Extending the Harvest: What to Plant in Your Greenhouse This Autumn 

Autumn in Ireland doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh food from your garden. In fact, with a greenhouse, you can keep growing well into the colder months. Many vegetables love the cooler temperatures of early autumn, and by planting smart, you can enjoy healthy, homegrown food right through winter. 

Here’s a simple guide on what to plant in your greenhouse this autumn and how to keep the harvest going. 

Some crops actually prefer cooler weather and will grow better in autumn than in summer. In your greenhouse, try planting:

• - Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, and rocket are quick to grow and perfect for salads. 

• - Root vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beetroot do well in cooler soil and are packed with flavour.

• - Fresh herbs: Parsley, coriander, and dill will grow happily in autumn, giving you fresh seasoning for your cooking. 

These crops don’t need blazing sunshine, just steady conditions, which your greenhouse provides. 

One of the best tricks for greenhouse gardening is succession planting. Instead of planting everything at once, sow a little every 2–3 weeks. 

For example:

• - Sow a small tray of lettuce now. 

• - Plant another tray two weeks later. 

• - Repeat again in early October. 

This way, you’ll always have fresh greens ready, instead of one big harvest that finishes too quickly. 

Ireland’s autumn can be mild, but nights do get chilly. A few simple steps can keep your greenhouse productive for longer.

• - Add fleece or bubble wrap inside to hold in warmth. 

• - Use cloches or covers inside the greenhouse for extra protection on cold nights. 

• - Harvest little and often, picking greens regularly encourages more growth. 

With just a little care, you can keep picking fresh salads and herbs even as winter sets in. 

Having a greenhouse in Ireland means you don’t need to stop gardening when summer ends. By planting cool-season crops, trying succession planting, and giving your plants a bit of protection, you can enjoy fresh, tasty food well into the winter months. 

So this autumn, don’t leave your greenhouse empty, plant smart, and extend your harvest!