What veggies grow well in a greenhouse?

If you’re new to greenhouse growing, you’ll probably want to start by planting up a few different veggie varieties that are well-known for thriving in an indoor environment. It goes without saying that tomatoes and cucumbers are on any greenhouse list (unless you don’t eat them, of course) but if you fancy something beyond a tomato or two, here are our suggestions:

Peppers and chillies

Peppers come from naturally hotter climates, so they love a greenhouse. If spice isn’t your thing, sweet bell peppers are a good bet. But if you like a chilli, the world’s your oyster. You can grow anything from jalapenos to ghost chillies and they don’t take up much space at all. Bumper crops can be dried or frozen too, so you’ll have a supply all year round. Best planted in spring so they get the heat and light they need during the summer.

Leafy greens

There are so many varieties to choose from, you can grow a wide selection to keep dinners interesting. Crops like kale, Swiss chard, bok choi, rocket, leaf lettuce and spinach work particularly well and most can survive colder weather if sheltered in a greenhouse. Succession planting a fresh supply of leafy greens is great way to add vital nutrients and great flavours into your suppers, smoothies and salads throughout the year.

Root vegetables

Although they’re more commonly grown outdoors, if you want a regular selection of root vegetables, carrots, potatoes and beetroot can all be grown very successfully in a greenhouse. You can even plant them in mid-winter for a spring harvest.

Courgettes

An easy to grow vegetable that loves warm conditions, the courgette is a favourite with greenhouse growers. The only issue is that they like a bit of space, so make sure you have room for them.  However, they are very high yield, so you probably won’t need many plants. March to May is the prime time to get sowing courgette seeds. (And don’t forget you can eat the flowers too.)

Brussels sprouts

Always a vegetable that divides the crowd, but if you’re a fan (or just like to torture your family at Christmas) Brussels sprouts are a low-maintenance greenhouse crop. March is the early sowing season if you’re transplanting into the garden; or you can grow them indoors over the winter – quite possibly to your family’s dismay.

Peas

There’s nothing better than sweet, fresh peas straight from the garden. Choose a dwarf variety that likes an indoor environment and you’ll make the most of your greenhouse space and enjoy plenty of peas. They’re also a cool season plant which suits them to wintering in a greenhouse, so you can enjoy a nice early crop.

Hopefully, by trying a few of the easier varieties to begin with, you’ll gain the confidence and know-how to explore more complex growing projects down the line. You can visit the RHS website for more comprehensive advice on growing vegetables in your greenhouse. Whatever plant varieties you decide to nurture, good luck and happy eating!

Find out how a Harvst smart greenhouse can help you grow your own food here.