What To Grow in a Greenhouse Beginners Guide

So, you've got a greenhouse, and you’re wondering, “What on earth do I grow first?” You’re in good company. Many of us start with grand dreams of year-round gardening but are unsure what plants to begin with. If you're looking for easy-to-grow crops, some fast-growing plants, and a step-by-step approach to greenhouse gardening, this is the guide for you.

Here, we’ll walk you through the best beginner plants, share practical tips, and introduce accessories that make greenhouse growing a breeze. By the end, you'll be on your way to creating a thriving greenhouse oasis and enjoying homegrown produce all year round.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is a great starting point. It grows quickly, tolerates cooler temperatures, and doesn't require much effort. Plus, there's nothing better than picking fresh, crispy leaves for your salads.

Try growing varieties like Romaine or Butterhead for a good crop throughout the year. Lettuce thrives in unheated greenhouses during the UK’s mild seasons, which makes it ideal for a greenhouse beginner. Lettuce can be grown in greenhouse beds or in pots, making it adaptable for small spaces.

Internal Link: Browse our selection of small greenhouses for beginner gardeners.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a classic choice for a greenhouse and for good reason. They love warmth, and a greenhouse provides the ideal environment for them to thrive.

Start with smaller, fast-growing tender plants like cherry tomatoes. They’re easier to grow and produce a productive harvest in a relatively short time. Remember to provide plenty of natural sunlight and keep the temperature just right by ventilating greenhouses with roof vents. If you’re using an unheated greenhouse, you may want to start planting tomatoes a bit later in the year when temperatures are more stable.

Tomatoes require support as they grow, so consider using stakes or tomato cages to help them along. Regular pruning of excess foliage will ensure that your plant's energy goes towards producing good crops.

Internal Link: Explore our range of aluminium greenhouses perfect for growing tomatoes.

3. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley, Sage, Thyme)

Herbs are versatile, low-maintenance, and perfect for greenhouse gardening beginners. They’re great for those wanting to grow fast-growing tender plants that require little attention. Basil, mint, parsley, sage, and thyme are among the easiest herbs to grow.

Grow herbs in pots indoors if your greenhouse is unheated over winter. A potting bench can also help organize them nicely. Herbs also do well in vertical gardening setups, which helps maximize your greenhouse space. Plus, herbs are a versatile addition to your cooking and offer a lovely aroma in your greenhouse.

Internal Link: Check out our greenhouse accessories to get started.

4. Cucumbers

Cucumbers love a warm greenhouse environment and are easy-to-grow crops for any gardener. Start with small varieties like 'Mini Munch' that fit well in smaller greenhouses. The key to good cucumber growth is maintaining humidity, which can be managed by adding a louvre window vent for air circulation.

Ensure that cucumbers are supported by trellises or stakes as they grow, which will prevent them from sprawling across your greenhouse floor. Cucumbers thrive in greenhouse borders where their roots have enough space to expand, and they prefer consistent watering, so keeping soil evenly moist is key.

Internal Link: Explore our small greenhouses for growing cucumbers.

5. Chillies and Peppers

Chillies and peppers thrive in greenhouse temperatures. They're heat-loving plants that enjoy the warmer, controlled environment inside a greenhouse, making them great for beginners.

Chillies and peppers can be grown in greenhouse beds or pots, and they love a sunny spot. Regular watering and consistent warmth are the key to successful harvests. You can experiment with different varieties, from mild bell peppers to spicy chillies, making your greenhouse even more exciting.

Internal Link: Browse aluminium greenhouses ideal for growing chillies and peppers.

6. Radishes

Radishes are some of the easiest and fastest-growing plants for beginner greenhouse growers. They’re perfect if you're after something rewarding and quick, as they can be harvested within four weeks of planting.

Radishes grow well in a variety of conditions and are suitable for greenhouse beds, borders, or even large pots. They require minimal care, making them an ideal choice for beginners looking for quick results.

7. Melons

Melons are a bit more advanced but not out of reach for a beginner. They like the controlled warmth of a greenhouse and can provide an impressive harvest if given enough support, space, and care. They are best grown in greenhouse borders or pots, and they love a warm environment.

Melons need to be planted in well-drained soil and require plenty of watering, especially when the fruits start to develop. Adding a trellis or support system can help the vines grow vertically, saving space and making harvesting easier.

Internal Link: Find the right aluminium greenhouse for growing melons.

• Use Seed Trays: Seed trays make it easy to manage young seedlings and monitor growth without overwhelming yourself with lots of pots. They are great for ensuring healthy growth at the start.
• Pick Heirloom Seeds or Organic Seeds: Heirloom seeds are perfect if you want to preserve unique, traditional varieties of crops. Organic seeds, on the other hand, are great if you prefer produce grown without chemicals.
• Choose Easy-to-Grow Herbs and Vegetables: Start small, and remember, it’s all about having fun! Lettuce, radishes, and herbs are a few great starting options.
• Use a Potting Bench: A potting bench can help keep your workspace organized and make planting easier.

Internal Link: Check out our greenhouse staging and potting benches.

