The journey of self-sufficiency began with the construction of our humble greenhouse. Inspired by a television show, I couldn’t resist the idea of cultivating my own crops at whim. My husband was quickly on board, and soon we had a functional, albeit modest, greenhouse up and running. The small yet mighty structure marked the starting point for our pursuit of a self-sufficient lifestyle.
For those with their own greenhouses, you may be curious about which plants thrive best under its protective roof. I’ve had success with several varieties, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. Perhaps this information will help you to successfully establish your greenhouse as a reliable source of fresh produce for you and your family.
Best Greenhouse Plants:
If you’re looking to create a thriving indoor garden, consider the following plants that excel in a greenhouse environment:
Ginseng
Ginseng cultivation can be a highly rewarding experience for homesteaders and green thumbs alike. Beyond its impressive array of medicinal properties, this versatile crop offers a lucrative opportunity to generate income through its sale or use as a valuable commodity. Whether grown on your homestead or in a dedicated greenhouse setting, ginseng’s dual benefits make it an attractive addition to any sustainable farming or gardening endeavor.
Mushrooms
While it’s true that some mushrooms can be detrimental to human health or even toxic if not handled properly, the benefits of growing these fungi far outweigh the risks. With proper care and attention, a thriving mushroom crop in your greenhouse can become a valuable commodity for many customers.
Bamboo
The versatility of bamboo makes it an attractive crop to cultivate. Not only does it thrive quickly, but its uses are numerous as well. What’s more, cultivating bamboo is relatively straightforward – even for those without extensive gardening experience. I’ve seen this firsthand with my mother-in-law, who planted some in the woods behind her home and, despite minimal upkeep, witnessed impressive growth over a few short years.
Herbs
Growing herbs in a greenhouse is an ideal scenario, as they require minimal care and maintenance. In fact, I’ve had a positive experience growing herbs almost anywhere, and the benefits are numerous. For instance, you can harvest them fresh to add flavor and aroma to your daily meals, or use them to create your own signature spice blends. With a greenhouse setup, you’ll have complete control over the environment, allowing you to optimize conditions for optimal herb growth.
Leafy Greens
Incorporating leafy greens into our diets is crucial for maintaining optimal health. These nutrient-dense superfoods are packed with vitamins and essential compounds that support bodily functions. For those fortunate enough to have a greenhouse, cultivating these greens can be a rewarding experience. By growing your own, you’ll ensure a steady supply of this vital component in your diet.
Microgreens
Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers a straightforward introduction to growing microgreens, which demand minimal space and time commitment. Furthermore, these nutrient-rich greens can be easily incorporated into meals for a quick and healthy boost.
Spinach
In our greenhouse, spinach is a staple crop that thrives year-round, thanks to our warm southern climate. While some growers might struggle with the cold winters, my unheated greenhouse allows me to cultivate heartier greens during the chilliest months. It’s not just for human consumption – we also grow it as a nutritious treat for our animals. During the winter, when other greenery is scarce, spinach provides a vital source of sustenance for them.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of my favorite vegetables to cultivate, as they require minimal effort yet yield a bountiful harvest. In fact, even a small patch of cucumbers can provide an impressive crop. When growing them in your greenhouse, it’s essential to keep in mind their tendency to spread out and dominate the space if not properly managed.
Peppers
In my experience, growing peppers within our greenhouse has yielded exceptional results. This can be attributed to the fact that peppers thrive in warm temperatures. As such, it’s no surprise that the controlled environment of the greenhouse provides ideal conditions for these heat-loving plants. The increased heat ultimately translates to a more abundant harvest.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have consistently thrived under my care within a greenhouse setting, likely due to their affinity for warm temperatures. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these conditions can also lead to overwatering. To avoid this, be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Furthermore, when planting tomatoes alongside other vegetables like peppers, it’s crucial to maintain a suitable distance to prevent cross-pollination and potential damage to the tomato plants.
Swiss Chard
A self-proclaimed enthusiast of Swiss chard, I can’t get enough of this vibrant green! We cultivate it annually in our garden, and the rainbow variety is particularly captivating. Not only does its kaleidoscope hue add a pop of color to any dish, but it’s also an excellent source of essential nutrients. When I indulge in rainbow Swiss chard, I know I’m nourishing my body with a medley of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that leave me feeling revitalized and invigorated.
Squash
When it comes to cultivating a thriving crop in your greenhouse, squash is an excellent choice. This versatile plant is relatively straightforward to grow, and its yields can be substantial even when planted in small quantities. However, it’s essential to exercise caution, as squash has a tendency to spread rapidly once established. With proper care and attention, you can harness the benefits of this nutritious and productive crop.
Lemons
The journey of cultivating citrus fruit in a greenhouse has its roots in an unexpected experience. During a trip to Florida, I stumbled upon a gift shop that sold fruit trees. Intrigued, I purchased them and brought them back home, carefully raising them indoors. However, my feline friends had other plans. They saw the potted trees as a playground, prompting me to seek out a greenhouse solution.
