You may be asking yourself, what can I grow in a greenhouse this winter?
For some, the coming of winter may spell the end of their growing for the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are many fruits, vegetables, and plants you can grow this winter with the help of a greenhouse and some well-placed insultation.
It’s important to remember that no matter how and where your greenhouse is placed this winter, no plant, herb or vegetable will grow as quickly as it does in the summer months.
A good greenhouse can continue your growing season and if you are able to keep your plants alive, they will grow as soon as the temperatures begin to rise.
With that in mind here are 10 plants you can grow in your greenhouse this winter.
- Have You Thought About Growing Some Potatoes This Winter?
Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the winter. It’s possible to grow them in hessian sacks or pots.
Potatoes do need protection from frost so make sure your greenhouse is well heated or insulated.
Potatoes planted in your greenhouse in January can be harvested by march. Making them the ultimate winter vegetable.
- Grow Some Carrots This Winter
Have you ever asked yourself, can you grow carrots in the winter in the UK? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Plant some carrots in the autumn months and they can be harvested as soon as the soil warms up.
If it’s been a mild winter and you’ve managed to keep your greenhouse warm, it’s possible you could harvest before the spring
Top tip: Protect your carrots with some carrot fly netting
- Wondering, How To Grow A Winter Lettuce?
Salad isn’t just for the summer months; lettuce is a superb winter addition to your greenhouse.
A lot of lettuce prefers the cooler temperatures of the winter months and makes them optimal for growing during this season.
Pick your favourite lettuce, whether that be Winter Purslane, Lamb’s lettuce or Little Gems, plant during the winter and you could be enjoying salad this Christmas.
Top Tip: Winter lettuce can be sown from August to November. If there is a cold snap on the horizon then pick up some cloches to protect them.
- What Herbs Can I Grow During The Winter?
The later autumn months are perfect for growing some fresh herbs to have throughout the winter.
However, remember that the amount they grow will considerably slow down, especially as the winter gets colder and darker.
Make sure to move all your herbs into pots and relocate them into your greenhouse to protect them from the cold.
Herbs you can grow in the winter include:
- Dill
- Parsley
- Mint
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Sage
- Thyme
- Winter Tarragon
- Can I Grow Aubergines In The Winter In The UK?
A valid question. Aubergines are the domain of warmer climates like Italy & Spain. But with a little help from a greenhouse and some good insulation or heating (such as a paraffin heater), it’s perfectly possible to grow Aubergines in the winter in the UK.
Aubergines take a long time to grow, sometimes as much as six months. By starting growth in the winter and with the aid of a greenhouse, it’s perfectly possible to have them earlier in the year.
By planting the seeds between January and February they will be ready for the spring.
- Do Brussel Sprouts Grow In The Winter?
Yes absolutely, Brussel Sprouts grow in the winter. A winter classic, and a Christmas favourite, Brussel Sprouts take roughly three months to grow and last about five days once harvested.
Brussel Sprouts thrive under greenhouse conditions and can even endure frost.
Just make sure not to overcook them this Christmas, boiling them for just 4-5 minutes can ensure that everyone is eating them around the table this winter.
Conclusion
There are many vegetables that can be grown in the winter in the UK including potatoes, carrots, and Brussel Sprouts. But that’s not all. Spinach, Cabbage, Broccoli, Peas, and Beans all are perfectly good growers in colder conditions.
Utilising a greenhouse and proper insulation, heat and placement can help keep you growing during the winter.