Gardeners with a greenhouse urged to do one thing in May

As Britain finally enters into a prolonged sunny spell, have been advised to make one quick adjustment to their . Otherwise, they risk their wilting away relatively quickly.

If you’re a enthusiast, the chances are you own a greenhouse. Especially in the wet, windy and unpredictable UK climate, greenhouses can help keep your veritable variety plants in ideal growing conditions. Heat-loving crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries are popular greenhouse choices – as are Amazon lilies, petunias and fragrant primroses.

Greenhouses work by trapping sunlight through their transparent walls which allows heat to build up inside. This in turn creates a warm microclimate that allows tropical plants to thrive.

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They also have the additional benefit of protecting your plants from pests and insects, who can spread all kinds of disease. This means you don’t have to worry about using pesticides.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that greenhouses require a certain amount of maintenance throughout the year. This helps keep your plants healthy and thriving.

In particular, the shift from winter to summer can require additional maintenance. As the temperatures rise and the days become significantly brighter, you may discover that your greenhouse is getting a little too hot.

If you notice the temperature rising too high as we come into May, you may need to start ventilating and shading your greenhouse. While you can do one or the other, experts recommend that both are likely needed.

The Royal Horticultural Society emphasise that shading is usually needed once you enter mid spring. They write: “Opening vents and doors helps to release some of the heat but it is often insufficient and therefore shading is usually required from mid-spring until early autumn.”

Although, they advise that not all plants require this treatment. The RHS adds: “There is often no need to shade sun-loving plants such as succulents although the greenhouse is more pleasant to be in when shade is provided.”

To cool your greenhouse, you should open the doors and vents. This allows fresh air to circulate your plants, relieving some of the stuffiness.

The recommend that you should give one square meter of ridge ventilation for each five square metres of floor area. However, the smaller your greenhouse the more space you should ventilate.

When it comes to shading, there are multiple methods you can use. You can opt for external blinds, which block light from entering from the outside, or internal.

While internal blinds are not quite as effective as external for blocking heat, they can be cheaper and easier to operate. Alternatively, you can also use shade netting or shade paint.