A greenhouse is the next big step for many amateur gardeners: a longer season, better yields, and more control over the climate. But one of the most common questions is: What can actually go into a greenhouse? Is it only worth it for tomatoes – or can much more be grown?
The short answer: A greenhouse is extremely versatile. You'll find the long answer here 😉🌱
Classics in the greenhouse: tomatoes, cucumbers & peppers
The most popular greenhouse plants are:
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🍅 Tomatoes – love warmth, but don't like rain on their leaves
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🥒 Cucumbers – grow particularly fast and evenly in a protected climate
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🌶️ Peppers & chilies – benefit greatly from higher temperatures
Tomatoes, in particular, will thank you for a greenhouse with significantly fewer diseases and often higher yields. Good ventilation is especially important here to prevent heat build-up and keep the plants healthy.
Lettuces, herbs & quick crops
A greenhouse isn't just for "large" vegetables. These plants also thrive in it:
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🥬 Lettuce (head, loose-leaf, or arugula)
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🌿 Herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill
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🧅 Spring onions
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🌱 Radishes and spinach
The big advantage: You can start much earlier in the year and often harvest well into autumn.
Propagation: The greenhouse's secret superpower mode
Many primarily use their greenhouse for seedling cultivation:
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Tomatoes, peppers, chilies
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Zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers
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Flowers and ornamental plants
Instead of crowding young plants on the windowsill, you have more space, more light, and more stable conditions in the greenhouse. This results in stronger, healthier plants.
And what about a tomato house?
Some gardeners opt for a tomato house instead of a classic greenhouse. These are usually more open in design and primarily intended to protect tomatoes from rain without excessively restricting air circulation.
If you're still wondering whether a greenhouse or a tomato house is better for your garden, you'll find an excellent comparison here.
It clearly explains the differences, advantages, disadvantages, and areas of application – super helpful, especially for beginners.
What generally doesn't belong in a greenhouse
Not every plant likes it warm and still. Examples of unsuitable plants include:
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🌸 Many native flowers that need cool nights
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🥔 Potatoes (need a lot of space and prefer outdoor conditions)
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🌳 Large, perennial plants that require a lot of space
General rule: Anything that loves warmth or is sensitive to rain and cold thrives particularly well in a greenhouse.
Conclusion: The greenhouse is a true all-rounder
A greenhouse is much more than just a "tomato shelter." You can use it to:
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Grow vegetables
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Cultivate herbs
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Start plants
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Significantly extend the gardening season
Whether for tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, or young plants – with the right setup, you can get a lot out of your garden. And if you're still unsure which design is better, comparing a greenhouse or a tomato house is definitely worthwhile.