What vegetables grow well in a greenhouse?

What vegetables grow well in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses, once used strictly for commercial growing, have become increasingly popular among home gardeners. By growing vegetables in your own greenhouse, you can enjoy vegetables that are typically restricted by their seasons or because of your outdoor weather conditions. A greenhouse can extend your growing season by weeks if not months compared with traditional outdoor gardening. However, some vegetables perform better in a greenhouse environment than others.

Peppers

Nearly every variety of pepper will grow well in a greenhouse environment. Since there are different varieties to choose from, including sweet bells and jalapenos, you will have more than enough options for your greenhouse. Inside the greenhouse, your peppers will need a minimum container size of 8 inches deep with a 2-gallon capacity. Peppers should be placed a minimum of 15 inches apart and will need night temperatures that remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit for development of their pollen.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes require a consistent night temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit in order to develop their pollen. Since tomatoes grow exceptionally well in greenhouses, you can create a tomato crop and have varieties ripen within as little as 100 days. Start tomato plants in individual containers that are 12 inches deep and at least 1-3 gallons in capacity. Space tomatoes 24 inches apart for growth. Tomatoes need sunshine for production, so place them in an area of the greenhouse that receives ample sunlight.

Other Warm Season Vegetables

Warm season vegetables are vegetables that require high light intensity but low to moderate night temperatures. They need a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit minimum during the day and 55 degrees Fahrenheit minimum during the night. Within this classification of vegetables, several varieties perform well in a greenhouse environment, including beans, cucumbers, eggplant, cantaloupe and summer squash.

Cold Season Vegetables

Cold season vegetables do just as well in greenhouses as warm season vegetables. Since these vegetables spoil or fail to pollinate in warm temperatures, a greenhouse is the ideal location for them. These require a daytime temperature range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Cold season vegetables include beets, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, chard, leafy greens, turnips, peas and radishes.

Source: SFGATE

Photo created by bearfotos - freepik

Source: SFGATE

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