Plants For A Winter Greenhouse – What To Grow In Winter Greenhouse
Greenhouses are fantastic extensions for the gardening enthusiast. Greenhouses come in two types, standard and cold frame, which loosely translate into heated or unheated. Have you ever thought about growing plants through winter in a greenhouse?
Winter greenhouse gardening is similar to summer gardening when the right plants are chosen. Read on to find out what to grow in a winter greenhouse.
Winter in a Greenhouse
You can grow many winter greenhouse plants by simply utilizing the natural sunlight or by broadening your repertoire with a heated greenhouse. Either way, how do you choose plants for a winter greenhouse?
Winter greenhouse gardening can provide you with most of the produce you need throughout winter months. In a greenhouse that is heated and cooled, even the most exotic fruits and veggies can be grown.
As you’re growing produce in winter in the greenhouse, other tender annuals can be sown for spring, perennials can be propagated, cold-sensitive plants can be held over until spring, and hobbies such as cacti or orchid growing can ease the chill of the season.
What to Grow in Winter Greenhouses
Almost any type of salad green will thrive in winter when using a greenhouse. Throw in some broccoli, cabbage, and carrots and you’ve got fresh coleslaw or the makings for vegetable soup.
Peas and celery are excellent winter greenhouse plants, as are brussels sprouts. Winter’s chilly temps actually increase the sugar content in many root vegetables such as carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips.
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If you get on a root veggie roll, include other winter greenhouse plants such as rutabagas, parsnips, and kohlrabi. Other winter greenhouse plants to grow include leeks, garlic, and onions, which will become the basis for many comforting winter soups, sauces, or stews.
You don’t have to stop there. A number of cold-hardy plants are suitable for winter gardening in an unheated greenhouse. And, of course, the sky is the limit if your greenhouse provides heat – any number of plants for greenhouses can be grown in this environment, from heat-loving veggies and herbs to more cold-sensitive plants like succulents and exotic fruit trees.
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
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