When it comes to maximizing the potential of your DIY greenhouse, knowing the best crops to grow year-round is key. Whether you have a small backyard garden or a larger high tunnel setup, your greenhouse offers a controlled environment that allows you to extend your growing season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce any time of the year. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best crops to cultivate in your greenhouse, ensuring a steady harvest, no matter the season.
Why Choose a Greenhouse for Year-Round Growing?
A greenhouse or high tunnel is the perfect solution for gardeners who want to grow crops outside of their traditional seasons. By creating a protected environment, greenhouses allow you to control temperature, humidity, and light, which are essential factors for plant growth. This means you can grow a variety of crops—even in the dead of winter.
At Steady Harvest, we believe in the power of greenhouses to transform your garden into a year-round food source. Whether you’re just starting with a small greenhouse kit or have a high tunnel for larger operations, here are some crops that will thrive in your greenhouse garden throughout the year.
Best Crops for Winter in Your Greenhouse
During the colder months, you can still enjoy fresh produce by planting cold-hardy crops that thrive in a greenhouse environment.
1. Leafy Greens
Lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula are all fantastic choices for winter gardening. These plants love cooler temperatures and grow quickly in the controlled climate of a greenhouse.
2. Carrots
Carrots are an excellent root vegetable to grow in the winter. They don’t mind cooler soil and can be harvested in as little as two months, making them a perfect choice for continuous planting.
3. Radishes
Quick to mature and cold-tolerant, radishes can grow well in low-light conditions. You can plant them in winter and harvest within a few weeks for a crisp, peppery addition to salads.
4. Herbs
Many herbs like cilantro, parsley, and chives do well in cooler temperatures. Keep a fresh supply of herbs in your greenhouse year-round for culinary use.
Spring & Summer Greenhouse Crops
As the weather warms up, your greenhouse becomes a powerhouse for growing a variety of crops, from warm-season vegetables to tropical plants.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in a warm, sheltered environment. By planting them in a greenhouse, you can get an early start in spring or extend your growing season well into fall. Choose indeterminate varieties for continuous production.
2. Cucumbers
Like tomatoes, cucumbers flourish in the consistent warmth and humidity of a greenhouse. They are vining plants, so make sure to provide support with trellises to maximize space.
3. Peppers
Whether you’re growing sweet bell peppers or spicy jalapeños, a greenhouse offers the perfect environment to ensure a long growing season. Peppers love the heat and will continue producing throughout the summer.
4. Eggplants
Eggplants are another warm-season crop that loves the steady heat a greenhouse provides. You’ll get larger, more consistent yields compared to outdoor gardening.
5. Basil
This heat-loving herb pairs beautifully with tomatoes and peppers. Keep a supply of fresh basil in your greenhouse for cooking or making homemade pesto.
Year-Round Greenhouse Crops
There are certain crops that you can grow in your greenhouse no matter the season. These plants thrive in a wide range of temperatures, making them the perfect choice for consistent harvests.
1. Microgreens
Microgreens are packed with nutrients and are incredibly easy to grow in any season. From broccoli sprouts to sunflower shoots, you can enjoy fresh greens within a couple of weeks.
2. Swiss Chard
This versatile green can handle both cold and warm temperatures, making it ideal for year-round growing. It’s perfect for salads, sautés, and smoothies.
3. Beets
Beets are another root crop that can be grown in almost any season. Both the root and the greens are edible, making them a nutritious, dual-purpose plant.
4. Green Onions
Green onions are a hardy crop that grows quickly and can be harvested repeatedly. They’re easy to grow in small spaces and can provide fresh flavor to your dishes all year long.
Maximize Your Space with High Tunnel Gardening
If you’re using a high tunnel greenhouse, you have the added advantage of extra space and the ability to grow larger quantities of crops. High tunnels offer the same benefits as traditional greenhouses but on a larger scale, allowing you to rotate crops and even grow fruit trees like citrus and figs.
High tunnels are perfect for extending your growing season by several months, protecting plants from harsh weather, and creating an ideal environment for organic gardening. By utilizing row covers and additional heating elements, you can even grow crops like strawberries, which are typically seasonal, throughout the year.
Conclusion
Growing your own food in a DIY greenhouse or high tunnel is one of the most rewarding experiences for any gardener. Whether you’re planting winter greens, summer tomatoes, or year-round herbs, the possibilities are endless. At Steady Harvest, we offer a range of greenhouse kits to suit your space and gardening needs, helping you grow fresh produce year-round.
Ready to start your year-round garden? Explore our selection of DIY greenhouse kits and take the next step toward a more sustainable and bountiful garden today!
