Growing Veg in your Yardistry Greenhouse

We are fast approaching May in the UK, and are filled with the hope that any risk of frost will have passed. Now is the time to start getting excited about using your Yardistry Greenhouse. Many vegetable seeds can be directly sown outdoors in May. Earlier seedlings started indoors can now be planted out in the greenhouse. Some require a period of hardening off to adapt to the outside conditions. Sowing indoors from the start does protect young plants from pests like slugs and snails. Then, planting them outside when they’re large enough will give them a head start on predators.

Pot-grown fruit trees, including fig, citrus and gooseberry can be planted all year round. If you are planning strawberries and cream for the tennis this year, do not forget that May is your last opportunity to plant strawberries for a chance of a successful crop. 

There are many vegetable crops to get going in May, our favourites are listed below.

🫜Beetroot

Beetroot is a good, easy to grow vegetable crop option. The seeds germinate easily and require little maintenance once growing. Variations include golden, avalanche or baby beetroot. Sow seeds directly into shallow drills or pots. If you have already done this, then May is the time to plant out pre-sown beetroot outside. Do ensure that you plant them before the roots develop or they will grow into unusual shapes. Harvest your crop June to October.

🥦Sprouting broccoli

This is a robust vegetable crop. Sprouting broccoli produces nutrient-packed spears, which are perfect for steaming, boiling and grilling on the bbq. It’s easy to grow and, if you grow different varieties, you can harvest broccoli spears throughout winter and into the spring. Sow into seed trays or small pots. Then pot on until they’re ready to plant out. Harvest your broccoli November through to May.

🌽Sweetcorn

Hurry hurry! May is the last time to sow sweetcorn as it will therefore give the plants plenty of time to grow and ripen. Ideally sow in a multi-celled tray indoors to begin with. Then plant out when the seedlings are large enough to handle without damaging. Any sweetcorn plants sown earlier in April can be planted outside now. Give a period of hardening off though. Harvest between August and October.

🥒Cucumber

Cucumbers grow best in a greenhouse. The humid temperature suits their needs. However, some newer varieties have been bred to tolerate conditions outside. Sow into multi-celled seed trays or individual pots if preferred. You can therefore pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle without damaging. Harvest your cucumber crops July through to September.

🥕Carrots

Carrots are a fantastic, easy-to-grow vegetable to cultivate from seed. As well as the classic orange variety, there are yellow and purple types too. Roast with honey and thyme to accompany meat or fish. Sow into shallow drills of well-prepared soil that has no stones. You can start in pots if preferred. Harvest carrots May to October.

🥬Rocket

Peppery rocket is a quick-growing leafed crop that takes up little space. Perfect for pots, or longer trays on shelves or sills. Sow seeds on the surface of moist, peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Keep emerging seedlings away from pests such as slugs and snails. Make regular sowings every few weeks for a continuous crop throughout summer, and boost your salads and sandwiches. Harvest as needed from April to November.

🫛French and runner beans

A delicious side vegetable for meals, especially when steamed and buttered. French beans and runner beans can be sown outside now. The climbing beans will require support with a frame made of wooden canes. Any beans sown in pots or trays in April can be planted outside now. Let them harden off though. Enjoy a harvest from July to October.

Let us know what you like to grow in your Yardistry Greenhouse !