If you live in Oregon, you're already familiar with the state’s unpredictable weather. From the wet, gray winters to the mild summers, starting a garden here can be challenging. That’s where you can consider the benefits of a greenhouse in Oregon!
With a greenhouse, you can take control of your growing environment, extending the growing season and shielding your plants from Oregon’s dreary rain and cold. Ready to dive into greenhouse gardening? Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you get started.
Step 1. Setting Up Your Greenhouse in Oregon
First things first—location is everything. In Oregon, we deal with a lot of overcast days, so choosing a sunny spot for your greenhouse is critical. If possible, place your greenhouse where it can soak up the southern or southeastern sun to get as much light as possible during those shorter winter days. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid low-lying areas where cold air might settle (think of the areas that tend to flood when it rains a bunch - likely not an ideal spot for a greenhouse”
For materials, polycarbonate panels are great for Oregon’s climate. They insulate well against the cold and are more durable than glass, especially in areas with high winds or heavy rains. If you're working with a smaller budget, consider a hoop house or tunnel greenhouse—they’re effective and affordable options for beginners. Want to learn more? Check out our blog post on the different kinds of greenhouses available to you.
2. Choosing the Right Plants
Our climate is perfect for growing a variety of plants in your greenhouse in Oregon, but starting simple is key. Think about planting cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and kale. These leafy greens love cooler conditions and will flourish even as temperatures outside dip. Not only are they easy to grow, but they also add some nutritious, fresh flavor to your meals throughout the Fall and Winter seasons.
Herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley are also beginner-friendly. Since they don’t take up much space, you can have them on hand to enhance your cooking. As you get more comfortable and warmer weather approaches, try expanding to more advanced crops like tomatoes and peppers, which thrive in the warmth and protection a greenhouse provides.
3. Maintaining Your Oregon Greenhouse
Once your plants are growing, maintaining a healthy greenhouse is the next step. Oregon’s damp winters mean you need to pay attention to humidity and ventilation. If they don’t come as part of the original greenhouse build, you can install vents or small fans to help circulate the air and reduce the risk of mold or mildew. On the warmer days, open your vents or doors to let fresh air flow through.
Watering is equally important. In a greenhouse, soil tends to dry out faster than in an outdoor garden, especially when all your plants are in pots. However, be careful not to overwater—damp conditions can lead to root rot. Drip irrigation systems can be a lifesaver, especially if you're new to managing water levels. Be sure to monitor your more mature plants, that may need more water due being root bound, versus your starters or saplings that you’ll want to avoid drowning.
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, which can sometimes make their way into greenhouses. Luckily, Oregon has plenty of natural predators like ladybugs that can help keep pests under control. If your area is lacking in ladybugs, you can even order them to deal with aphid infestation - just make sure they are properly cared for throughout the process.
Key Takeaways for Your First Greenhouse in Oregon
For Oregon gardeners, a greenhouse offers the perfect way to extend your growing season and protect plants from the state’s unpredictable weather. By selecting the right location, starting with easy-to-grow crops, and keeping up with basic maintenance, you’ll soon be enjoying a thriving greenhouse garden, even in the middle of a rainy Oregon winter. Happy gardening!