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May can be a bit of a dilemma in the greenhouse. It's a fabulous month for the gardener because everything is growing vigorously, but for the greenhouse gardener it is often the month that they realise they should have bought a bigger greenhouse. That's because by May every available space on the benches, staging, shelving and floor is covered in pots and trays and modules and even growing bags full of burgeoning plants. For the plants that will remain in the greenhouse for the whole season such as the indoor tomatoes, chillies, aubergines, cucumbers and more, their space is allocated and acceptable. But for the other tender plants that are simply waiting to go outside, it can seem an interminable wait for the greenhouse gardener.
Keep all plants well spaced so that air can circulate freely between them.
Ventilate. It's vital to keep good airflow within the glasshouse and to keep the temperature below 75F if possible. That means on sunny days you need to make sure the windows are open and that there is a good flow of air. Ideally you need floor level vents and roof vents so that cold air is drawn in low down and released through the roof when it has warmed up. If it is really hot leave the door open during the day but be sure to barricade it against cats and dogs and other creatures that may cause havoc inside.
If you can't regulate the greenhouse temperature, you need to think about shading the glasshouse. Fit greenhouse shades or blinds, ideally these should be on the outside of the greenhouse and should cover the south facing glass. You can use a special greenhouse shading paint that can be rubbed off after the summer or internal fabric shades that can be fitted to the greenhouse frame.
Daily watering is now essential. If you aren't able to do this then use self-watering trays, micro-irrigation connected to a timer and a tap or employ the help of a friend or neighbour. Water in early evening so that your plants get the full benefit of the water.
All the plants in containers, pots, modules and growing bags are totally dependent on the nutrients contained in the growing medium they are growing in. By now they will have used up most of this and will need supplementary feeding. Flowering and fruiting plants need a fertiliser rich in potash so look for a high K level on the NPK content that is listed on the pack. Plants that need good, green and strong foliage need a high Nitrogen content so look for a high N level on the NPK content that is listed on the pack.
Raise the humidity in the greenhouse by filling bowls of water around your space and damping down the floor in the morning.
Carry on sowing. Most plants sown now will be large enough and strong enough to plant outside after the last frost.
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