What to Grow in a Greenhouse in February: A Comprehensive Guide

February might seem like a quiet month for gardening, but for greenhouse enthusiasts, it’s a prime time to start sowing seeds and preparing for the growing season ahead.  This post discusses what to grow in a greenhouse in February. With the controlled environment of a greenhouse, you can cultivate a range of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even cacti during this late winter month. This guide will walk you through the best choices for your greenhouse, along with a delicious recipe featuring one of these homegrown delights.

Vegetables to Grow in February

1. Leafy Greens
   • Lettuce: Varieties such as butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf grow quickly and thrive in cooler temperatures.
   • Spinach: A nutrient-rich crop that’s perfect for fresh salads and sautéing.
   • Kale: Hardy and versatile, kale is a winter staple that performs well in greenhouses.
2. Root Vegetables
   • Radishes: These quick-growing veggies are ready to harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks.
   • Carrots: Choose early varieties like Nantes or Amsterdam Forcing for February sowing.
   • Beets: Ideal for salads and roasting, beets also thrive in cooler greenhouse conditions.
3. Alliums
   • Onions and Shallots: Sow sets or seeds in February to ensure a steady supply for summer.
   • Garlic: While typically planted in autumn, garlic can also be started in February for a late harvest.
4. Peas
   • Early varieties like ‘Kelvedon Wonder’ can be sown in greenhouse trays and transplanted later.

Fruits to Grow in February

1. Strawberries
   • Planting strawberries in hanging baskets or pots inside the greenhouse will give you a head start on an early summer harvest. Varieties like ‘Cambridge Favourite’ or ‘Elsanta’ work well.
2. Citrus Fruits
   • Dwarf lemon, lime, and orange trees thrive in greenhouses. Keep them well-watered and ensure good ventilation to prevent pests.
3. Figs
   • These can be grown in pots and kept in a greenhouse for a reliable crop of sweet fruit.

Flowers to Cultivate in February

1. Sweet Peas
   • Known for their vibrant colours and delightful fragrance, sweet peas can be started in pots in February for summer blooms.
2. Geraniums
   • These hardy flowers are ideal for greenhouse cultivation and provide colourful displays.
3. Begonias
   • Start tubers in the greenhouse to enjoy stunning summer blooms.
4. Marigolds
   • Easy to grow and excellent for companion planting, marigolds can be started indoors this month.

Cacti and Succulents

1. Echinopsis
   • Known for their large, striking flowers, these cacti thrive in warm greenhouse environments.
2. Aloe Vera
   • Not only decorative but also useful for its medical properties.
3. Haworthia
   • These small, easy-to-maintain succulents are perfect for beginners.
4. Opuntia (Prickly Pear)
   • A hardy cactus that can even produce edible fruit if well-tended.

Tips for Greenhouse Gardening in February

1. Temperature Control
   • Use a greenhouse heater or thermal fleece to maintain a consistent temperature, ideally between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F).

     

2. Ventilation
   • Open vents on sunny days to prevent overheating and condensation.
3. Lighting
   • Supplement natural light with grow lights if your greenhouse receives limited sunlight.
4. Watering
   • Water sparingly during the colder months to avoid over-saturation and root rot.

A Delicious February Recipe: Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta

Using fresh spinach grown in your greenhouse, this simple yet flavourful dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) fresh spinach leaves
• 250g (8.8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 50g (1.7 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Spinach:
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the spinach and sauté until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
   • Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot.

So, to answer the question: What to Grow in a Greenhouse in February?, our comprehensive guide shows that greenhouse gardening in February offers a wonderful opportunity to jump-start your growing season while enjoying the beauty of flowers and the satisfaction of fresh, homegrown produce. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a productive and rewarding gardening experience. Don’t forget to share your greenhouse triumphs and favourite recipes with fellow gardening enthusiasts!