Greenhouseshave long been staples for nurseries and commercial growers. They allow thesepros to grow a large and steady supply of plants year-round.
But thebenefits of greenhouses have made them increasingly popular among home gardeners too. Besides extending your growingseason by letting you control heat and humidity; a good greenhouse offers otherperks.
It allows youto control a plant’s environment and prevent the spread of disease and invasionby pests and insects. If you have a valuable crop, a greenhouse can protect itfrom four-footed critters like deer and rabbits as well as bipedal pests likethieves.
Virtuallyanything you grow outdoors can grow inside a greenhouse or high tunnel, which is essentially an inexpensivegreenhouse with fewer features. If you are wondering about the best plants togrow in a greenhouse, DripWorks is here to help. Read on for our suggestions onthe top plants for a greenhouse.
GreenhouseFlowers and Ornamental Plants
Nothing chasesaway a case of the winter blues faster than colorful, beautiful flowers andplants. Many varieties smell as lovely as they look, making them truly a feastfor the senses.
Salvia, a typeof ornamental sage, is great for greenhouses. A member of the mint family, itsmells wonderful. Salvia plants produce spikes of beautiful, bright blooms.
You can growmany other types of flowers and ornamentals in your greenhouse during theoff-season that you would grow outside in better weather. Just a few goodoptions include geraniums, impatiens, and petunias.
If you love thefestive look of poinsettias, these also are ideal for greenhouse growing. Keepsome in your greenhouse to celebrate Christmas.
Ferns arebeautifully shaped and delicately colored but can be tricky to grow. Becauseyou can control the microclimate in your greenhouse, consider raising somefinicky ferns in it. They will reward you with lush green foliage andfascinating, fine displays.
Because you cankeep it as hot and humid as you like in your greenhouse, don’t forget tropicalplants. Beautiful orchids are one possibility. Fascinating carnivorous plantslike Venus flytraps are another. Dial down the humidity but keep thetemperature up to grow prickly cacti in your greenhouse.
Greenhouse Fruitsand Vegetables
Just becauseits winter does not mean you have to settle for the cardboard taste of mostproduce sold at typical supermarkets. Continue to grow your own fruits andveggies year-round in your greenhouse for optimal taste, tenderness, freshness,and nutrition.
Warm-weatherfruits and veggies are top picks for greenhouse growing. Prime candidatesinclude tomatoes, cucumbers and summer or winter squash. Eggplants are anothergood bet.
Are youdreaming about those muskmelons and cantaloupes you feasted on last summer?Turn your dreams into reality off-season by growing some in your greenhouse.
Do not forgetpeppers, which love sun and heat. Whether your tastebuds lean to the mild orwild, you can grow anything from bell peppers to habanero peppers in yourgreenhouse.
In courts inFrance, those of royal blood used to keep orangeries to grow oranges throughoutthe weather. You can also grow citrus fruits fit for a king or queen in yourgreenhouse. Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are all good choices.
If you live ina frigid climate, you can also continue to enjoy fresh, healthy greens and vegetables throughout the winter. Lettuce,spinach, kale, and mustard greens will all thrive in a greenhouse. You can growother cool weather crops there too, like carrots, beets, peas, and broccoli.
For a long-termaddition, consider asparagus. These plants can provide you a continual crop forup to two decades.
GreenhouseHerbs
Given all thefresh food you will be growing, you will want to have some herbs and spices onhand. Beat high grocery costs by growing your own. You will also boost theflavor of the dishes you make and provide you and your family better nutritionwith fresh herbs.
Anything youcan grow outdoors will grow in a greenhouse. Try mint, rosemary, and sage aswell as thyme, parsley, and cilantro.
If you have acat, do not forget to plant some catnip. Fluffy will love you for it.
