Fall Greenhouse Gardening: Best Plants to Grow Now

As the autumn chill sets in, it's not too late to start thinking about what to plant in your greenhouse for the upcoming season. With the right choices, you can extend your growing season, enjoy fresh produce throughout the winter, and even get a head start on next year's garden. Let's delve into the world of greenhouse gardening and explore the best plants to cultivate during the fall.

Before we dive into the specific plants, it's crucial to understand the unique environment a greenhouse provides. Greenhouses trap heat, creating a warmer microclimate than the outdoors. This allows you to grow plants that might not otherwise survive the cold autumn and winter months. Additionally, the greenhouse's protection from wind and rain can help prevent common gardening issues like frost damage and disease.

Cool-Season Crops

Cool-season crops are plants that thrive in cooler temperatures, typically between 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and 40-50°F (4-10°C) at night. These crops are well-suited for fall planting in a greenhouse and can provide a bountiful harvest even as the weather turns chilly.

To maximize your greenhouse space, consider planting a mix of cool-season crops that have different maturity rates and space requirements. This way, you can succession plant, replacing fast-growing crops with slower ones as they mature and are harvested.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are some of the most rewarding and versatile crops to grow in a greenhouse during the fall. They grow quickly and can be harvested repeatedly, providing a continuous supply of fresh, nutrient-dense produce. Some popular leafy greens to consider include:

• Lettuce (e.g., Buttercrunch, Red Sails, Black-Seeded Simpson)
• Spinach (e.g., Bloomsdale, Space, Winter Bloomsdale)
• Arugula (e.g., Roquette, Wild, Salad Mix)
• Kale (e.g., Lacinato, Curly, Red Russian)
• Swiss Chard (e.g., Fordhook Giant, Bright Lights, Ruby Red)

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are another excellent choice for fall greenhouse gardening. They can tolerate cooler temperatures and some can even be harvested throughout the winter. Here are a few root vegetables to consider:

• Radishes (e.g., Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, White Icicle)
• Carrots (e.g., Nantes, Chantenay, Danvers)
• Beets (e.g., Detroit Dark Red, Chioggia, Red Ace)
• Turnips (e.g., Hakurei, Tokyo Cross, Purple Top White Globe)

Hardy Vegetables

Hardy vegetables are plants that can withstand cold temperatures and may even benefit from a light frost, which can help improve their flavor. These crops are well-suited for greenhouse gardening in the fall and can provide a hearty harvest as the weather turns colder.

When growing hardy vegetables in a greenhouse, it's essential to provide adequate ventilation to prevent excessive heat buildup. This can be achieved by opening doors and windows or using fans to circulate air.

Brassicas

Brassicas are a family of plants that include cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These hardy vegetables can tolerate cold temperatures and are well-suited for fall greenhouse gardening. Some popular brassicas to consider include:

• Cabbage (e.g., Savoy Perfection, Late Flat Dutch, Red Acre)
• Broccoli (e.g., Calabrese, Romanesco, Packman)
• Cauliflower (e.g., Cheddar, Snow Crown, Graffiti)
• Kale (e.g., Lacinato, Curly, Red Russian)

Peas and Pea Shoots

Peas are another hardy vegetable that can be grown successfully in a greenhouse during the fall. They prefer cooler temperatures and can even be sown directly into the ground in late summer or early fall. Pea shoots, the tender shoots and tendrils of the pea plant, can also be harvested and eaten as a nutritious and delicious microgreen.

Some popular pea varieties to consider include:

• Snow Peas (e.g., Mammoth Melting, Sugar Snap, Oregon Sugar Pod II)
• Shelling Peas (e.g., Little Marvel, Lincoln, Green Arrow)

As you plan your fall greenhouse garden, consider the unique microclimate your greenhouse provides and choose plants that will thrive in the available space and light. By selecting a mix of cool-season and hardy crops, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest throughout the autumn and winter months. Happy greenhouse gardening!