Key Takeaways -

• Choose hardy vegetables, herbs, fruits, and exotic plants suited to your greenhouse environment.
• Optimise space with vertical gardening, hanging baskets, and compact plant varieties.
• Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation for healthy plant growth year-round.
• Regular care, pruning, and companion planting create a thriving greenhouse oasis.

Growing plants in a greenhouse allows you to enjoy gardening all year round. However, choosing the right plants is essential for healthy growth and productive harvests. With the right choices, you can create a thriving greenhouse environment, no matter your experience level.

This article will highlight the 12 best plants to grow in a greenhouse, covering options like hardy vegetables, heat-loving crops, herbs, fruits, and flowers. You’ll find ideas for both beginner-friendly and more challenging plants.

Keep reading to discover the best plants for greenhouse gardening and learn how to make the most of your greenhouse space, no matter the season.

#1 Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the best hardy vegetable plants for greenhouse gardening, making it ideal for beginners. It grows quickly, tolerates cooler temperatures, and requires minimal care, making it a perfect choice for year-round cultivation.

In unheated greenhouses, lettuce thrives even during cooler months, providing a steady supply of fresh, crisp leaves. Popular varieties like Romaine and Butterhead are particularly well-suited for greenhouse growing, whether in beds, pots, or vertical setups.

Regular harvesting of outer leaves encourages continuous growth, ensuring you have healthy, homegrown lettuce whenever you need it.

#2 Radishes

Radishes are a quick-growing, low-maintenance crop that thrives in a greenhouse environment, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. These hardy vegetable plants are ideal for greenhouse beds or pots, as they require little space and minimal care.

Radishes can be harvested within four weeks of planting, providing a rapid and rewarding yield. The consistent warmth and protection of a greenhouse environment help ensure even growth and healthy roots.

Regular watering and well-drained soil are key to preventing splitting, while successive sowings can provide continuous harvests throughout the growing season.

#3 Cabbage, Kale, and Broccoli

Cabbage, kale, and broccoli are cool-season crops that thrive in the controlled environment of a greenhouse. These hardy vegetable plants are best planted in early spring or winter, taking advantage of cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

They provide consistent harvests throughout the season, making them reliable staples for greenhouse gardening. These vegetables grow well in greenhouse beds with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and regular watering. Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, allowing each plant to develop fully.

#4 Herbs

Herbs like basil, mint, parsley, sage, and thyme thrive in the controlled environment of a greenhouse, making them ideal for year-round cultivation. These versatile plants are low-maintenance and can be grown in pots, beds, or vertical setups.

Basil, in particular, is well-suited to greenhouses due to its preference for warmth, while Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano also flourish in these conditions. Proper watering, good airflow, and adequate sunlight ensure healthy growth and continuous harvests.

#5 Peppers and Chillies

Peppers and chillies are heat-loving plants that thrive in the warm, stable temperatures of a greenhouse. They require consistent warmth, regular watering, and plenty of sunlight to produce healthy, flavorful fruits.

Popular varieties include sweet bell peppers and spicy chillies, which can be grown in pots or greenhouse beds. Providing support, such as stakes, helps keep plants upright as they grow. Regular pruning of excess foliage improves airflow and encourages more fruit production.

#6 Grapes, Passionfruit, and Kiwi

Grapes, passionfruit, and kiwi are vining plants that thrive in larger greenhouses with plenty of space for growth. These crops require a warm environment, consistent watering, and regular pruning to manage their vigorous vines.

Providing sturdy trellises or support structures helps train the plants upward, maximising space and encouraging better airflow. Pruning is essential to remove excess foliage and promote healthy fruit production.

With proper care, these plants reward gardeners with delicious, homegrown fruit, perfect for eating fresh, making juices, or using various recipes.

#7 Strawberries

Strawberries, such as the popular Cambridge Favourite variety, are easy to grow and highly productive in a greenhouse environment (1). These plants thrive in pots, hanging baskets, or raised beds, making them versatile options for gardeners with limited space.

Strawberries require plenty of natural sunlight, consistent watering, and well-drained soil for optimal growth. Regularly removing runners and harvesting ripe berries encourages continuous fruiting.

Greenhouse-grown strawberries are protected from pests and weather, providing a steady supply of sweet, juicy berries that are perfect for eating fresh, making desserts, or creating homemade jams.

#8 Orchids

Orchids, such as Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis varieties, can thrive in a greenhouse with the right care. Cymbidiums prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate near-freezing conditions, while Phalaenopsis orchids require consistently warm temperatures.

To maintain healthy blooms, ensure orchids receive bright, indirect sunlight and maintain proper humidity levels. Regular watering is essential, but avoid letting roots sit in water to prevent rot.

Good airflow helps prevent fungal issues, and occasional feeding with orchid fertiliser promotes strong growth. With care, these orchids reward gardeners with beautiful, long-lasting flowers.

#9 Cyclamen and Geraniums

Cyclamen and geraniums are excellent choices for winter greenhouse decoration, providing vibrant colour during the colder months. Hardy varieties of these plants thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for unheated greenhouses.

