There’s something incredibly satisfying about growing your own fresh produce, no matter what the weather’s doing outside. A greenhouse opens a world of possibilities, letting you enjoy homegrown vegetables and herbs year-round. If you’re wondering what to fill your greenhouse with, I’ve got some tried-and-true favorites that’ll keep your kitchen stocked all year long.
Leafy Greens That Never Quit
Leafy greens are absolute champions in a greenhouse setting. They’re forgiving, fast-growing, and honestly, they seem to thrive on a bit of neglect sometimes.
Top picks include:
- Lettuce – You can harvest varieties like butterhead and romaine in as little as 30 days. Plant new seeds every few weeks, and you’ll never run out.
- Spinach – This nutritional powerhouse loves cooler temperatures, making it perfect for winter greenhouse growing.
- Kale – Incredibly hardy and actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. Plus, it keeps producing leaves for months.
- Swiss chard – The colorful stems add beauty to your greenhouse while the leaves add nutrition to your meals.
The secret with greens? Don’t wait for them to get huge. Harvest young leaves regularly, and the plants will keep producing.
Herbs for Flavor All Year
Fresh herbs transform ordinary meals into something special. Growing them in a greenhouse means you’ll always have that burst of flavor at your fingertips, even when there’s snow on the ground.
Essential herbs to grow:
- Basil – Needs warmth and plenty of light, but rewards you with incredible fragrance and taste
- Cilantro – Grows quickly in cooler conditions, perfect for fall and winter harvests
- Parsley – Both flat-leaf and curly varieties do wonderfully in controlled environments
- Thyme and oregano – These Mediterranean herbs are practically indestructible once established
I’ve found that keeping herbs in individual pots makes it easier to manage their different watering needs. Basil is thirsty, while rosemary prefers a drier side.
Vegetables That Love Greenhouse Life
When you invest in quality structures like a Cerbo Greenhouse, you create the perfect environment for vegetables that require consistent temperatures and protection from harsh weather. These veggies will generously reward your efforts.
Year-round vegetable options:
- Tomatoes – Cherry and grape varieties work especially well. They need support and regular feeding, but the flavor of greenhouse tomatoes beats store-bought any day.
- Cucumbers – Choose greenhouse varieties that don’t need pollination. They climb, so use vertical space wisely.
- Peppers – Both sweet bell peppers and hot varieties flourish with consistent warmth. They’re slower to produce but keep giving for months.
- Radishes – These speedy growers fill gaps between other crops and mature in just 3-4 weeks.
Root Vegetables Worth the Space
Don’t overlook root crops just because you can’t see them growing. They’re quietly productive underground.
- Carrots – Smaller varieties work best in containers or raised beds within your greenhouse
- Beets – You get two harvests in one, the greens for salads and the roots for roasting
Making It Work
The beauty of greenhouse growing is the ability to control your environment. Keep temperatures between 65-75°F for most crops, ensure good air circulation to prevent mold, and water in the morning so leaves dry before nighttime.
Start with a few easy varieties, learn what works in your specific setup, and expand from there. There’s no single “right” way to do this; your greenhouse will develop its own personality based on your climate and growing style.
Before you know it, you’ll be that person bringing fresh basil and tomatoes to dinner parties in January, and trust me, your friends will be impressed.
