Growing herbs in a greenhouse allows gardeners to extend the growing season, protect tender plants, and grow a wider variety of herbs. With the right set up and care, greenhouses create the perfect environment for herbs to thrive.
Benefits of Growing Herbs in a Greenhouse
There are many advantages to growing herbs in a greenhouse:
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Lengthen the growing season Start plants earlier in spring and continue growing later into fall, This allows for harvesting more crops per year,
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Grow heat-loving plants: Maintain warmer temperatures for basil, cilantro, and other herbs that need consistent heat.
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Overwinter less hardy plants Keep rosemary, sage, thyme and other perennials alive through frigid winters
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Control moisture: Prevent too much rain from rotting roots and provide water during droughts.
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Block pests: Keep out caterpillars, snails, rodents and other critters that damage plants.
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Protect from weather: Shield plants from hail, heavy winds, frost and other hazardous conditions.
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Prevent soil erosion: Stop soil runoff during heavy rainstorms.
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Garden year-round: Enjoy the relaxing hobby even when it’s cold out.
Setting Up a Greenhouse for Herbs
This is very important if you want to get the most out of a herb greenhouse: Here are some key steps:
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Install an automatic misting system to maintain consistent moisture. Herbs are very susceptible to drying out.
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Add shade cloth if needed. Too much direct sun will burn plants.
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Use containers and raised beds for better drainage and to prevent overwatering.
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Place taller plants along north wall to avoid shading smaller herbs.
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Install fans for airflow and preventing fungus/pests. Stagnant air causes problems.
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Use bottom heating pads for heat-loving herbs like basil.
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Cover beds with horticultural fleece or row cover to retain warmth.
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Insulate the greenhouse to maintain desired temperatures.
Best Herbs to Grow in a Greenhouse
Many culinary herbs thrive in greenhouse conditions. Some top picks include:
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Basil: Grows vigorously with heat, humidity and rich soil. Pinch flowers to prolong harvest.
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Parsley: Appreciates protection from cold. Cut often to encourage new growth.
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Chives: Tolerates partial shade. Produces all season long.
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Oregano: Likes warmth and well-drained soil. Cut back after flowering.
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Thyme: Does well in containers. Needs excellent drainage to avoid root rot.
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Sage: Grows bushy with shelter from wind and cold. Tolerates some shade.
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Dill: Quickly bolts in heat so greenhouse extends harvest period.
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Cilantro: Lasts longer with consistent moisture and warm temperatures.
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Mint: Invasive so contain in pots. Thrives in greenhouse humidity and warmth.
Caring for Greenhouse Herbs
While greenhouses provide ideal growing conditions, herbs still need proper care and maintenance:
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Water when top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Feed with liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during growing season.
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Prune and harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and treat promptly.
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Check soil pH periodically and amend if needed. Most herbs prefer slightly alkaline soil.
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Repot rootbound plants in early spring. Containers dry out faster than in-ground plants.
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Turn pots occasionally for even sunlight exposure.
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Open vents to balance temperature and humidity levels.
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Add heating pads, grow lights and humidity trays as needed.
Choosing a Greenhouse for Herbs
There are many greenhouse options to fit any budget and space:
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Freestanding polycarbonate or glass greenhouses provide the most growing space.
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Lean-to greenhouses attach to a building for support.
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Kit greenhouses come with all materials and instructions for DIY assembly.
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Mini greenhouses and cold frames are great for small yards.
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Indoor grow tents work well for apartment herb gardens.
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Cover existing raised beds with hoop house plastic sheeting or row covers.
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Upcycle old windows and doors into a DIY greenhouse.
Consider factors like size, budgets, sunlight and ventilation when selecting the ideal greenhouse.
Growing herbs in a greenhouse allows for an extended harvest of lush, flavorful herbs that would otherwise perish in cold weather. With preparation and proper care, greenhouses enable gardeners to expand their palettes of culinary herbs. The benefits of protection from weather, pests and disease make greenhouse gardening a great option for any herb enthusiast.
Using a Greenhouse for Growing Herbs
When you use a greenhouse, you can control the plants’ temperature, humidity, and light, making it the ideal place for them to grow. Greenhouse herb gardening can protect tender annuals from the extreme summer heat while extending the season and allowing your plants to grow earlier and later in the season. The key to getting the most out of your greenhouse is in setting it up before you add a single plant. Set up an automatic drip hose system and a misting system to make sure your plants always have water. Herbs fail for many reasons, but lack of adequate moisture is among the most common. With an automatic system that gives the plants a steady, smaller amount of water every day, you can be sure that they will keep growing. Another key item for herb growing in greenhouses is a system of shading the plants. If you are building a new greenhouse, dont create a roof made entirely of glass or plexiglass. Some types of skylights or sunroofs are great for letting air flow, but some herbs need to be protected from the hottest afternoon sun. If your greenhouse is already built, use rip-stop nylon and hooks or Velcro to hook it to the roof to make a shade system. This system will be easy to attach and remove, depending on the needs of your plants.
Gardening Lessons : How to Grow Herbs in a Greenhouse
FAQ
Which herbs grow well in a greenhouse?
Many herbs thrive in greenhouse conditions. Some of the best options include basil, coriander, parsley, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage. These herbs benefit from the controlled environment and extended growing season that a greenhouse provides.
What not to put in a greenhouse?
Avoid growing melons and squash, potatoes, sunflowers, radishes and broccoli, corn and tomatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, onions and garlic, marigolds and beans, eggplant in a greenhouse.
Which herbs should not be planted together?
Some herbs shouldn’t be planted together because they grow quickly, have different needs, or have allelopathic effects, which mean they stop the growth of each other. Examples include mint and most other herbs, fennel and other herbs, and basil with rue or sage.