Maintaining the right temperature is key to having a successful greenhouse. Without proper control, plants may suffer from too much heat or cold.

• Automatic Roof Vents: Keep your greenhouse cooler on hot days by using automatic roof vents. They help regulate temperature when things get too warm.
• Louvre Window Vent: For better air circulation, use a louvre window vent to reduce humidity. Good airflow is essential to avoid fungal diseases.
• Greenhouse Heater: When temperatures drop, adding a greenhouse heater can help maintain a suitable environment for tender plants and keep your gardening going year-round.

When it gets colder, an unheated greenhouse might need some help. You can add a greenhouse heater to extend the growing season.

Internal Link: Explore our range of greenhouse ventilation and heating accessories.

Overwatering and underwatering are both common mistakes when it comes to greenhouse gardening.

• Proper Drainage: Make sure pots have holes for drainage. Use clean pots to prevent disease, and consider using gravel trays to help excess water drain away.
• When to Water: Always water in the morning. Early watering ensures your plants have enough moisture for the day and helps keep leaves dry at night, reducing the chance of fungal growth.
• Greenhouse Thermometer: A thermometer is useful to monitor the temperature, which in turn helps gauge how much water your plants need.

It’s also important to understand the difference in water needs among plants. Some, like cucumbers, prefer consistently moist soil, while others, like chillies, need their soil to dry out slightly between watering.

To make greenhouse gardening easier, there are several accessories that you may want to add to your setup:

• Greenhouse Staging: This helps you utilize vertical gardening to maximize space. It allows you to grow different crops while keeping things organized. Staging can be used for young seedlings or easy-to-grow flowers.
• Potting Bench and Seed Tray Stand: Essential for potting and sowing plants. Keeping things neat with a potting bench also means you have easy access garden products right where you need them.
• Greenhouse Heater: For extending your growing season through the colder months, a greenhouse heater is invaluable for tender crops that can't survive the frost.
• Planters: Planters are great for growing herbs, tender crops, or even flowers, especially when you want to keep them separate from your main greenhouse beds.

Internal Link: Check out our greenhouse staging and accessories to help organize your space better.

Pests can quickly become a problem in a greenhouse if they’re not managed properly. Here are a few ways to deal with pests:

• Sticky Traps: Sticky traps are an easy way to control flying pests such as whiteflies.
• Beneficial Predators: Introduce ladybirds into your greenhouse to tackle aphids naturally.
• Regular Inspections: Keep an eye on your plants regularly to spot early signs of pests. It's easier to manage a few pests than an infestation.
• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean pots and remove any old potting soil to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Internal Link: Browse greenhouse accessories to keep pests under control.

How Do I Keep My Greenhouse Cool in the Summer?

Use automatic roof vents and a louvre window vent to keep air flowing. This will stop your greenhouse from overheating and keep your plants healthy.

Should I Use a Greenhouse Heater in Winter?

If you want to grow tender crops during winter, a greenhouse heater is a great idea. It allows you to grow heat-loving plants like tomatoes and chillies, even when temperatures drop.

What Are the Easiest Crops to Grow in a Greenhouse?

For beginners, lettuce, radishes, and herbs are some of the easiest greenhouse crops. They’re low maintenance and don’t require constant monitoring.

How Often Should I Water Greenhouse Plants?

Watering needs vary by plant, season, and greenhouse conditions. In general, water early in the day, ensuring that soil is consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.

How Do I Prepare My Greenhouse for Spring?

Clean pots, tidy up greenhouse beds, and check your accessories. Preparing in early spring will give you a head start for indoor spring harvesting and a productive growing season.

Can I Grow Crops Year-Round in a Greenhouse?

Yes, with the right setup, including a greenhouse heater for winter and proper ventilation for summer, you can enjoy year-round gardening. Growing seasonal crops and choosing suitable plants for each time of the year is key.

Internal Link: Check out our range of greenhouses and accessories for the right plant choices and tools you need to get started.

What is the Easiest Thing to Grow in a Greenhouse?

The easiest thing to grow in a greenhouse is lettuce. It grows quickly, requires minimal care, and is suitable for beginner gardeners.

What Vegetables Can You Grow in a Greenhouse UK?

In the UK, you can grow a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, and radishes in a greenhouse. The controlled environment helps extend the growing season for many crops.

Can You Grow in a Greenhouse All Year Round?

Yes, with proper temperature control, such as using a greenhouse heater in winter, you can grow plants all year round. Choosing seasonal crops that are suitable for each time of year is key for continuous harvests.

Greenhouse gardening for beginners can be as simple or as detailed as you want it to be. Start with easy-to-grow crops like lettuce, herbs, and radishes to get a feel for it. Add accessories to help with temperature control, watering, and organization. And remember, making mistakes is part of the fun - every gardening journey is full of learning!

Having an unheated greenhouse doesn’t mean you can’t grow great plants. By choosing hardy vegetable plants and providing them with the proper environment, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Ventilate greenhouses properly, use a greenhouse heater when necessary, and choose good crops that thrive in your climate.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Discover our selection of small greenhouses and accessories to kick-start your gardening dreams.

Happy growing!