Starting a greenhouse garden as a beginner is an exciting adventure that can offer amazing rewards. Whether you’re looking to extend your growing season, cultivate a variety of plants in a controlled environment, or even grow your own food, a greenhouse is the perfect way to make it happen. With a greenhouse, you can grow plants year-round, protect them from unpredictable weather, and create ideal conditions for them to thrive.

Easy-To-Grow Greenhouse Vegetables, Fruit & Herbs for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, it’s smart to choose plants that are easy to grow and require minimal care. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best plants for greenhouse growing, broken down by season, growth time, and difficulty level. Plus, we’ll share helpful tips on the best growing conditions and how to choose the right greenhouse for your needs.

Spring & Early Summer (Cool-Season and Early Warm-Season Crops)

During the cooler months of spring and early summer, certain crops will thrive in the moderate temperatures of your greenhouse. These include cool-season crops that can tolerate the lingering chill of early spring, as well as early warm-season crops that will thrive as the weather warms up. A greenhouse helps extend the growing season, allowing you to harvest fresh, healthy produce well before outdoor gardens are ready.

Lettuce

Lettuce is a fast-growing crop that thrives in cooler climates, making it perfect for beginners. It’s easy to grow, and with minimal effort, you can even grow multiple rounds of lettuce in one season!

Spinach

Spinach is a cool-season crop that thrives in damp, cool environments. Greenhouses are ideal for spinach, maintaining the cooler temperatures that spinach loves, making it perfect for early spring and fall harvests.

Radishes

Radishes grow quickly, making them a great option for beginners who want fast results. They need minimal care and grow well in both cool and warm greenhouse conditions.

Kale

Kale is a hardy leafy green that grows well in cooler temperatures. Greenhouses extend the growing season for kale, providing fresh, nutritious greens into the colder months. It’s also resistant to pests, making it relatively low-maintenance.

Summer (Warm-Season Crops)

Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and strawberries are fantastic options for greenhouse gardening. While they require more careful attention to temperature, humidity, and sometimes even light levels, these crops will reward you with flavorful, fresh produce.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes thrive in consistent temperatures and protected environments, making them a greenhouse favorite. They do require extra care, especially when it comes to pruning, pollination, and temperature control. However, with the right greenhouse setup, you’ll enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, flavorful tomatoes. Make sure to provide enough light, as tomatoes need plenty of sunlight to grow properly.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers love warm, sunny greenhouses. These vines need temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and lots of sunlight to thrive. Greenhouses help protect cucumbers from harsh outdoor weather, ensuring a high-quality harvest. They need vertical space as they tend to climb, so be sure to plan for that in your greenhouse layout.

Peppers

Peppers thrive in warm greenhouse conditions, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C). They are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, making a greenhouse a great environment for controlling their growth. With full sun and regular watering, you’ll soon have vibrant, delicious peppers.

Strawberries

Strawberries in a greenhouse can produce sweet, juicy fruit in early spring, extending their growing season. These plants require moderate care, but the result is worth it, fresh strawberries to enjoy right off the vine or preserve for later.

Fall & Winter (Cool-Season Crops)

In the cooler months of fall and winter, greenhouses are great for growing cool-season crops. These crops thrive in the chillier temperatures that are common in greenhouses during these seasons. Here are a few excellent options for fall and winter:

Herbs (Basil, Thyme, Mint)

Herbs like basil, thyme, and mint grow well in cool temperatures, making them ideal for growing in the fall and winter months. They are low-maintenance and can be harvested throughout the season, even indoors, providing fresh flavor for your meals all year long.

Carrots

Carrots are a great option for fall and winter, as they thrive in cooler temperatures. A greenhouse will protect them from freezing weather, allowing them to grow steadily. With minimal care, you’ll have fresh, sweet carrots ready to harvest.

Chard

Chard is another hardy, cool-season crop that grows well in greenhouses during the colder months. It’s fast-growing and provides a continuous supply of nutritious greens throughout the season.

Starting a greenhouse garden is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own fresh produce and beautiful plants. By selecting the right plants, providing the proper growing conditions, and choosing easy-to-grow varieties, you’ll be on the right track. Enjoy your gardening journey, and don’t forget to savor the fruits and vegetables of your hard work!

FAQs

1. What are the best plants to grow in a greenhouse for beginners?

Easy-to-grow plants such as lettuce, radishes, spinach, and herbs like basil and mint are perfect for greenhouse beginners. These plants require minimal care and thrive in controlled environments, allowing for quick and rewarding harvests.

2. Can I grow herbs in a greenhouse?

Yes, herbs like basil, thyme, and mint grow well in a greenhouse, especially during the cooler months like fall and winter. They thrive in moderate temperatures and can be harvested throughout the season.

3. Can I grow vegetables like carrots and chard in the winter?

Yes, cool-season crops like carrots and chard grow well in greenhouses during the fall and winter. Greenhouses help protect these crops from freezing temperatures while allowing them to grow steadily throughout the season.