Do you long for a beautiful garden that flourishes regardless of the weather outdoors?
If you said yes, then you’re in the right place. Quality greenhouses are designed to support you through the seasons. The best ones will use heavy-duty materials and expert engineering to offer protection from extreme climates and help you extend your growing season.
While longer growing seasons are fantastic, many of our customers yearn to be in their gardens every day of the year. If you’ve ever wondered what can I grow in a greenhouse all year round, the key lies in managing your growing environment effectively. Implementing a few essential techniques allows you to create the perfect conditions for vegetables, herbs, and flowers to thrive, even in the coldest months. So today, let us walk you through our 5 tips for year-round growing in your greenhouse.
1. Choose Your Plants Carefully
Even though a greenhouse gives us the ability to essentially control the inside environment, it’s still beneficial to consider which plants will flourish depending on the outside weather.
Factors like temperature, humidity, and sunshine all come into play. But, unless you’re planning on fitting out your backyard greenhouse with heaters, misters, heavy-duty fans, and grow lights – your climate conditions are still a helpful reference when considering what you can grow and when.
For gardeners utilizing a basic greenhouse setup, we recommend selecting plants based on the season. For example:
This way, you can ensure that whatever you plant in your greenhouse garden will be set up for success, allowing you to comfortably grow year-round.
2. Keep Things Bright and Sunny
If you are a first-time greenhouse owner searching for the ideal area to build your structure, it is essential to pick a location that will receive full, unobstructed sunshine. Why is this important?
Most plants require 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow as strong and healthy as possible. While this may seem simple during the summer, winter and the shoulder seasons present more of a challenge.
In the fall and winter months, consider adding insulation like bubble wrap and using a small heater to maintain a stable growing environment. Monitoring temperature fluctuations with a reliable thermometer will help you make necessary adjustments, keeping your plants healthy year-round.
3. Maintain Proper Ventilation and Humidity
Air circulation is just as important as warmth, especially during the colder months when moisture buildup can lead to mold and plant diseases. To prevent these issues:
- Install ventilation windows and use a fan to keep air moving inside your greenhouse.
- During summer, proper airflow helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating.
- Keeping humidity levels in check ensures that plants do not suffocate in excessive moisture, creating an optimal growing environment across all seasons.
We suggest purchasing a compact heater for greenhouse gardeners in areas with long, frosty winters wanting to grow 12 months out of the year. Most greenhouse heaters are small yet mighty – producing enough heat to protect your garden from the increased risk of frost in these challenging climates.
4. Keep Your Greenhouse Clean and Organized
A well-maintained greenhouse is essential for a productive growing space. Clutter and unclean surfaces attract pests, hinder plant growth, and complicate seasonal transitions.
- Set a cleaning schedule to remove excess soil, sanitize surfaces, and organize your tools.
- At the start of each season, refresh your soil with organic compost to maintain nutrient-rich conditions for your plants.
- Keeping everything tidy and in its place will improve efficiency and ensure a more enjoyable gardening experience.
The best way to combat this is by creating a consistent cleaning schedule. We recommend blocking out a few hours every 3 months to do a deep clean and prepare your greenhouse for the upcoming season.
5. Invest in Essential Greenhouse Accessories
Specific tools and accessories can make year-round growing much more manageable:
- A compact heater is invaluable in winter, while shade cloths and ventilation fans help regulate summer temperatures.
- Grow lights can supplement natural sunlight during shorter days, and a quality thermometer will help you monitor temperature fluctuations.
- Additionally, raised beds or shelving should be considered to maximize space and make plant care easier.
The right tools will allow you to adapt to changing conditions and cultivate a thriving greenhouse garden in any season.
Grow All Year With a 4-Season Greenhouse
Following these five essential tips, you can enjoy fresh produce and vibrant plants in your greenhouse all year round. If you're wondering what can I grow in a greenhouse all year round, the answer depends on how well you manage light, temperature, and ventilation. You can create a productive and resilient greenhouse garden by planning your planting schedule, maintaining cleanliness, and investing in valuable accessories.
Nova Greenhouses provides durable, weather-resistant greenhouses to help you succeed in year-round gardening. Explore our selection today and take your greenhouse growing to the next level.