Winter Greenhouse Gardening: Best Plants to Grow

As the winter chill sets in, many gardeners might assume that their greenhouse becomes a dormant space. However, with the right planning and selection of plants, your greenhouse can remain a vibrant and productive space throughout the cold months. Let's explore what to plant in a greenhouse in winter to keep your green sanctuary thriving.

Winter greenhouse gardening offers unique opportunities. While it's too cold for many outdoor plants, the greenhouse provides a controlled environment where you can grow a variety of crops and even extend your growing season for some hardy plants. By understanding the specific needs of winter greenhouse plants, you can create a lush, year-round garden.

Vegetables for Winter Greenhouse Gardening

Vegetables are a significant part of winter greenhouse gardening. They can provide fresh produce even when the outdoor garden is covered in snow.

Choosing the right vegetables is crucial. Look for varieties that are cold-hardy and can tolerate lower light conditions. Some excellent options include:

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are excellent winter greenhouse choices. They grow well in cooler temperatures and can tolerate lower light levels. Plant them in succession for a continuous harvest throughout the winter.

Consider varieties like 'Arctic King' lettuce, 'Bloomsdale' long-standing spinach, and 'Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch' kale. They are known for their cold tolerance and great taste.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, beets, and radishes can also be grown in a winter greenhouse. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested throughout the winter.

Try 'Paris Market' carrots, 'Detroit Dark Red' beets, and 'Cherry Belle' radishes. They are known for their cold tolerance and excellent flavor.

Herbs for Winter Greenhouse Gardening

Herbs can add flavor to your winter dishes and also provide a pop of color to your greenhouse. Many herbs are quite hardy and can thrive in the cooler temperatures.

Some winter-hardy herbs include:

Parsley

Parsley is a biennial herb that can tolerate freezing temperatures. It's a great source of fresh greens throughout the winter.

Plant 'Curly' or 'Flat-leaf' parsley varieties. They are both cold-hardy and have a mild, pleasant flavor.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody herb that can survive temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). It's an excellent choice for adding a Mediterranean touch to your winter greenhouse.

Consider 'Blue Boy' or 'Golden Rain' varieties. They are known for their cold tolerance and attractive foliage.

Flowers for Winter Greenhouse Gardening

While many flowers are not winter-hardy, there are a few that can brighten up your greenhouse during the cold months.

Some winter-blooming flowers include:

Cyclamen

Cyclamen are winter-blooming plants that produce vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be forced to bloom in the winter greenhouse.

Try 'Silverii' or 'Candida' varieties. They are known for their beautiful flowers and cold tolerance.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus is a popular winter-blooming plant that produces vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be encouraged to bloom during the winter months.

Consider 'Christmas Cheer' or 'Ruby' varieties. They are known for their beautiful flowers and winter blooming habit.

Winter greenhouse gardening is a rewarding experience. It allows you to enjoy fresh produce and beautiful flowers even when the outdoor garden is dormant. By selecting the right plants and providing the appropriate care, your greenhouse can remain a thriving, productive space throughout the cold months. So, don't let the winter chill deter you. Embrace the season and watch your winter greenhouse flourish.