Despite being an impromptu decision, it turned out to be a wise one, as my cats surprisingly thrived in their new environment. And at just $5 per tree, it was an affordable experiment that yielded satisfying results.
Oranges
When it comes to growing oranges in a greenhouse setting, one major advantage is that you can maintain a consistent environment without having to worry about temperature fluctuations outside. This allows for optimal conditions for your trees to thrive, potentially resulting in a bountiful harvest and fresh orange juice available year-round.
Grapes
When it comes to cultivating grapes, many gardeners overlook this fruit’s potential for success within their greenhouses. To get started, it’s essential to provide an arbor for the vines to grow upon, allowing them to be trained and pruned accordingly. With a bit of TLC and ample space within your greenhouse, you can cultivate several grapevines that will produce a bountiful harvest if given the right conditions to flourish.
Strawberries
Strawberries hold a special place in my heart, not only for their delectable taste but also for their versatility and ease of cultivation. With proper care, these sweet treats can thrive in even the most limited spaces, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re working with a traditional plot or experimenting with container gardening, strawberries are a wonderful option to explore.
Peaches
Within the realm of horticulture, it’s not uncommon to find peach tree cultivators embracing the advantages of greenhouse cultivation. By doing so, they’re able to prolong the growing season and ultimately harvest fresh peaches for a considerable portion of the year. This approach allows for precise temperature control, which is especially beneficial in regions with harsh winters or unpredictable weather patterns.
Cilantro
While some may categorize it under the umbrella of herbs, our household has come to regard cilantro as a distinct entity. For my husband, this fragrant green is a staple, and he’s often extolling its virtues to anyone who will listen. If you’re similarly enamored with cilantro, then cultivating it in your greenhouse may be an attractive option for you to consider.
Raspberries
While many garden enthusiasts cultivate berry patches outdoors, few consider cultivating raspberries in a controlled environment like a greenhouse. However, with the right conditions, raspberries can thrive indoors, offering a unique opportunity for growers to experiment and enjoy this popular fruit year-round.
Chilies
When cultivating chilies in a greenhouse setting, their affinity for warm temperatures becomes particularly advantageous. In fact, many varieties of peppers thrive in high-temperature environments, with some even experiencing accelerated growth rates under such conditions.
Okra
Okra’s affinity for warmth may come as a surprise to many gardeners. This heat-loving plant thrives in temperatures that would leave some other vegetables wilting. As a result, it’s no wonder okra grows exceptionally well in greenhouses, where controlled temperature and humidity create an ideal environment for its development.
Sweet Potatoes
While we often associate sweet potatoes with warm climates, it’s worth noting that these starchy tubers can thrive in greenhouses too. In fact, their growth is not limited to regions with scorching temperatures, but rather, they can flourish in controlled environments like greenhouses. This versatility makes them a popular choice for growers and enthusiasts alike.
French Beans
Growing French beans within a controlled environment like a greenhouse allows for an earlier harvest, which is particularly beneficial in extending the growing season. By utilizing greenhouses, you can sow certain plants earlier to reap their benefits sooner, or delay the planting of fall crops to enjoy a longer harvest period.
Melons
When it comes to cultivating melons, a greenhouse environment can be highly beneficial. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when planting them, as these vines have a tendency to spread and take over any surrounding area. To keep their growth in check, consider installing a trellis system, which will not only provide support for the melon plants but also help contain their sprawling habit.
Cabbage
While cabbage is typically a cool-weather crop, it can still thrive in warmer seasons with some extra effort. However, this may require combating pests that are less prevalent during cooler temperatures. On the other hand, planting cabbage in a greenhouse allows you to extend its growing season and enjoy a longer harvest.
Peas
While peas are often associated with open-field cultivation, they can also thrive in the controlled environment of a greenhouse. In fact, with sufficient space, it’s possible to yield a substantial harvest from a greenhouse-grown pea crop, making them an attractive option for gardeners looking to maximize their yields.
Brussel Sprouts
For gardeners looking to prolong the growing season of Brussels sprouts, one effective approach is to utilize a greenhouse as an additional planting site. By doing so, it’s possible to plant a second crop in the fall, allowing the sprouts to mature within the controlled environment of the greenhouse.
Onions
When cultivating onions, we opt to start them off in our greenhouse rather than exposing them to our free-roaming chickens. By doing so, we ensure a controlled environment that mimics their ideal growth conditions. This approach allows the onions to develop at a consistent pace, shielding them from any potential disturbances or damage until they’re ready for harvest.
Leeks
For those looking to expand their leek-growing season, greenhouses provide an ideal environment. By planting a second crop indoors, you can ensure optimal growing conditions and extend the harvesting period. With this method, you simply plant the second batch in the greenhouse, allowing them to mature at a leisurely pace.
Sweet Corn
As I watched the television show featuring a lush greenhouse setting, one aspect in particular piqued my interest – the cultivation of sweet corn within its walls. The concept resonated with me then and continues to fascinate me today.
