The Winter Greenhouse – What to Grow in a Greenhouse in Winter?

What to grow in a greenhouse in winter UK

There are fewer daylight hours in winter, so naturally plants will not be growing as quickly as they do during the summer.

You can help to ensure that the plants in your greenhouse get plenty of light by removing any shading and cleaning the glass thoroughly.

If you’re wondering what to grow in a greenhouse in winter, it makes sense to choose hardier plants which can withstand cooler temperatures. Here are some of our favourites:

Winter vegetables to grow UK wide

It’s possible to still grow vegetables in a greenhouse in winter. Not only will it save on your food bill, but you’ll retain all the vitamins and goodness from growing your own produce organically.

Potatoes

Potatoes can be grown in sacks or a large pot. Either start them off early in winter so that you can enjoy them by March, or get them going later and then move them when the weather warms up. Whilst potatoes are hardy, they can struggle with frost, so keep your greenhouse warm if the temperature significantly drops.

Spinach and kale

If you’re wondering what veg to grow in winter, then you can’t go wrong with these leafy greens. Kale can survive in temperatures as low as minus 6 degrees Celsius, so they’re perfect for unheated greenhouse growing.

Brussels sprouts

When looking at growing winter vegetables UK, sprouts are a favourite. They take about three months to grow, so you can plant them around December and harvest them in March.

Lettuce

Winter lettuces such as little gem, rocket and lamb’s lettuce prefer cooler climates, which makes them perfect when choosing what to grow in an unheated greenhouse in winter UK wide.

Herbs

Some herbs like parsley are hardy and will survive through a winter outside. Others will benefit from being brought into a winter greenhouse. Coriander, mint and dill will thrive from being in a greenhouse from late autumn onwards. Herbs like thyme and sage don’t like being in soil that is too wet, so will also prefer a dry greenhouse environment.

What flowers to grow in a greenhouse in winter UK?

You may question what can you grow in a greenhouse in winter other than vegetables? The answer is that there are plenty of flowers which will still grow during the colder months, and starting them early in a greenhouse means you can keep pests away and create the best growing conditions too.

Pansies

Winter pansies enjoy cooler conditions and will flourish in temperatures from 4 to 15 degrees Celsius.

Dahlias

Dahlias are an excellent example of what to grow in a greenhouse in winter. They are simple to grow and can start early around February time. Start them off in a potting tray and water them in.

Gladioli

Gladioli have plenty of shades and varieties available and they’re easy to grow during the winter. Plant the corms in a pot and place them in a cool greenhouse. They enjoy temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Looking for a new greenhouse? Visit Surrey Hills Garden Buildings.

Whilst daylight and the warmth from the sun may seem in short supply at this time of the year, it doesn’t mean that you have to go without enjoying growing your own. There are still lots of options for growing vegetables, herbs and flowers and, if you decide to investigate insulating or heating your greenhouse, then that variety increases.

In the market for a new greenhouse? The friendly team at Surrey Hills Garden Buildings are on hand to provide all the advice you need. We offer a complete service of designing and installing a new greenhouse, with ideas for accessories and storage too.

For inspiration, visit our dedicated show site or get in touch where we’ll be glad to help.