A greenhouse is a vegetable-grower’s dream for warm-season crops — the extra heat and shelter mean bigger, earlier, more reliable harvests of plants that struggle outdoors in cooler climates. These are the vegetables that make the most of a greenhouse, with the key to growing each well.
The top greenhouse vegetables
| Crop | Why a greenhouse helps | Key tip |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Heat and shelter for earlier, heavier crops; fewer blight problems than outdoors | Feed regularly; ventilate and tap trusses to set fruit |
| Peppers & chillies | Love the warmth; ripen more fully under cover | Warmth and steady watering; long season |
| Cucumbers | Thrive in warm, humid greenhouse air | Support/train up strings; watch for red spider mite in dry heat |
| Aubergines (eggplant) | Need the long, warm season a greenhouse gives | Warmth and feeding; support heavy fruit |
| Melons | Warmth and a long season to ripen | Support fruit; hand-pollinate |
| Salad leaves & spinach | Extend the season at both ends; winter crops in a cool house | Great for cooler months and gaps |
| Basil & tender herbs | Warmth and shelter for lush growth | Pinch out; keep warm |
Getting the best from greenhouse veg
- Feed — fruiting crops are hungry; feed regularly in growth (see fertilizing).
- Water consistently — irregular watering causes problems like blossom-end rot and splitting; see watering greenhouse plants.
- Pollinate — help fruit set under cover; see greenhouse pollination.
- Ventilate — prevent overheating and disease; see cooling and diseases.
Cool and winter greenhouse veg
In a cool or unheated greenhouse, hardy salads, spinach, chard, winter greens and garlic extend cropping into the colder months — see winter growing.
Quick questions
What grows best in a greenhouse? Warm-season fruiting vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, chillies and aubergines — plus salad leaves and herbs to fill gaps and extend the season.
Related guides
For guidance on choosing the right feed, see our fertilizer guide.
For general vegetable-growing technique, see our vegetable gardening guide.
