1. Tomatoes: They thrive in greenhouse conditions, providing warmth and protection from the elements.

2. Peppers: Both sweet and hot varieties do well, needing warmth and consistent moisture.

3. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and lettuce can be grown year-round in a greenhouse environment.

4. Herbs: Basil, cilantro, thyme, and parsley are all excellent choices for greenhouse cultivation.

5. Cucumbers: Choose varieties specifically bred for greenhouse growing to avoid issues with pollination.

6. Root Vegetables: Carrots and radishes can do well, especially in deep containers or raised beds.

7. Strawberries: They can be a rewarding greenhouse crop, offering an extended growing season.

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Tips for Success

• Start with Easy-to-Grow Varieties: Begin with plants known for their resilience and ease of care.
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check temperature, humidity, and plant health, adjusting your care routine as needed. Buy a greenhouse with self-opening temperature sensitive vents, it's a life saver to stop you from burning your leafy greens!
• Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies can be beneficial.

By following these steps and focusing on suitable crops, you can enjoy a productive greenhouse gardening experience. Remember, success in gardening comes with experimentation and learning from each growing season.

Steps To Getting Started with a 8x12 Hobby Greenhouse

1. Select the Right Location: Choose a spot that gets maximum sunlight throughout the year. Avoid areas shaded by buildings or trees. South-facing positions are usually ideal.

2. Assemble Your Greenhouse: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Ensure the structure is securely anchored to withstand wind and weather conditions. It might be helpful to enlist a friend or hire a professional if the assembly seems daunting.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Install vents or fans to manage temperature and humidity. Automatic vent openers can be a useful addition to regulate the greenhouse climate.

4. Consider Heating and Cooling Needs: Depending on your local climate, you may need a heater for the colder months and shading or a cooling system for the peak of summer.

5. Set Up Watering Systems: Whether manual or automated, ensure you have an efficient watering system in place. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses can be effective.

6. Plan Your Layout: Organize your space for optimal plant growth, considering the height and spread of mature plants. Use shelves and tables to maximize space.

7. Select the Right Soil and Containers: Use high-quality potting soil and suitable containers with proper drainage to promote healthy plant growth.

HEALTHY RECIPE TIP!

Simple Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad Recipe

There only 7 ingredients needed in this easy receipt! And this lettuce salad gets major flavor from one secret ingredient – toasted sesame oil!

Lettuce: Like mentioned above any lettuce would work, but red leaf lettuce is yummy! Salad spinner is a must if you want to enjoy local veggies.
Cucumbers: Any type of cucumbers like dill pickle, garden, long English, Persian cucumber is good. I would peel tough skin, if any. I use Persian cucumbers.
Tomatoes: Any type of full grown, grape or cherry tomatoes work for this lettuce and tomato salad. Try tomatoes on the vine, local beefsteak tomatoes or roma tomatoes!
Herbs: I specifically love dill in a simple lettuce salad. Italian parsley works too but not the same as dill. Try both ways and you will know what I mean.
Onion: It’s optional. As a kid, I hated it and that’s why I cut it in large slices, so kids can remove. Now I like to add a bit for a zing.
Oils: Quality extra virgin olive oil and the secret ingredient, toasted sesame oil. It needs to be toasted sesame oil to mimic unrefined sunflower seed oil traditionally used. You can buy it in any grocery store or online.

Ingredients
1 lb (2 medium) long English cucumbers (coarsely chopped)
1 lb (4 medium) tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
1 lb (large bunch) any lettuce (coarsely chopped)
1 small bunch dill (finely chopped)
1/4 cup white or red onion (thinly sliced)
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Prep lettuce: Wash preferred lettuce and use a salad spinner to dry. If you don’t have one, use paper towels or linen towels. Drying lettuce is super important for a crispy salad! Coarsely chop and add to large salad bowl, as you chop.

Slice cucumbers: Remove plastic wrap from English cucumbers and wash. No need to peel, unless using garden variety which can have tough and bitter skins. Slice into half moons or small rounds, depending on the size of tomatoes you use. It’s a good idea to have both same bite-sized pieces.

Chop tomatoes: Depending on the type of tomatoes you are using, either coarsely chop or cut in halves. Make sure to use sharp knife not to squish tomatoes and have a mushy salad.

Slice red onion: I like to cut my onion in half so one side lays flat, then cut into thin slices. I keep them larger, so family or guests can easily remove them, if needed.

Finely chop fresh dill: To remove flavorful and thin dill leaves from thick stalks, the trick is to hold onto them, then “shave” off the top part with a knife, and then chop finely. We don’t recommend to use dried dill weed. Only fresh herbs work well in salads. Also mint will do!

Add seasonings and combine: No extra step to make salad dressing separately is required. Add oils, white vinegar (if using), salt and pepper right on top of veggies in a bowl and use salad tongs to combine. Toss gently and only until ingredients are combined. Lettuce salad tastes best fresh without fragile lettuce leaves bruised and juicy veggies leaking.