The Perfect Crops for a Winter Greenhouse
Fall has arrived, and winter is on the way. That means no more delicious homegrown, organic veggies, right? Not so fast! Even if you’ve cleaned and covered your garden beds for the cool months, plenty of delicious food crops can be still grown in a winter greenhouse. The following options all perform well in containers, so you don’t need to worry about planting them in outdoor beds.
● Green onions
● Lettuce and other salad greens
● Spinach
● Kale
● Chard
● Radishes
● Beets
● Carrots
● Cilantro
● Strawberries (yes, really!)
These are just a few of the more common winter greenhouse crops. It’s fine to experiment and see what works for you, since all you have to lose is a few seeds and a bit of time waiting (and hoping). You never know what might work!
Planting indoors. The main thing to remember, of course, is that the size and depth of containers should match well to each plant’s needs. Some, like chard and carrots, need a deeper container (at least 24 inches). Others can be planted in more shallow conditions, such as radishes and green onions. Strawberries actually do quite well in hanging baskets that are at least 12 inches in depth.
Spacing is another consideration. Make sure to offer your plants a container that allows room to spread (this is a particular concern with leafy greens).
The temperature will be your other primary concern. While most of these plants will germinate in somewhat cooler temperatures, the soil can’t be too chilly, or they won’t survive. For example, beet seeds can be started as low as 40 degrees, although 50 or above is ideal. Research each crop’s temperature needs in detail.
Finally, you will need to monitor humidity carefully. As with outdoor plants, water your crops if the soil feels dry to the touch and take care not to over-water.
For more specific advice geared to the food crops you hope to grow, give us a call. We can help you select crops that suit your preferences and that should perform well in your greenhouse space.
