10 Surprising Crops You Can Grow in a Greenhouse — And Why Now is the Time to Start

Greenhouse gardening in the UK has traditionally focused on staples like tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs. But there’s a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and specialty plants that are not typically grown in greenhouses — yet thrive in one when given the right conditions.

At Bloomcabin UK, we’re helping British gardeners rethink what a home greenhouse can achieve. Whether you opt for our compact Bloomcabin Urban Greenhouse, the versatile Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse, or the spacious Bloomcabin XL Greenhouse, you're investing in a modern, durable aluminium greenhouse engineered for year-round growing across the UK climate.

In this guide, we explore 10 unexpected crops that perform exceptionally well in greenhouses — and show you how UK growers are embracing these options in the face of rising food costs, climate uncertainty, and a growing passion for sustainability.

Greenhouse Gardening Is Growing in the UK

With the UK experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather and food supply challenges, more home gardeners are turning to greenhouse gardening. Sales of domestic greenhouses in the UK have surged in recent years, particularly those made from aluminium and polycarbonate, which offer better durability and insulation than traditional glass or wooden frames.

Key trends among UK gardeners include:

• Interest in growing exotic and out-of-season crops
• A move toward self-sufficiency and organic growing
• Use of modular aluminium greenhouses for extended growing seasons
• Growth in urban and small-space gardening

1. Strawberries

Grow strawberries from late winter through autumn with a Bloomcabin Urban Greenhouse.

• Use everbearing varieties like ‘Albion’
• Plant in vertical pots or hanging baskets
• Maintain 15–24°C and ensure good air circulation

2. Asparagus

Establish a long-term asparagus bed inside the Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse.

• Plant crowns in raised beds with sandy soil
• Keep moisture consistent
• Allow 2+ years before full harvest

3. Blueberries

Control soil pH and moisture inside a Bloomcabin Urban Greenhouse.

• Use peat-based compost in pots
• Water with rainwater to maintain acidity
• Ensure at least 6 hours of light per day

4. Pineapples

Grow pineapples year-round with the heat-retention of a Bloomcabin XL Greenhouse.

• Plant tops in sandy, free-draining compost
• Keep temperatures above 21°C
• Place in full sunlight near greenhouse glazing

5. Figs

Grow dwarf fig trees in containers inside the Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse.

• Use varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’
• Prune and restrict roots for better fruiting
• Avoid waterlogging; keep soil evenly moist

6. Artichokes

Take advantage of tall greenhouse structures like the Bloomcabin XL Greenhouse.

• Start seeds in early spring
• Transplant to greenhouse beds once established
• Harvest immature buds before flowering

7. Lemons and Limes

Grow citrus even in northern parts of the UK with a Bloomcabin aluminium greenhouse.

• Use dwarf trees in pots
• Keep above 10°C and provide winter light
• Fertilise monthly during active growth

8. Sweet Potatoes

Extend the growing season using a Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse.

• Plant slips in sandy compost in raised beds
• Maintain consistent heat and light
• Harvest when leaves begin to yellow

9. Bananas

Use the heat and vertical space of the Bloomcabin XL Greenhouse for dwarf banana trees.

• Choose ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ or similar varieties
• Keep humidity above 60% and temperatures above 18°C
• Provide regular watering and filtered light

10. Okra

Grow heat-loving crops like okra in any UK region with a Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse.

• Direct sow in spring and keep soil warm
• Maintain 24–30°C temperatures
• Pick pods early for the best flavour and texture

Why Choose Bloomcabin Aluminium Greenhouses in the UK?

• Rust-proof aluminium frames made to withstand the UK’s wet climate
• UV-stable polycarbonate panels for insulation and safety
• All-season usability from Cornwall to the Highlands
• DIY-friendly assembly with modern design

Choose from:

• Bloomcabin Urban Greenhouse – compact and ideal for patios
• Bloomcabin Classic Greenhouse – a great all-rounder
• Bloomcabin XL Greenhouse – for serious growers and larger gardens

Grow Smarter, Grow More, Grow Bloomcabin

From lemons in Lancashire to bananas in Kent, your possibilities are endless with a Bloomcabin aluminium greenhouse. Extend your season, protect your plants, and explore the full range of exotic crops in your own back garden.

Visit Bloomcabin.com to explore our full range of greenhouses for sale in the UK and find the perfect model for your climate and growing ambitions.

Grow smarter. Grow exotic. Grow anytime — with Bloomcabin UK.