Greenhouses are a gardener’s haven, offering a controlled environment that extends the growing season and opens up possibilities for cultivating a wide variety of plants.
For beginners in Australia, a greenhouse can be an exciting venture, allowing you to experiment with different crops and enjoy fresh produce year-round.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you can grow in a greenhouse as a beginner in Australia.
Herbs and microgreens
Start your greenhouse journey with herbs like basil, mint, and parsley. Their compact size makes them ideal for greenhouse cultivation. Microgreens, such as kale, radishes, and sunflower shoots, are nutrient-dense and can be harvested within weeks.
You can get started with growing herbs even in a mini greenhouse which is cost-effective and provides you with the appropriate controlled environment to grow herbs and take it to the next level.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in the warm and protected environment of a greenhouse. You can enjoy vine-ripened tomatoes earlier in the season.
The warm and protected conditions allow you to extend the growing season and enjoy fresh tomatoes earlier in the year.
Choose determinate varieties for compact spaces and indeterminate varieties if you have more room. Proper spacing, sturdy trellising, and good ventilation are essential for healthy tomato growth. Regular pruning and removing suckers encourage better airflow and fruit production. With consistent care, ample sunlight, and proper watering, your greenhouse tomatoes can yield juicy and flavorful harvests throughout the seasons.
Peppers and chillies
Whether sweet or spicy, peppers and chillies appreciate the consistent warmth and protection from a greenhouse. They can be a colourful and flavorful addition to your home-grown produce.
Growing peppers and chillies in a greenhouse offer a controlled environment that enhances their growth and productivity. With the ability to regulate temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure, greenhouse cultivation ensures optimal conditions for these heat-loving plants.
This approach extends the growing season, allowing for multiple harvests. Peppers and chillies thrive in well-drained soil, and greenhouse settings provide an ideal platform to maintain the necessary moisture levels. Additionally, protection from outdoor pests and adverse weather conditions fosters healthier plants. Whether you’re cultivating mild bell peppers or fiery chillies, a greenhouse offers a tailored space to nurture these vibrant and flavorful additions to your culinary endeavours.
Leafy greens
Lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard flourish in a greenhouse’s controlled conditions. These fast-growing crops can provide you with a constant supply of fresh greens.
Leafy greens are ideal candidates for greenhouse cultivation, offering a year-round supply of nutritious and flavorful produce. Spinach, lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard thrive in a controlled environment, protected from harsh weather and pests.
Greenhouse-grown greens tend to be more tender and vibrant due to the consistent conditions. Use raised beds or containers with well-draining soil and ensure adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding.
Employ shade cloth during peak sunlight to avoid heat stress. Regular monitoring of moisture levels and proper ventilation are crucial. With a little attention and care, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, home-grown leafy greens straight from your greenhouse.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are prolific climbers and can be trained vertically in a greenhouse, saving space while producing an abundance of crisp cucumbers.
Cultivating cucumbers in a greenhouse provides an advantageous environment for their growth and yield. The controlled conditions allow for consistent warmth, humidity, and protection against external factors. With trellises or supports, vertical growth can be encouraged, optimising space utilisation.
Greenhouses facilitate the prevention of common cucumber issues like pests and diseases, resulting in healthier plants. Regular pruning and pollination are more manageable in this setting, leading to higher fruit production. Whether you’re growing slicing cucumbers or pickling varieties, greenhouse cultivation offers extended growing seasons and a higher likelihood of successful, bountiful harvests, allowing you to enjoy fresh cucumbers throughout the year.
Beans and peas
Bush beans and dwarf peas can be cultivated in pots or containers. They’re excellent choices for greenhouse gardening, offering a harvest in a compact space.
Strawberries
Strawberries can be grown in hanging baskets or containers, utilising vertical space effectively. They’ll reward you with sweet berries.
Citrus trees
If you’re aiming for larger crops, dwarf citrus trees like lemons and limes can be grown in containers in a greenhouse. They’ll need some pruning to manage their size.
Flowers
Apart from edibles, you can also grow flowers like geraniums, petunias, and begonias in your greenhouse. They’ll add colour and beauty to your gardening space.
Experimentation
Don’t hesitate to try less common crops like melons, ginger, or even exotic herbs. A greenhouse offers you the opportunity to experiment and learn what grows best in your specific conditions.
Remember, successful greenhouse gardening requires attention to factors like temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Regular monitoring and adjustments will help your plants thrive. As a beginner, start with a few plant varieties and gradually expand your repertoire as you gain experience. With dedication and a little trial and error, your greenhouse can become a flourishing haven for a diverse range of plants, providing you with fresh produce and the joy of nurturing green life year-round.