Summer offers greenhouse growers ideal conditions for strong growth. Plants can thrive quickly in the proper setup with longer days, warm temperatures, and steady light. While greenhouses are often used to extend cool-season crops into winter, they also shine in the summer, creating a stable environment for high-yield harvests.
Whether using a greenhouse in your backyard, on a homestead, or for small-scale farming, choosing the right summer crops and understanding how to manage them effectively can help you grow more confidently.
In this guide, you'll find 10 of the best summer crops for greenhouse cultivation and practical tips to help you get the most out of each one.
How to Manage Summer Conditions Inside a Greenhouse?
Here’s how to manage heat and humidity to keep your greenhouse crops thriving during summer.
1. Control Excess Heat
Greenhouses naturally trap warmth, but in summer, temperatures can climb too high for most crops.
What to do:
- Open doors and vents early in the day
- Use automatic venting systems
- Install shade cloths over beds or panels
- Water early morning to cool roots
Planta’s UV-protected polycarbonate panels help reduce direct heat while delivering full-spectrum light.
2. Balance Humidity
High humidity is great for growth, but too much can cause mildew, rot, and fungal diseases.
Best practices:
- Keep plants spaced for airflow
- Ventilate during and after watering
- Use circulation fans if needed
- Maintain 50–70% humidity, depending on crop type
Cucumbers and zucchini especially benefit from this kind of airflow management.
Top 10 Crops to Grow in Your Greenhouse This Summer
To help you make the most of the season, here are 10 summer crops that thrive in greenhouse conditions and specific growing tips for each one.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes thrive in warm, sunny conditions and benefit from protection against pests and inconsistent weather. They’re perfect for trellising and perform exceptionally well with steady airflow and support.
Greenhouse Tips for Tomatoes
- Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Humidity: 60–70%; ensure good airflow
- Soil: Well-drained, compost-rich, pH 6.2–6.8
- Tips: Prune side shoots; train vines on strings or trellises
- Varieties: Sungold, Brandywine, Roma, Celebrity
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow fast and climb easily, making them ideal for vertical growing. They love moisture but require space and airflow to prevent fungal issues.
Greenhouse Tips for Cucumbers
- Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Humidity: 60–70% with ventilation
- Soil: Fertile, moist, pH 6.0–6.8
- Tips: Train up trellises; avoid wetting leaves
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Varieties: Marketmore 76, Diva, Tyri
3. Peppers
Compact and colorful, peppers thrive in greenhouse heat and grow well in containers or beds. Their yields improve significantly with just a bit of pollination support.
Greenhouse Tips for Peppers
- Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C), tolerates up to 90°F
- Humidity: Moderate; avoid excess moisture
- Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0
- Tips: Mulch the soil and shake the plants to encourage fruit set
- Varieties: California Wonder, Jalapeño, Lunchbox Mini
4. Basil
Basil is quick to grow and rewarding to harvest. It thrives in warmth and, when appropriately trimmed, offers continual leaves.
Greenhouse Tips for Basil
- Temperature: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
- Humidity: 40–60%
- Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0
- Tips: Pinch flowers early; harvest often
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Varieties: Genovese, Thai, Lemon, Dark Opal
5. Zucchini
Zucchini loves warm soil and consistent moisture. It produces rapidly in well-ventilated greenhouse beds.
Greenhouse Tips for Zucchini
- Temperature: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
- Humidity: Moderate with airflow
- Soil: Rich, pH 6.0–7.0
- Tips: Space plants well; harvest young for best yield
- Varieties: Black Beauty, Eight Ball, Raven
6. Eggplant
Eggplants appreciate consistent heat and spacing. Their glossy fruits develop well with hand pollination.
Greenhouse Tips for Eggplant
- Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Humidity: 50–70%
- Soil: Fertile, pH 6.0–6.8
- Tips: Stake plants; brush flowers for pollination
- Varieties: Black Beauty, Ping Tung Long, Rosa Bianca
7. Green Beans
Beans are simple, fast, and space-efficient when grown vertically. Pole varieties thrive in summer heat.
Greenhouse Tips for Green Beans
- Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Humidity: Moderate with airflow
- Soil: Loamy, pH 6.0–7.0
- Tips: Sow every 2–3 weeks; provide a trellis for climbing
- Varieties: Blue Lake, Provider, Kentucky Wonder
8. Strawberries
Strawberries perform beautifully in hanging baskets or containers with good drainage and airflow.
Greenhouse Tips for Strawberries
- Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Humidity: 60–70%; ventilate to avoid rot
- Soil: Slightly acidic, pH 5.5–6.5
- Tips: Water evenly; protect from pests if vents are open
- Varieties: Seascape, Albion, Tristar
9. Okra
Okra thrives in extreme heat and is very low-maintenance. Perfect for hot-climate greenhouses.
Greenhouse Tips for Okra
- Temperature: 80–95°F (27–35°C)
- Humidity: Tolerates dry and humid air
- Soil: Sandy, pH 6.0–6.8
- Tips: Harvest pods at 2–4 inches; space for airflow
- Varieties: Clemson Spineless, Red Burgundy
10. Hardy Herbs (Mint, Oregano, Thyme)
These Mediterranean herbs thrive with minimal care and grow well in containers. They are perfect for the edges of greenhouse beds.
Greenhouse Tips for Mediterranean Herbs
- Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
- Humidity: Moderate to dry
- Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.0–7.0
- Tips: Harvest regularly; grow mint in containers to control the spread
- Varieties: Spearmint, Greek oregano, English thyme
Conclusion
Summer is a powerful season for greenhouse growers—full of potential for fresh harvests, fast growth, and flavorful produce. With the right crops and a thoughtful approach to ventilation, watering, and layout, your greenhouse can become a reliable source of food and fulfillment all season long.
Ready to implement these tips? Whether you are planting tomatoes, peppers, or herbs, the right greenhouse can transform your results. Explore our greenhouse kits for lasting performance and maximum productivity all summer.