Broccoli
Our inaugural foray into greenhouses yielded an impressive crop of broccoli, which only further solidified our affinity for these climate-controlled environments. In fact, we’ve found that the controlled conditions within our greenhouse have consistently proven more beneficial for growing broccoli than traditional garden beds.
Pumpkins
While pumpkins may necessitate a more substantial greenhouse setup, ample space can be leveraged to cultivate them indoors and provide the necessary duration for optimal growth.
Baby Carrots
When considering what to plant in a greenhouse, baby carrots can be a suitable choice – provided they’re being cultivated in a container that will remain within the greenhouse’s confines. The reasoning behind this is that baby carrots don’t necessitate an excessive depth for maturity. On the other hand, if you’re seeking to grow full-sized carrots, containers may prove a more effective option.
Geraniums
While geraniums are undoubtedly stunning, cultivating one’s own requires patience and dedication. I’ve had my share of trial-and-error experiences, which has taught me the importance of providing these flowers with the necessary growing conditions. A greenhouse environment, in particular, offers the perfect setting for geraniums to thrive, allowing them to develop at a leisurely pace that can be challenging to replicate outdoors.
Impatiens
With a penchant for the vibrant and the beautiful, I’m delighted by Impatiens’ versatility. Not only do these plants bring a pop of color to any setting, but they’re also surprisingly easy to cultivate in a greenhouse environment. Imagine being able to summon a burst of colorful blooms whenever you desire – it’s a true gardening delight.
Petunias
When spring and summer arrive, I turn to petunias to add some flair to our home’s exterior. The added bonus is the significant cost savings that come with growing them myself. As it turns out, these charming flowers are not only suitable for outdoor landscaping but also thrive in a greenhouse environment, making them an attractive option for those looking to cultivate their green thumb.
Salvia
Imagine walking through a lush meadow or strolling through a vibrant flower garden, surrounded by the gentle hues and delicate charm of Salvia flowers. The thought alone is enough to evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility. What if I told you that you can bring this same sense of natural beauty indoors? With proper care, these stunning flowers can thrive in your greenhouse, allowing you to recreate a slice of nature’s splendor right in your own backyard.
Caladiums
Caladiums, also affectionately known as Elephant Ear, owe their unique name to the striking resemblance they share with the iconic ear of an elephant. This visually appealing plant is renowned for its capacity to elevate ornamental arrangements and inject vibrant colors into one’s yard. With their ability to thrive in greenhouses, it’s no wonder that Caladiums have become a prized addition to many a flower arrangement.
Ferns
There’s something endearing about ferns – their understated elegance and subtle charm make them a pleasure to cultivate. When I discovered I could successfully grow these lovely plants in my greenhouse, I felt a sense of joy and accomplishment. I’m hoping that you’ll be able to replicate this experience and enjoy the beauty of thriving ferns in your own greenhouse.
Poinsettias
While I’ve always had a soft spot for Poinsettias, our feline friends at home have unfortunately ruled out the possibility of having one for years. The plant’s toxicity to cats is a serious concern, and as responsible pet owners, we’ve chosen to prioritize their safety by not growing them. However, if you’re cat-free or know someone who isn’t, Poinsettias can be a wonderful addition to your greenhouse collection.
Pansies
As the last wisps of winter’s chill dissipate, I find myself yearning for a burst of vibrant color to brighten up my outdoor space. For me, that harbinger of spring is none other than the humble pansy. Their hardiness in the face of chilly temperatures makes them an ideal choice for early-season planting, and their kaleidoscope of colors is just the thing to lift my spirits after a long winter. The best part?
With a greenhouse setup, you can coax these resilient little blooms into blooming even earlier than they would naturally, giving you a head start on the growing season.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, affectionately referred to as ‘mums’, are a staple in many households during the fall season. Their vibrant hues and delicate petals bring warmth and coziness to any space. I’m a big fan of these autumnal blooms myself – you can find them scattered throughout my home as a way to add a pop of color and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Coleus
With coleus, you can easily infuse vibrant hues into your outdoor space with minimal effort. This versatile plant boasts a kaleidoscope of colors, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to add a pop of color to their garden or even cultivate within the comfort of their own greenhouse.
Gazanias
For those seeking vibrant blooms reminiscent of daisies, gazanias are an excellent choice. This flower’s versatility allows it to thrive in a controlled environment like a greenhouse, making them perfect for cultivating in a variety of colors.
Garlic
As we conclude our exploration of what can be grown in a greenhouse, it’s worth noting that garlic is another excellent option. By providing an undisturbed environment, greenhouses offer ideal conditions for garlic to thrive – and it just so happens that my chickens also enjoy snacking on it! With 45 diverse options now covered, I hope you find inspiration to try something new. If you’re a fellow greenhouse enthusiast, we’d love to hear from you. What do you grow in your own greenhouse?
Do you have any valuable tips or insights to share? Whether you’re in the market for a new greenhouse or looking to expand your existing setup, be sure to check out our resources page for guidance.
