Top Ten Outstanding Winter Harvest Options
**Fresh and Tasty Winter Harvest: Growing Winter Crops in Greenhouses**
For a bountiful and flavourful winter harvest, consider growing crops that thrive in cool temperatures, grow quickly, and benefit from the controlled environment of a greenhouse. Here's a guide to the top recommended winter greenhouse crops and tips on how to grow them optimally.
**Best Winter Crops for Greenhouses**
1. **Spinach** Spinach is a cool-weather crop that grows rapidly, often germinating in about a week. It provides a continuous harvest as you can cut leaves from the outside, allowing regrowth. Keep soil moist and provide some shade on sunny days to prevent bolting. It grows well in containers or garden beds inside the greenhouse.
2. **Lettuce (including heat-tolerant varieties)** Lettuce grows rapidly in cool conditions and can be harvested repeatedly. Some heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Jericho’ and ‘Nevada’ extend the harvest period even when temperatures fluctuate.
3. **Brussels Sprouts** Although slower growing, Brussels sprouts do well in winter greenhouses and actually develop better flavor after exposure to cold. Companion planting with herbs like mint can help deter pests.
4. **Microgreens** Microgreens like mustard, basil, and amaranth can be grown quickly in shallow trays. They are harvested very early, making them a fast, nutritious option for continuous harvesting.
5. **Scallions / Green Onions** These require minimal space, grow quickly (harvest in about six weeks), and thrive in well-drained, moist soil. They tolerate partial shade and do well in containers inside a greenhouse.
6. **Kale and Arugula** Cold-hardy leafy greens that improve in flavor after frost. They are suitable for winter greenhouse growth and benefit from cooler temperatures below 70°F.
7. **Carrots and Radishes** Root vegetables that develop sweeter flavors in cool soil conditions typical of winter greenhouse environments.
8. **Swiss Chard** Another leafy green that thrives under regulated greenhouse conditions, providing fast growth and multiple harvests.
9. **Peppers and Chillies** Though peppers prefer warmth, a greenhouse allows temperature control to keep them productive through winter, making them a flavorful and colorful option.
**How to Grow Winter Crops in Your Greenhouse**
1. **Maintain Optimal Temperature** Aim for cool but frost-free temperatures (usually between 40°F to 70°F) depending on crop. Use heaters or insulation as needed to avoid freezing while preserving cold conditions for flavor development (e.g., Brussels sprouts, spinach).
2. **Control Humidity and Ventilation** Ensure good airflow to prevent diseases common in humid, closed environments. Ventilate during sunny winter days to balance humidity inside the greenhouse.
3. **Use Suitable Growing Medium** Choose well-draining, fertile soil or quality potting mixes to prevent root rot and support healthy growth, especially for root vegetables and onions.
4. **Regular Watering** Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Moisture helps prevent bolting in spinach and lettuce and supports steady growth for scallions and microgreens.
5. **Succession Planting and Rotation** Sow microgreens and quick growers like lettuce and scallions in succession for a continuous harvest. Rotate crops to avoid pests and nutrient depletion.
6. **Companion Planting** Use pest-deterring plants like mint near susceptible crops such as Brussels sprouts to encourage a healthy greenhouse ecosystem.
By focusing on cold-hardy, fast-growing leafy greens, root vegetables, microgreens, and some heat-loving plants like peppers (with careful temperature control), you can enjoy a fresh, diverse, and tasty winter harvest year-round in your greenhouse.
Incorporating healthy cooking practices, adding flavorful and nutritious winter crops to your food-and-drink lifestyle is a smart choice for the home-and-garden enthusiast. For instance, growing spinach in your greenhouse can provide a continuous harvest, enhancing your lifestyle with delicious, vitamin-rich dishes all winter long. Moreover, microgreens like mustard or basil can be grown quickly and contribute to a healthy-cooking approach, offering a rapid source of essential nutrients for your meals.
