By As the days grow longer and brighter, May is an ideal month to step up your greenhouse growing. With warmer nights and more consistent daylight, conditions are perfect for nurturing a wide variety of crops — especially vegetables that thrive in protected environments.
If you’re planning to get the best from your greenhouse this season, organisation is just as important as sunlight and water. From smart shelving to dedicated potting areas, a good internal layout helps you get more done in less time — and keep plants healthy throughout their growing stages.
Here’s a look at five vegetables that grow exceptionally well under glass this time of year, plus a few tips on making your growing environment as productive as possible.
Tomatoes
A reliable choice for greenhouse gardeners, tomatoes enjoy the warmth and shelter that polytunnels and glasshouses provide. By May, you can safely transplant young plants into their final pots or grow bags. Support them early with string or canes, and remove side shoots regularly to encourage upward growth.
Peppers and Chillies
These heat-loving crops are well suited to indoor conditions. Start them off in small pots and gradually increase the container size as roots fill out. Positioning them on a high shelf can make use of the warmest spots in your greenhouse and help boost productivity.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers enjoy warmth and humidity, making them another strong candidate for May sowing. Grow them vertically with mesh or netting to save horizontal space and increase airflow around the leaves. Regular watering and liquid feed once flowering begins will keep them producing over a long period.
Lettuces and Salad Leaves
Quick to grow and harvest, salad crops are perfect for greenhouse growing in spring. Sow cut-and-come-again varieties every couple of weeks to keep fresh leaves coming. These shallow-rooted plants are ideal for trays or containers placed under benches or in unused corners.
Courgettes
Start courgette seeds indoors this month to give them a strong head start. While they’ll eventually need larger pots or to be moved outdoors, starting them in a greenhouse ensures faster germination and better early growth.
Make Your Space Work Harder
No matter what you’re growing, space is always at a premium in a greenhouse. Vertical shelving, foldable benches, and multi-tier units can all help maximise your layout and prevent overcrowding. Good airflow is essential, and separating crops by light requirements can dramatically improve your results.
If you’re looking to upgrade your growing space, it’s worth exploring the options for the best greenhouse staging. A carefully designed setup can increase yield, reduce clutter, and make your greenhouse more enjoyable to work in day to day.
Final Thoughts
May is a pivotal month for gardeners — it sets the tone for the entire summer. With the right crops and a thoughtfully arranged space, your greenhouse can become a powerhouse of productivity and fresh produce.
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