Greenhouse Maintenance and Preparation For The Growing Season

Whatever type of greenhouse you have, to get maximum benefit from it for the longest time, it needs to be maintained. Here are some things that can be done annually, or at specific times to keep it in tip-top shape going into the growing season.

Maintenance Before and During Winter

During the colder months when the “garden is sleeping” there are some simple things that can be done in the greenhouse to make life easier come Spring. This includes:

Daily Ventilation

Manually open the windows every day to ensure a change of air to prevent moisture build-up leading to mould which is not good for you, your plants, or the greenhouse structure and foundations.

Clean Windows Before Winter Begins

It is a good idea to give the windows of your greenhouse a quick clean inside and out to maximise the diminishing day light in Autumn and Winter. Dry well.

Clean Tools and Containers Before Winter Begins

It is good practice to clean gardening tools after every use. If you do this, your Saint badge is in the post.

Failing that, give your tools a clean with a bristled brush and a wipe with rubbing alcohol or soapy water and dry well at the end of the season. This will help to extend the life of your tools and means you’ll start the grow season with tools ready to go: one less thing to think about.

I clean my plant pots with soapy water, a brush to remove any dirt and finish with a pressure rinse with the hose. I leave them on the lawn to air dry before stacking them for storage. This is important to rid your tools from pests or prevent any disease or bacteria being carried over from one season to the next.

Related: Why I Greenhouse Garden

Cleaning the Greenhouse

I recently cleaned my greenhouse, inside and out, which took about 6 hours in all. This Winter we had a lot going on so daily ventilation and general vigilance of my over-wintering plants slipped down the list of priorities.

BUT the greenhouse clean is now done and is ready to receive new seedlings and plants.

Cleaning Materials

I had to remove areas of mould on the inside of the greenhouse wooden frame. For this and all the wooden surfaces, I used white vinegar and a solution of soapy water. For cleaning spaces where you grow food, it’s best practice to avoid strong household detergents.

For the windows I used white vinegar and a window vac to dry.

Here is a quick vlog I made of the process.

Related: If you are thinking about installing a greenhouse, read this before you make the investment.