When it comes to deciding what to plant in your greenhouse, it’s important to consider which plants thrive in that environment and which ones might struggle. While lettuce, spinach, kale, mustard greens, carrots, beets, peas, broccoli, and asparagus can all do well in a greenhouse, there are certain plants that are better off grown outdoors.
1. Fruit Trees: Fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and cherry trees, require a lot of space and adequate airflow to grow properly. In a greenhouse, they may not get the necessary sunlight and air circulation they need to bear fruit.
2. Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like potatoes, radishes, and onions need room to spread out and grow beneath the soil. In a greenhouse, the limited space may stunt their growth and affect the quality of the produce.
3. Corn: Corn is a tall crop that requires a lot of space and direct sunlight. In a greenhouse, the height of the corn plants may be restricted, leading to smaller ears and diminished yield.
4. Watermelon: Watermelon plants need ample space to vine and spread out. In a greenhouse, the limited area may not allow them to grow to their full potential, resulting in smaller fruits.
5. Pumpkins: Like watermelons, pumpkins require a lot of space for their vines to sprawl. Growing them in a greenhouse may limit their growth and reduce the size of the pumpkins.
6. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are known for their height and cheerful blooms. In a greenhouse, the restricted height may cause them to bend or grow unevenly, affecting their aesthetic appeal.
7. Shrubs and Trees: Larger plants like shrubs and trees may outgrow the confines of a greenhouse. Their roots need space to spread, and their canopies may block sunlight from reaching other plants in the greenhouse.
8. Perennials: Some perennial plants, such as roses or lavender, are better suited to outdoor garden beds where they can establish deep roots and receive natural rainfall. In a greenhouse, their growth may be limited, and they may not thrive as well as they would outdoors.
9. Annual Flowers: While some annual flowers can benefit from the controlled environment of a greenhouse, others may not fare as well. Plants that require pollinators or wind for pollination may struggle in a greenhouse setting.
10. Herbs: Although many herbs can thrive in a greenhouse, some, like mint, can be invasive and spread rapidly. Growing them in a greenhouse may lead to overcrowding and competition with other plants.
11. Invasive Plants: Avoid planting invasive species in your greenhouse, as they can quickly take over and outcompete other plants. Be mindful of the plants you choose to grow and research their growth habits before introducing them to your greenhouse.
12. High Maintenance Plants: Plants that require specialized care, frequent watering, or specific soil conditions may be challenging to grow in a greenhouse. Be realistic about the time and effort you can dedicate to maintaining these plants before introducing them to your greenhouse.
