Now, the best veggies to grow will depend on your zone, how much space you have to grow in, and how hot and cold it gets in your greenhouse. Also, it's always fun to grow a few interesting & weird plants besides the tried-and-true plants like tomatoes.

So, why would you want to grow vegetables indoors?

Greenhouses & other indoor growing spaces are fantastic tools for growers.

Imagine growing vegetables all year round without worrying about the changing season, and not being concerned about the conditions outside. Growing indoors opens up all kinds of possibilities!

So, by being in a greenhouse, plants also get to be protected from the harsh conditions they'd have to face outdoors: wind, drought, blistering heat, bone-chilling cold, pests, & critters trying to eat them.

And, a great thing about having an indoor growing space is that it allows you to create the most suitable conditions for your crops. That's because you can control factors like:

• Temperature
• Moisture
• Humidity
• Light
• Irrigation
• Fertilization

What Are the Best Vegetables to Grow Indoors?

It’s exciting to think about all the different kinds of veggies and fruits you could plant!

Sometimes though, it can be overwhelming to decide between all the different plants and varieties of each.

So where to start?

One way is to think about plants in categories. For example:

• Easy to grow
• High- producing
• Flowers
• Ornamentals
• Plants that are just plain weird and interesting

Here's a quick list, summarized by category:

Crops That Aren't Suited To a Greenhouse

Though most plants grow well in a controlled setting such as in a greenhouse, there are definitely some that are not best suited for one. 

And, there are also crops that need wind pollination such as wheat, corn, oats, rice, barley and rye. 

Or, those that need direct or full sunlight such as carrots, rutabaga and radish. These can still be grown in a greenhouse; you'll just need to make sure you give them the conditions they need to thrive.

Growing Veggies in a Greenhouse vs. Outdoors

Growing vegetables outdoors has a lot of differences from raising crops in a greenhouse. The main difference is that indoors, you control all the variables: light, water, temperature, humidity, & soil nutrients.

Aside from having a controlled environment, where the temperature settings can be adjusted accordingly, humidity and moisture are also well regulated.  It gives the plant a constant supply of moisture both from the environment and the roots which reduces water stress.

If there is no water stress, plants can simply focus on flowering or fruiting.

Raising crops in a greenhouse, the soil is also specifically chosen which makes it very healthy for the plant.  Having the right soil, diseases and pests are also reduced as compared to when they are grown outdoors. 

If there would be a downside to having one, it may just simply be the running costs that come with it, but unless you are ready to commit to a long term investment, then there should not be any worries. 

However, planting crops outdoors on the other hand has its own pros and cons too.  One disadvantage is that plants are forced to rely on soil moisture alone which then leads to water stress, and this usually happens in drought situations. 

And, since the sun is still the best source of light, outdoor crops can definitely grow bigger and healthier.  Another good thing about this is that it does not really have to cost you much, and if at all, may even cost you nothing except for time and effort.

Other Plants to Grow Indoors 

One cool thing about owning a greenhouse is that you can plant anything that you want. You're not just limited to planting vegetables and other food crops. 

You can grow other plants that may give you some extra income and are easy to plant, like mushrooms. Or plants with medicinal properties, like ginseng.

Apart from these, you could also grow flowers indoors--especially those that are required specific conditions.  For example, orchids or roses. 

Or, you could choose flowers for other reasons--flowers that are unusual or especially fragrant.

One example is the Amazon lily, which can grow to only up to 2 feet tall, and smells really nice. Another option is African violets, which come in a variety of colors, and give a colorful ambiance.

Ornamentals are quite popular to grow in a greenhouse too, and they can be classified based on their needs like:

• Humidity
• Sun
• Shade
• Other features

Some best ornamentals are: impatiens, ferns, poinsettias, geraniums, petunias and more. 

Next: Non-tree fruits are fun to grow, like melons, grapes, raspberries, and strawberries.

However: Keep in mind that grapes require some care, and that not all varieties do well in indoor environments.

Likewise for indoor fruit crops: strawberries are also highly popular because once they're planted, they can produce fruit for longer than if they're grown outdoors.  And after harvest, its space can be delegated for another crop. 

In addition, other more interesting plants that can be grown in a greenhouse are: cacti, some types of tropical plants, or even a Venus flytrap!

Making A Profit

Even though maintaining a greenhouse can be expensive, there's an upside: you might be able to turn a profit on it.

Now, depending on the kinds of plants you choose, some can be pretty profitable. Not everyone cares about turning a profit, but it's an option to consider.

Now, you probably won't be swimming in benjamins, but some growers like to turn their extra harvest into cash--your local farmer's markets and local high-end restaurants are great places to start.

For example, a greenhouse that has, say, about 700 crops can potentially generate around $15,000 to $20,000 a year, so then the more productive & high-price-point crops you have, the better your chances of generating a profit.

Some of the most highly profitable crops that are not easy to grow are: peppers, strawberries, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

Plus, don't forget non-veggies, like cut flowers--some varieties can be quick to grow, and have high demand for farmer's markets or wedding bouquets.

Related Questions

What vegetables can you grow year round in a greenhouse? 

Crops also have their own specific time to grow so it is best to check the season to know which ones are good, but the most common ones that are grown year round are: tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, lettuce, squash, eggplant, broccoli cabbage, spinach, peppers, turnips, kale, snow peas and melons.

What can I grow in an unheated greenhouse over winter?

For an unheated greenhouse in winter, the best plants are cool-tolerant: garlic & onions, lettuce, spinach, microgreens & other greens, peas, and asparagus. However, it'll depend whether you want perennials like asparagus, or plants you can harvest quickly like greens.

Greenhouse Planting Guide

In order to identify your planting schedule, find out the nature of the vegetables that you would be growing.  Whether they are for cool or warm weather.  Some seeds take only a short time to germinate like for only 2 weeks, but others take as long as 12 weeks.

What can I grow in a small greenhouse? 

Even with a tiny space, but with just the proper positioning or shelving, a grower can still raise a variety of crops that includes: lettuce, herbs, greens, tomatoes, French beans, peppers and chilies, strawberries, melons, cucumber and squash.

SOURCES:

https://www.greenhousetoday.com/best-vegetables-to-grow-in-a-greenhouse/