Cyclamen produce delicate, intricate blooms in shades of pink, white, and red, while geraniums offer cheerful clusters of flowers. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and regular watering, but it's important to avoid waterlogging. Providing good airflow helps prevent mould and mildew.

With minimal care, cyclamen and geraniums brighten up greenhouse spaces throughout winter, adding beauty and charm.

#10 Alocasia and Exotic Foliage

Alocasia and other exotic foliage plants thrive in humid environments, making them well-suited for heated greenhouses. These plants are known for their dramatic, tropical appearance, with large, striking leaves that add a lush, vibrant feel to any space.

Consistent warmth, high humidity, and bright, indirect sunlight are key to their healthy growth. Regular watering is essential, but be sure to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Good airflow helps maintain humidity levels and prevents fungal issues.

With the right care, these plants create a stunning tropical display.

#11 Cucamelons and Luffas

Cucamelons and luffas are unique and interesting additions to any greenhouse setup. Cucamelons resemble tiny watermelons and have a tangy, cucumber-like flavour. These fun plants are easy to grow and thrive when provided with support structures for their climbing vines.

Luffas, on the other hand, require a long growing season and are best suited for experienced gardeners. They need consistent warmth, humidity, and plenty of sunlight to develop their fibrous sponges.

With patience and care, both plants provide rewarding harvests—cucamelons for snacking and luffas for natural, eco-friendly sponges.

#12 Figs

Figs thrive in sunny greenhouses, producing delicious fruit that’s perfect for fresh eating or preserves. These plants require ample space due to their spreading habit, but they reward gardeners with bountiful harvests. Once established, fig trees are relatively drought-tolerant and prefer well-drained soil.

Regular pruning helps manage their size and encourages better fruit production. Providing plenty of natural sunlight is key to healthy growth and ripening fruit. With minimal care, figs offer a taste of the Mediterranean and add a touch of beauty to greenhouse spaces (2).

Seasonal Guide to Greenhouse Gardening in the UK

Spring

Spring is the ideal time to start seeds like lettuce and broccoli in a greenhouse. Young plants can be planted and gradually hardened off before being moved outdoors. Early crops such as radishes and herbs thrive during this season, providing fresh produce for early harvests.

Focus on preparing the greenhouse for a productive growing season by ensuring proper ventilation and consistent watering.

Summer

Summer is the peak growing season for heat-loving plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. Take cuttings for propagation to expand your plant collection. Maintaining humidity levels is crucial during warmer months, so provide consistent watering and ventilation.

Shade cloths can help prevent overheating and protect delicate plants.

Autumn

In autumn, sow salad crops and spring cabbages to ensure a steady winter supply. Overwinter geraniums and other tender plants to protect them from the cold. Take cuttings from fuchsias and geraniums to grow new plants for the following year.

Clean and organise your greenhouse to prepare for winter planting.

Winter

Winter is a great time to grow hardy vegetables and winter lettuce in the greenhouse. Use greenhouse heaters to provide frost protection on cold nights. Start seeds for next year’s outdoor crops in a propagator to give them a head start.

Regularly check temperature and humidity levels to maintain a suitable environment for continued growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Ways to Maximise Limited Space in a Greenhouse?

To maximise limited space in a greenhouse, use vertical gardening techniques like trellises for climbing plants such as cucumbers or beans. Install tiered shelving to create multiple levels for pots and hang baskets for trailing plants like strawberries.

Consider growing compact varieties of vegetables and herbs to make the most of the available area.

Which Greenhouse Plants Are Best Put in Greenhouse Borders or Pots?

Plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers grow well in greenhouse borders due to their need for space and deep rooting. Herbs, strawberries, and leafy greens thrive in pots, making them easy to move and manage. Growing in pots also helps control soil quality and drainage for healthier plants.

Can I Grow Fruit Trees in a Greenhouse?

Yes, you can grow dwarf varieties of fruit trees, such as citrus, figs, and peaches, in a greenhouse. These trees thrive in warm, controlled environments and can produce fruit throughout the year. Ensure they have enough light, space, and proper pruning to manage their growth.

What Are the Best Soil Types for Greenhouse Plants?

Well-drained, nutrient-rich potting soil is ideal for greenhouse plants. Adding compost or organic matter improves soil structure and boosts fertility. For crops like tomatoes and peppers, a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6-6.8 is often recommended for optimal growth.

What Are the Best Companion Plants to Grow in a Greenhouse?

Marigolds, nasturtiums, and basil are great companion plants for a greenhouse. Marigolds help repel pests like aphids, and nasturtiums, deter whiteflies, and basil can enhance the flavour of nearby vegetables. Companion planting promotes natural pest control and healthier plant growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing a variety of plants in a greenhouse allows you to enjoy fresh produce, beautiful flowers, and lush foliage year-round.

By choosing the right plants, optimising space, and maintaining the ideal environment, you can create a thriving greenhouse oasis that provides bountiful harvests and vibrant greenery in every season.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, a well-planned greenhouse setup will keep your gardening journey productive and rewarding.

Sources -

1. https://www.garden-products.co.uk/news/growing-under-glass/how-to-grow-strawberries-in-a-greenhouse/
2. https://www.greenhousegrowing.co.uk/growing-fruit/growing-figs-greenhouse/