Interior greenhouse roof with automatic vent opener and translucent corrugated panels for light and airflow

Unusual things to grow in your Yardistry Direct Greenhouse

ByAndrew Beard

Greenhouses are so popular for staple crops like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and lettuces. But for those with a sense of adventure, there are also a variety of unusual crops that you may want to challenge yourself to grow. 

Yardistry Direct have put together a few ideas to get you started on diversifying your greenhouse planting and growing.

A mid-shot photograph inside a bright, wooden-framed greenhouse captures a woman tending to her plants. Subject and Action A blonde woman is positioned in the foreground, facing toward the centre of the frame in profile. She is wearing a plain grey t-shirt. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail or bun. She is actively reaching up with her right arm, holding a dark blue metal watering can that is suspended from a black metal chain attached to the greenhouse structure. She appears to be either lifting or placing the watering can on the hook. Greenhouse Interior and Structure The structure of the greenhouse is prominent, featuring light-coloured, natural wood framing. The roof and wall panels are made of translucent material, allowing ample sunlight to fill the space. Visible structural details include a metal vent opener mechanism attached to the ceiling and several metal hooks for hanging items. Plants and Decor The greenhouse is populated with various plants: Foreground: Lush green hanging plants cascade down near the woman, partially obscuring the view. More plants in small pots, including some with pink flowers similar to Kalanchoe, are visible on a lower level and in a woven basket. Background Shelf: A wooden shelf spans the back wall, holding several terracotta pots. These pots contain plants with pink, clustered flowers, possibly more Kalanchoe. Decorative Element: Between the potted plants on the shelf, there is a white, classical-style bust (head and upper chest sculpture) used as garden decor. The overall scene conveys a sense of calm, nurturing activity in a well-lit, organised gardening space.

Melons

Melons require a warm humid environment, with plenty of sunlight. After starting the seeds indoors, use large pots or grow bags in your greenhouse. Melons are extremely difficult, almost impossible, to grow outside in the UK.  The good news is thought that in a greenhouse they will thrive. They will need vertical support as they grow and a rich well draining soil type.

Cucamelons

Also known as little mouse watermelons, these are a fantastic and more unusual addition to your greenhouse. So cute and great for children to grow. Originally from South America, they grow well in greenhouse conditions and offer a twist on the traditional in salads. They taste like a combination of cucumber and lime. These small fruits are the size of a large grape or olive, but have an uncanny resemblance to watermelons. They are extremely easy to grow, given the right conditions. Again they will require vertical support with canes or sticks.

Tea

Yes you can grow tea! Start your seeds indoors and once sprouted you can move your tea plant into a sunny spot to further the growing process. They thrive in spots that are warm with direct sunlight all day, therefore a greenhouse environment offers an ideal place for tea plants to grow.

Alpines

These are hardy and versatile plants one they are established. Greenhouses are great place for young alpines to develop in. They can be moved later on.   Creating your own alpines to re-plant into existing beds is a great thing to do. Alpines like ventilation and our heat sensitive automatic roof vent is perfect for this.

Succulents

Yardistry Direct Cedar Greenhouses offer the best environment for succulents to continue growing throughout the winter. A sheltered area, with bright filtered light. Especially given how cold it gets in the UK during these months.  Be sure to use well draining soil in pots.

Prominent white text overlays the top panel, highlighting the product's function: Title: HEAT -SENSITIVE AUTOMATIC ROOF VENT Subtitle: Regulates temperature and humidity. Top Panel (Close-up of Mechanism) This close-up view focuses on the interior of the vent opening: Mechanism: A silver-colored, piston-style automatic vent opener is clearly visible, attached to the wooden frame and the vent lid. This mechanism typically uses a thermal cylinder that expands with heat, pushing the vent open without electricity. Structure: The surrounding frame is made of light-colored, smooth wood. The roof panel material is a translucent, corrugated or ribbed plastic (likely polycarbonate) designed to allow light in while providing insulation. View: The open vent allows a view of the bright blue sky outside. Bottom Panel (Exterior View of Open Vent) This lower image shows the exterior structure and the vent in an open position: Context: The shot is taken from the outside, looking up at the wooden greenhouse roof. Vent Position: The square roof vent is fully open, propped up by the silver automatic opener mechanism which is now fully extended. Roof Material: The roof panels, visible on the main slope and the vent lid, are the same translucent, ribbed material. The supporting beams are the same light wood. Background: The background shows clear blue sky and the green foliage of a tree, emphasizing the outdoor setting of the greenhouse. The graphic effectively demonstrates the function and construction of the self-regulating vent system for temperature control in the greenhouse.

Luffas (Loofah) 

How many of you buy these from the supermarket? The sponges you find in bathrooms can be easily grown in greenhouses. They are in fact vegetables (who knew?!). A fairly distant relative to squashes and cucumbers would you believe. Start the seeds indoors and then transfer to a Yardistry Direct Greenhouses. This will provide the ideal environment for them to grow as they need 150 to 200 warm days to ripen, in a warm and humid environment.

Carnivorous plants

These interesting plants can often thrive in a greenhouse. These plants are a favourite with children so it is a good way to make the Greenhouse a central hub of family life by getting children involved with gardening too. They like bright light and acidic moist soil. Why not try a venus fly trap!

There are so many options when growing in a greenhouse and Yardistry Greenhouses provide the perfect environment.

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