Blog

Key Points

• Greenhouses enable year-round cultivation of vegetables, herbs, and orchids.
• Regulating temperature, moisture content, and watering is important for good growth.
• Agreement: Orchids gain control over the humidity of a greenhouse, says Sons.
• • Fresh produce and colorful flowers will always be the order of the day with the proper arrangement.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your very first seedling, a greenhouse opens the door to endless possibilities. With the right setup, you can enjoy fresh produce, vibrant blossoms, and lush greenery no matter the season.

From juicy tomatoes to fragrant herbs and tropical orchids, here are 10 of the best plants to grow in a greenhouse for year-round success, color, and flavor.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most rewarding greenhouse gardening plants, and it’s easy to see why. They’re dependable, beginner-friendly, and produce abundant, delicious fruit with minimal effort.

Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery, says that tomatoes thrive in uniform heat and the brightest sunshine. I plant them in fertile, well-drained soil and stake them early so they grow upwards and benefit from improved circulation.

Tomatoes planted in a greenhouse mature quickly, are sweeter, and remain healthier throughout the season thanks to the warmth and protection of a greenhouse.

2. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a classic choice for anyone wondering what to grow in a greenhouse. They grow quickly, spread beautifully, and thrive in the humid environment greenhouses naturally provide.

“There are two rules to follow when growing cucumbers in a greenhouse,” Bradley says. “Never let the plants run out of water, and keep them well-fed. Feed as soon as fruit appears, at least once a fortnight, with a fertilizer high in potash.”

The result? Better flavor, stronger growth, and impressive disease resistance.

3. Sweet Peppers

Greenhouse-grown sweet peppers taste richer, juicier, and sweeter than anything found at the grocery store.

“Sweet peppers are an ideal greenhouse crop since their flavor will be sweeter and texture crisper when you control temperature, humidity, watering, and nutrients precisely,” says Lucie Bradley.

Keep the greenhouse between 70–85°F during the day and around 60°F at night for the best results.

4. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers love heat, making them one of the best plants to grow in a greenhouse. The controlled warmth extends their growing season and intensifies flavor.

Bradley writes about the history of growing chili peppers in a greenhouse to make them tastier. Regular heat, damp climate, and absence of pests guarantee large harvests, overheat, and taste great.

Mild to hot, chili peppers are grown under greenhouse conditions.

5. Eggplants

Eggplants thrive in warm, stable environments, making them a wonderful addition to your greenhouse plants list. Beyond the grocery-store variety, a greenhouse lets you grow unique varieties like Rosa Bianca or Casper.

“Eggplants need consistent heat from sowing to cropping,” Bradley advises. “For successful germination, keep the temperature at least 70°F.”

Expect glossy, flavorful fruit with beautiful color variations.

6. Lettuce & Greens

Lettuce, spinach, and rocket flourish in the cool, protected environment of a greenhouse—especially when outdoor temperatures drop.

“They thrive in cooler temperatures and benefit from protection from pests like slugs and flea beetles,” says gardening expert Petar Ivanov.

Sow seeds in trays or raised beds, harvest regularly, and use shade cloth in summer to keep leaves crisp and fresh.

7. Strawberries

Set up in a greenhouse. Strawberries prefer the early warmth of a greenhouse, which stimulates earlier bloom and a longer season.

Ivanov also explains that they do not encounter bird damage or rainfall that could lead to fruit rot.

They should be planted in containers or grow bags, the soil should be kept evenly moist, and they should be allowed sufficient airflow to prevent mold growth. The reward? Muscious, sweet, and juicy berries long before the outdoor plants get up to speed.

8. Herbs

If you’re exploring greenhouse vegetable plants and want something fragrant and fast-growing, herbs are perfect. Rosemary, basil, mint, and thyme thrive beautifully in a greenhouse environment.

“They grow fast and are so useful,” Sons says. “I keep them at the front of the greenhouse for easy access, and trim them regularly to keep them bushy.”

Fresh herbs year-round? Absolutely.

9. Dwarf Citrus Trees

Dwarf lemon, lime, and mandarin trees love the stable warmth of a greenhouse.

“They enjoy bright light and warmth but require careful watering,” Ivanov says. “Let the top layer of soil dry slightly between waterings and use a citrus fertilizer during the growing season.”

With the right care, you’ll enjoy fragrant blossoms and homegrown citrus—even in winter.

10. Orchids

Growing orchids in a greenhouse feels luxurious—and surprisingly simple.

“They benefit from regulated humidity,” Sons says. “I mist them sparingly and give them lots of bright, indirect light. This keeps their blooms brighter and lasting longer.”

Their vibrant blooms add a soft, tropical touch to your greenhouse garden.

The Bottom Line

With greenhouses, you can have year-round gardening and grow fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and colorful flowers at any time of year. That is why, with the use of temperature, humidity, and watering you can provide the ideal conditions in which a greenhouse garden can grow.

You can plant easy-to-grow vegetables or test your skills with exotic orchids; you are only limited by your imagination. Begin small, test, and see your greenhouse plant list produce a bountiful harvest.

Your greenhouse will be the place of freshness, beauty, and satisfaction with regular attention and creativity.

Must read: 14 Best Plants to Grow for Backyard Privacy

FAQs