A Beginner’s Guide to Greenhouse Growing – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Dreaming of extending your growing season, protecting plants from unpredictable weather, and boosting your harvests? Greenhouse growing could be the perfect solution!
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to start greenhouse growing as a beginner, covering everything from setting up your space to choosing the best crops.

Why Grow in a Greenhouse?

Using a greenhouse offers several major advantages:

Extend the growing season: Start earlier in spring and keep crops going later into autumn.
Protect plants from weather: Shield crops from frost, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Grow exotic or heat-loving plants: Enjoy crops like tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and chillies.
Increase yields: Stable conditions mean stronger plants and bigger harvests.
Save money: Grow more of your own food, year-round.

Tip: Even a small greenhouse dramatically increases what you can grow!

Step 1: Choose the Right Greenhouse

The type of greenhouse you choose affects everything you grow.

Types of greenhouses:

Glass greenhouses: Traditional, long-lasting, good light levels.
Polycarbonate greenhouses: Lightweight, shatterproof, and better insulation.
Polytunnels: Budget-friendly, flexible for larger spaces.
Mini greenhouses: Ideal for patios, balconies, or beginners.

Tip: Start small and upgrade later if you’re unsure — even a tiny structure can produce a lot!

Step 2: Set Up Your Greenhouse for Success

Location is critical.

Ideal greenhouse placement:

Full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
Sheltered from extreme wind.
Good drainage (avoid waterlogged areas).
Easy access to water sources.

Inside the greenhouse, set up:

Staging (shelves or benches) for seedlings and small plants.
Ground beds or pots for larger crops.
Paths wide enough for easy movement and maintenance.

Tip: Position the ridge (top) of the greenhouse east–west for maximum light capture.

Step 3: Control Temperature and Ventilation

Greenhouses can overheat quickly — even in spring!

Temperature tips:

Use automatic or manual vents to release hot air.
Open doors and vents daily in warm weather.
Install shading (like netting or whitewash) to protect plants from scorching.
Use bubble wrap or fleece for insulation in winter.

Tip: Aim for a daytime temperature around 18–24°C (65–75°F) for most vegetables.

Step 4: Choose the Best Crops for Greenhouse Growing

Perfect greenhouse crops:

Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Peppers and chillies
Aubergines (eggplants)
Melons (in warm conditions)
Basil and other tender herbs
Early salad crops (lettuce, rocket, spinach)
Strawberries (earlier harvests)

Tip: Start with 3–5 easy crops your family loves to eat.

Step 5: Sow and Grow in a Greenhouse

Starting seeds in a greenhouse gives them a big advantage.

Seed-starting basics:

Use quality seed compost for better germination.
Provide extra heat with a propagator if needed for warmth-loving seeds.
Sow thinly to avoid overcrowding.
Water gently and keep humidity moderate.

Tip: Label trays clearly — it’s easy to forget what you sowed where!

Step 6: Watering Your Greenhouse Plants

Consistent watering is crucial in the greenhouse.

Water early in the day to avoid humidity build-up overnight.
Avoid splashing leaves — aim water at the soil surface.
In summer, you may need to water daily.
Use watering cans, drip irrigation systems, or capillary mats.

Tip: Group thirsty plants together and drought-tolerant ones separately.

Step 7: Feeding and Maintaining Crops

Greenhouse plants often grow faster — and hungrier!

Start feeding tomatoes and cucumbers once fruits appear.
Use balanced liquid feeds or seaweed fertiliser.
Tie in climbing plants like tomatoes and cucumbers as they grow.
Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and cucumbers for better fruiting.

Tip: Weekly feeding during peak growth can double your harvests!

Common Greenhouse Growing Problems (and How to Avoid Them)

Overheating: Ventilate early and shade in summer.
Pests: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites — introduce natural predators if needed.
Fungal diseases: Water soil, not leaves, and ventilate regularly.
Pollination issues: Tap flowering plants gently or hand-pollinate if natural insect visitors are low.

Tip: Keep a small greenhouse diary to track problems and solutions season by season.

Winter Greenhouse Growing for Beginners

Don’t pack away your greenhouse at the end of summer!

Great winter crops:

Winter lettuce
Spinach
Mizuna and mustard greens
Spring onions
Garlic (potted for early harvests)

Use fleece or cold frames inside the greenhouse for added protection.

Tip: Even without heating, you can extend harvests into December and beyond with hardy greens.

Conclusion: Step Into the World of Greenhouse Growing

Starting with greenhouse growing is one of the best ways to become a more productive, year-round gardener.
With a little preparation, smart crop choices, and regular maintenance, you’ll be amazed at how much food you can grow — and how much longer your growing season becomes.
Get your greenhouse set up — and enjoy the thrill of harvesting your own crops whatever the weather!