17 Vegetables to Grow in Fall Greenhouses

As the weather cools down, you’re probably thinking it’s time to wrap up the gardening season. But if you’ve got a greenhouse (or are planning to get one) we can keep growing fresh vegetables even into fall. Greenhouses are fantastic for extending the growing season because they trap heat and protect plants from frost, making them perfect for certain cool-weather vegetables. With a little bit of attention you can add heat to your greenhouse as well! In the meantime, let me walk you through 17 vegetables that thrive in a fall greenhouse and some tips on how to get the best out of each one.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens love the cool temperatures of fall, and a greenhouse provides just the right environment. It keeps them warm enough to keep growing, but cool enough to maintain their crisp texture and flavors.

Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow in a greenhouse. Varieties like Romaine, Butterhead, and Loose-leaf do particularly well. They grow quickly, and you can harvest them as baby leaves or let them mature. Just remember to keep the soil consistently moist and provide good air circulation to prevent mold, which can be a problem in cooler, humid conditions.

Spinach

Spinach is another cool-weather favorite. It prefers cooler temperatures, and a fall greenhouse setup can keep it growing well into the colder months. Sow seeds directly in well-draining soil, and keep an eye on humidity; too much can lead to mildew. Spinach grows quickly, so you’ll have a steady supply of fresh leaves in no time.

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Kale

Kale is a tough one—it can handle quite a bit of cold, but in a greenhouse, it’ll grow even more robust. Kale likes rich soil, so mix in some compost before planting. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves will keep the plant productive throughout the season. It’s also great because the leaves get sweeter as the temperatures drop!

Arugula

Arugula brings a nice peppery bite to salads, and it’s fast-growing, which means you can get several rounds of harvest. It doesn’t mind the cooler greenhouse temps at all. Just sow seeds every couple of weeks for a continuous supply. Watch out for aphids, though—they love arugula as much as we do!

Brassicas

Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage thrive in cooler weather, and the greenhouse provides them just the right balance of protection from frost while keeping them cool enough to flourish.

Broccoli

Broccoli can be a bit picky with weather, loving cool but not freezing temperatures. That’s why it’s perfect for the greenhouse. Broccoli needs full sun, so make sure your greenhouse gets plenty of light. Keep the soil evenly moist, and don’t be afraid to mulch to retain that moisture.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower likes the cool, consistent conditions a greenhouse offers. It’s a bit more finicky than broccoli; it requires consistent moisture and prefers soil that stays slightly acidic to neutral. Cauliflower heads can be sensitive to sunlight, so you might need to blanch them by tying the leaves over the heads once they start to form.

Cabbage

Cabbage loves cooler temperatures and can even tolerate light frost, so a fall greenhouse is perfect. Plant cabbage in fertile, well-drained soil, and give them plenty of room to grow. Regular watering and a good amount of sunlight will help form those nice, tight heads.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are perfect for greenhouse growing in the fall because they don’t need as much heat, and the greenhouse environment helps keep the soil temperature stable for proper root development.

Carrots

Carrots are a great fall crop, especially varieties like Nantes or Danvers. They prefer the cool greenhouse temperatures and loose, sandy soil. Thin them out early so they have room to grow properly. The cooler temperatures of fall actually enhance their sweetness.

Beets

Beets thrive in cooler weather, and the greenhouse allows for a longer growing period. Sow them in rows, and keep the soil consistently moist to encourage even growth. Beets are fairly hardy, but they do appreciate some protection from the harsher weather that fall can bring.

Radishes

Radishes are a super quick crop, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks. They love the cool greenhouse conditions of fall, and you can plant them successively for a continuous harvest. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and they’ll stay crisp and mild.

Alliums

Alliums like green onions and garlic do well in the greenhouse because they don’t mind the cooler temperatures, and the protection from frost allows them to keep growing well into the fall and winter.

Green Onions

Green onions are incredibly easy to grow and don’t need much space. Plant them in rows or even in containers. They prefer cooler conditions and do well with plenty of sunlight. Water regularly, but be careful not to overwater as they don’t like soggy soil.

Garlic

Garlic is usually planted in the fall, and a greenhouse can give it a head start. Plant individual cloves pointed end up in rich, well-drained soil, and water regularly until the ground freezes. It’s a slow grower, but it’s worth the wait for those flavorful bulbs next year.

Herbs

Certain herbs really appreciate the extra warmth a greenhouse provides as temperatures begin to dip. Many of them, like parsley and cilantro, are quite cold-tolerant, so they do exceptionally well in a fall greenhouse.

Parsley

Parsley is a biennial, so it’s pretty hardy and does well in cooler weather. Plant it in well-drained soil, and keep it evenly moist. You can harvest it continuously, just be sure to trim the outer leaves first to encourage new growth.

Cilantro

Cilantro loves the cool fall weather but can be sensitive to frost, making a greenhouse the perfect spot. It doesn’t need much to thrive; just give it well-drained soil and regular water. Harvest it frequently to prevent it from bolting too soon.

Chives

Chives are super easy and resilient. They’ll keep growing in the greenhouse through the fall, providing a fresh, mild onion flavor. Chives do best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and you can snip off leaves as needed for cooking.

Cold-Tolerant Veggies

Some vegetables are naturally cold-tolerant and can benefit from the slight boost a greenhouse provides, allowing them to keep producing even as the days get shorter and cooler.

Peas

Peas, especially sugar snap and snow peas, are a fantastic choice for a fall greenhouse. They enjoy the cool, consistent temperatures and do well climbing up supports. Keep the soil moist, and you’ll have a delicious, crunchy crop in no time.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a colorful and nutritious addition to your fall greenhouse. It grows well in cooler temperatures and keeps producing as long as you keep harvesting the outer leaves. It’s easy to grow and doesn’t need much beyond regular watering and some compost mixed into the soil.

Final Thoughts

Growing these vegetables in your fall greenhouse can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get to extend your growing season, but you also get fresh, homegrown produce well into the colder months. If you haven’t tried fall greenhouse gardening yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot—your taste buds will thank you!