A greenhouse extends the potential opportunities for growing plants throughout the cold winter months. As the temperatures drop outside in the garden, the greenhouse offers a protected environment to continue growing plants.

If you grow vegetables in the greenhouse, out go the summer heat-loving crops and now it is the time for cool-weather vegetables that can provide harvests through winter. Tender plants can also be brought indoors into the greenhouse in November to continue growing and seeds can be sown to get ahead for next year.

When planning a greenhouse, try to keep it full of plants and productive year-round. While much of the garden outside slows down, a greenhouse can be full of activity this month. Here is our guide to some of the best plants to grow in a greenhouse in November.

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What to plant in a greenhouse in November


A greenhouse provides a protected environment for growing plants during the cold winter months, extending the opportunities for cultivation even when temperatures drop outside in the garden.

In November, it’s time to transition from summer heat-loving crops to cool-weather vegetables in the greenhouse. Winter salads, radishes, carrots, microgreens, herbs, geraniums, sweet peas, and other tender plants can thrive in a greenhouse during this month.

What to plant in a greenhouse in November

Whether you have a large heated backyard greenhouse or a small DIY greenhouse, there are vegetables, flowers, and herbs that can be grown indoors in November.

1. Winter salads

A selection of nutritious winter leaves can grow well in cool temperatures in an unheated greenhouse. Winter lettuce varieties like ‘All Year Round’ and other greens such as mizuna, arugula, and pak choi can be sown for continuous harvests.

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2. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing vegetables that thrive in cooler conditions. Succession sowing radishes can provide a continual harvest throughout the colder months.

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3. Carrots

Root vegetables like carrots can be grown in a greenhouse over winter for a harvest in early spring. Carrots germinate well in cool, protected environments.

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4. Microgreens

Microgreens are easy to grow in a greenhouse and packed with flavor and nutrients. They can be harvested when they are 1-2 inches tall.

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5. Herbs

Growing herbs in a greenhouse during winter allows for fresh harvests throughout the colder months. Herbs like chives, parsley, mint, cilantro, and more can thrive in a greenhouse.

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6. Geraniums

Tender perennials like geraniums can be brought indoors into a greenhouse to continue growing over winter. Potted geraniums can thrive in a greenhouse as long as temperatures stay above freezing.

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7. Sweet peas

Early sowings of sweet peas in November can lead to stronger plants and earlier blooms in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds in individual pots for successful growth.

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FAQs

What flowers can grow in an unheated greenhouse in winter?

Violas, pansies, calendula, snapdragons, impatiens, and chrysanthemums can successfully grow in an unheated greenhouse during winter. Sow seeds indoors for flowers like sweet peas, snapdragons, lupines, delphinium, and dianthus for early spring blooms.

Can you grow cucumbers in a greenhouse in winter?

Cucumbers prefer warmth and are best grown in the summer months. They can be extended in a heated greenhouse with grow lights, but overwintering them for next year is not practical.

Can you grow peppers in a greenhouse during winter?

Peppers can be grown in pots in a cool greenhouse over winter. Bring them indoors to a greenhouse that stays above 55°F with good light levels for successful growth.


Cleaning and decluttering a greenhouse in winter can help combat plant diseases and ensure maximum sunlight reaches your plants during darker months, preparing your growing space for the next season.