Person tending basil plants inside greenhouse with transparent panels, potted herbs, and terracotta pots.

Growing Veg in your Yardistry Greenhouse

ByAndrew Beard

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.

This bright, horizontal medium-close-up photograph captures a moment of serene focus within a sunny, wooden-framed greenhouse. The primary subject is a woman with long, smooth, sun-kissed blonde hair, shown in a side profile as she tends to her seedlings. She is dressed practically yet stylishly in a relaxed-fit black and white buffalo plaid flannel shirt and simple light-wash blue jeans. Her expression is one of calm concentration and satisfaction, evidenced by her soft smile as she directs her attention downward. The focus of her activity is the workbench, constructed of smooth, light-toned wood. Resting on the bench is a collection of newly grown herbs, specifically a dense cluster of small, intensely vibrant green basil plants contained in small plastic pots held within a larger carrying tray. Her hands are positioned carefully near the tiny leaves, suggesting she is either watering, inspecting, or preparing them for transplant. Adjacent to the basil are several other plants contributing rich color to the composition, including a burst of yellow flowers and deep purple blooms, possibly lavender plants, which are housed in rectangular planters. The construction of the greenhouse itself creates a warm, luminous environment. The framework consists of thick wooden beams and posts, while the walls are made of translucent panels that uniformly diffuse the exterior sunlight, creating perfect, glare-free growing conditions. High along the back wall, a wooden shelf displays an orderly row of traditional, empty terracotta pots, ready for the next potting season. The combination of the rich wood tones, the bright green of the basil, and the warm, filtered light establishes an atmosphere of natural productivity and dedicated home gardening. The entire scene beautifully conveys the personal satisfaction found in nurturing plants.

🫜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.

This highly detailed, close-up photograph offers an intimate view into the interior of a meticulously maintained, wooden-framed greenhouse. The entire structure is bathed in bright, soft light, which is effectively diffused by the vertically corrugated, translucent polycarbonate panels used for the walls and possibly the roof, creating a uniform, ideal environment for cultivation. The robust framework is constructed from light-colored, naturally finished or lightly stained wood, featuring sturdy vertical posts connected by cross-members. The connection points are secured with visible metallic hardware, adding a subtle industrial touch to the natural wood aesthetic. The mid-section of the image is dominated by a neatly installed wooden shelf, strategically placed to maximize vertical storage and workspace. This shelf is a defining structural element, supported by elegantly designed, curved wooden corbels that attach seamlessly to the vertical posts below. The shelf holds essential, everyday gardening tools. Prominently featured on the left is a large, high-capacity watering can, molded from slate-grey plastic, its practical design ready for use. Balanced against the grey utility of the can are two classic, empty terracotta clay pots on the right, their warm, burnt-orange color offering a beautiful traditional contrast against the light wood. Filling the left foreground is a flourishing young plant, likely a vigorously growing tomato seedling. Its bright, lively green foliage and delicate stems reach out towards the light, showcasing the successful growth facilitated by the greenhouse environment. The leaves occupy the front plane, providing a natural, organic counterpoint to the straight lines and manufactured materials of the structure. The composition emphasises the blend of natural growth and organised human effort, presenting a clean, focused, and tranquil workspace dedicated to nurturing healthy plants.

🥕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.

This vibrant, medium-close-up photograph documents a cheerful moment of maintenance inside a backyard greenhouse. The woman, who has long, straight, sun-kissed blonde hair, is featured in a three-quarter profile, bending slightly forward with a broad, authentic smile that conveys her enjoyment of the task. She is wearing a relaxed black and white buffalo plaid shirt and snug blue denim jeans, perfectly suited for comfortable work. Her hands are engaged in the act of watering, utilizing a visually striking, large lime-green plastic watering can to carefully deliver water to the base of the plants. The plants themselves are housed in modern, deep grey or black raised rectangular planters, strategically placed along the inner wall of the structure. They are thriving, robust specimens, including tall vines identifiable as tomato plants, already laden with small clusters of ripening fruit in shades of red and orange. The foliage is dense and healthy, with large, bright green leaves, and the vines are supported by silvery, coiled metal stakes to encourage vertical growth. This vertical gardening setup optimizes the space within the wooden-framed structure, which features translucent polycarbonate walls that bathe the interior in soft, ideal growing light. The background details confirm the organized nature of the garden space. A wooden shelf, supported by simple wooden corbels, runs across the back, neatly holding a display of warm-toned terracotta clay pots. Below the main shelf, rectangular troughs are filled with mature purple flowering herbs, likely lavender, adding a fragrant, textural element to the scene. The image successfully captures the perfect synergy between the efficient, organised greenhouse architecture and the lush, productive growth within, highlighting the personal satisfaction and bounty of homegrown produce.

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

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