, ensure they have drainage holes, so the soil does not stay soggy.
See To Proper Plant Care
Pruning when necessary and adequate watering is how you can care for your plant.
Apply an adequate pesticide to kill off pests before they cause more damage.
Final Note
We hope you enjoyed our list of the many grow-your-own options available? If you do not already have a greenhouse structure, this list should spur you into doing so.
Imagine getting a fresh supply of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices when you want them, in your desired quantity and all within your reach too.
You can even relax and chill surrounded by the greenery and beautiful flowers.
Our list of crops for greenhouses will see you transform your greenhouse into a lush one.