Gardeners are being told of the essential cleaning tasks that will get their greenhouse in pristine condition ahead of summer.
The experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are urging greenhouse owners to give their space a spring clean now to ensure a healthy growing environment for the months ahead.
With the weather slowly warming enough for plants to grow outside, many gardeners will find themselves with more space in their greenhouse as spring approaches.
And scheduling a major clean when a greenhouse is at its emptiest will help to ensure the space is in the best possible condition before winter comes back around.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “A lot of gardeners will soon start to see a lot of their work move outdoors.
“And as the weather starts to get too warm in the greenhouse you’ll be left with only sun-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
“This makes spring the perfect time to give your greenhouse a deep clean while it’s at its emptiest, to ensure that it’s in perfect condition later in the year once it begins to fill again.
“Start with a declutter and get things organised before giving the structure and your tools a deep clean, and it’s a good chance to check for any damage and to make sure your ventilation and shading is in good condition.
Give your greenhouse a spring clean with these tasks:
Declutter
To get your greenhouse cleaned up you will want to start with decluttering. You’ve likely allowed plenty of pots, tools, seed trays and other items to accumulate over time, so now is a good chance to clear these out. Make sure to dispose of any dead plants and weeds and check for any broken or expired supplies.
Organise
It’s a good idea to incorporate a bit of organisation into your greenhouse. Dividing the space into dedicated zones can help to save time and improve plant health. For maximum efficiency, some of the zones you could include are a workstation, propagation area, growing beds and pots, and storage area. Look to maximise your vertical space too, with shelving and hanging options such as hooks and pegboards being handy for tool storage.
Deep clean the structure
A clean greenhouse is essential for healthy plant growth, reducing pests, and maximising sunlight exposure. Give the structure a good clean once you’ve removed everything from inside it. Glass or plastic panels can be scrubbed with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution to remove algae, dirt, and grime. While the frames and walls can be wiped down with a mild disinfectant.
Pest and disease control
After the structure’s given a good clean be sure not to neglect any pots and trays as well. Disinfecting these before reusing them can help to prevent the spread of disease. Look for signs of any aphids, spider mites, slugs, and fungal infections. Using sticky traps can help to detect any flying pests, or you could try to incorporate natural pest solutions such as ladybirds, which can prove to be an ideal predatory insect in dealing with pests like aphids.
Improve ventilation and shading
Proper ventilation and shading are crucial for maintaining a healthy greenhouse environment so it’s important to improve these aspects when cleaning your greenhouse ahead of spring and summer. Make sure to clean and test any automatic vent openers to ensure they’re still working correctly, and depending on whether you use shade cloths or have whitewash on your glass panels, have these refreshed or replaced to prevent overheating.
Organise tools and supplies
It’s a good idea to organise your tools during a spring clean, and that includes having them cleaned and sharpened. Hand tools and blades can be washed in warm soapy water and a stiff brush or wire brush will help with any stubborn dirt and rust. If there are any damaged tools now is the time to get these repaired or replaced. Organising everything now will set you up with an efficient space for the months ahead.
