Growing Peppers in Greenhouse

When you grow peppers, a warm-season vegetable that thrives in controlled environments. Also known as capsicums, they need steady heat, plenty of light, and protection from UK weather swings to produce sweet or spicy fruit. Most home gardeners in the UK struggle to grow peppers outdoors—too cool, too wet, too unpredictable. But inside a greenhouse, a covered structure that traps heat and extends the growing season. Also known as glasshouse, it’s the only place where peppers can reliably turn from seedlings to harvest. A greenhouse isn’t just a shelter—it’s a climate control system. You’re not just planting seeds. You’re managing temperature, humidity, airflow, and soil health every day.

Successful pepper growing in a UK greenhouse starts with choosing the right variety. Bell peppers like 'Carmen' or 'Red Knight' do well, but if you want heat, try 'Jalapeno M' or 'Thai Hot'. These aren’t tropical plants—they’re just picky about cold. Keep nighttime temps above 15°C. Drop below that, and growth stalls. Daytime? Aim for 21–27°C. Too hot? Open vents. Too cold? Add a small heater or thermal blanket. Don’t guess—use a cheap digital thermometer. Place it near the plants, not the wall. Soil matters too. Use a rich, well-draining mix. Peppers hate soggy roots. Water when the top inch feels dry, and never let them sit in water. Feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer once flowers appear. Pollination is another hidden hurdle. In nature, bees do the work. Inside a sealed greenhouse? You’ll need to shake the stems gently or use a small paintbrush to move pollen from flower to flower. It takes five minutes a day, but it doubles your yield.

Companion planting helps. Grow basil nearby—it repels aphids and improves flavor. Avoid planting peppers next to fennel or cabbage; they compete too hard. Keep the floor clean. Fallen leaves and dead flowers invite fungus. And yes, you can grow peppers from seed indoors in February, then transplant them into the greenhouse by late April. But don’t rush. Wait until the soil warms up. The best peppers come from patience, not pressure. Below, you’ll find real guides from UK gardeners who’ve cracked the code on pepper yields, pest control, and winter harvests. No fluff. Just what works.