If you are lucky enough to have one, it is important that you take the time to learn how to clean a greenhouse because although it may not be one of the most popular and glamorous winter garden ideas , it is one of the indispensable tasks that you have to do you will put it to the test. They are well positioned for the upcoming growing season.
One of the most important things you need to know before purchasing a greenhouse is: The most important thing you can do to keep your greenhouse tidy is to look at it closely, even more important than any other DIY greenhouse ideas you have have considered it. . - Clean once a year.
With that in mind, it's time to learn how to clean a greenhouse so it looks its best (and becomes the envy of all your neighbors, too).
How to clean a greenhouse
Well, in an ideal world, the best time to clean a greenhouse is whenever it is suitable for your plants. For example, if you want to grow your own fruits and vegetables , winter is a good time to try again as your harvest should be finished.
If your greenhouse is a central hub for growing seedlings, you should clean between crops (fall or spring). And if you're using your greenhouse for overwintering , it's best to wait until it's warm enough for your plants to survive outside before starting work (again, fall is ideal).
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes)
However, if you followed Monty Don's greenhouse advice carefully and avoided heating your greenhouse this winter, you're in luck: a sunny windowsill or sheltered spot with some extra wool protection should be enough for plants to grow. thrive. while you get dirty.
What will you need?
Before you learn how to clean a greenhouse, it is important to gather all the tools and products you will need to make your greenhouse beautiful.
With that in mind, then...
step by step
Now that you have all the tools you need on hand, it's time to get to work: just make sure to remove all plants from your greenhouse before you start and place them somewhere sheltered to grow Location. in trouble. at work.
"Before you get there, remove all houseplants, pots and tools to allow clear access to the building and protect it from water damage. Once it's empty, it's time to clean! » says Nelly Hall, brand director at Alitex, manufacturer of high-quality custom greenhouses.
Let's get this show off the ground...
1. Brush or vacuum the area
It is important to brush or vacuum the floors and hard surfaces in your greenhouse to ensure excess soil and debris are kept out.
"Sweep the floor and remove any debris such as compost, leaves or organic matter from the shelves. Then throw them in the compost bin," says Nelly.
(Image credit: Future PLC)
"Remove any dust and pay particular attention to removing dead matter as this can rot and spread disease around your plants," agrees Christopher O'Donoghue of Gardens Revived.
Christopher, a gardener with over a decade of experience, co-founded Gardens Revived with his brother Andrew in 2018 to create a thriving family business. Together they have worked on residential gardens, listed buildings and gardens, flower shows and large estates, some exceeding 70 hectares in size and many of which are of historical significance.
Don't neglect the corners and edges of the frame, as cobwebs and dirt accumulate there. And Christopher says he also uses a "plastic plant trailer" to remove dirt trapped between the panels.
2. Remove weeds
You don't have to learn to whack weeds like a pro , but Christopher says that during the cleaning phase you'll also want to "remove any weeds or unwanted plants growing in the greenhouse."
3. Wash surfaces
Next on the agenda is of course cleaning the inside and outside of the greenhouse.
"To wash your greenhouse, use warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris that has built up over time," advises Lucy Rhead, garden enthusiast and marketing manager at Gtech .
Lucy has worked at Gtech for over five years and during this time she developed a passion for cleaning and gardening. Lucy loves learning about product innovations and how they can help make everyone's lives a little easier.
"Be sure to use a plant-friendly soap to prevent large amounts of salt and chemicals from building up in the soil around your greenhouse, as this could harm neighboring plants and stunt their growth," Lucy continues.
Aside from that warning, she goes on to share her best cleaning tips and tricks , noting that you should "use a sponge or soft cloth with the cleaning solution to clean the windows" and pay special attention to algae. ( We will come back to this later.)
Nelly adds that it's best to do this job on a sunny day as it will dry everything much quicker, and that "an extendable handle or garden ladder can be useful for reaching windows, ceilings and ceilings." with absolute certainty.
4. Disinfect
When learning how to clean a greenhouse, you would do well to follow the lead of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and use a hydrogen peroxide product to disinfect the area.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
"Garden disinfectants, such as Jeyes Outdoor Fluid Cleaner from Amazon , are satisfactory," it says.
It's also a good idea, says Christopher, to "wash and sterilize pots, trays and tools used in the greenhouse."
7. Don't forget the gutters
When we think about how to clean a greenhouse, Nelly reminds us that it's important to "don't forget to clean the gutters and water tank too."
"Fallen debris such as leaves can easily cause blockages and prevent water from flowing freely," he says.
"Simply remove any materials blocking the canal and rinse with clean water."
6. Check for damage
Finally, check your greenhouse for any damaged or broken parts and replace and repair them if necessary.
"You should also check and clean your greenhouse's ventilation systems and fans," says Christopher.
Then all you have to do is bring your plants back and arrange them carefully and strategically to ensure optimal growth. "Use this to get organized before the growing season," explains Nelly.
"Check your tools, wash pots and seed trays, and take inventory of leftover seeds. Here's how to plan what you want to do this year.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it important to clean a greenhouse?
"It is very important to clean the greenhouse thoroughly once a year. This not only makes the time spent caring for the plants more enjoyable, but also helps maintain a healthy growing environment and reduces the risk of pests and diseases," explains Nelly. .
A clean greenhouse also "allows more light in," notes Christopher, "which is essential for healthy plant growth."
How are green algae removed in the greenhouse?
"If green algae forms in your greenhouse, you can clean it with warm, soapy water or a diluted vinegar solution," says Lucy.
"Just use whatever solution you have and a bristle brush to remove it. To prevent green algae from forming, try to improve ventilation, reduce humidity, and ensure there is enough space between plants.
Lucy adds that "cleaning your greenhouse regularly will also help prevent future algae formation."
Can you clean a greenhouse with vinegar?
"Vinegar is a great natural alternative to more harsh cleaning products and can be used as a disinfectant to prevent pests and the spread of plant diseases in your greenhouse," says Lucy.
"Simply mix one part white vinegar with one part water to make a solution."
He adds, "Although vinegar is less strong than many store-bought cleaners, it is important to be careful when using the solution in the greenhouse."
"Be careful not to let it come into direct contact with your plants as the acidity of the vinegar could damage them."
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp/Future PLC)
Can I use bleach to clean my greenhouse?
Bleach can be used to effectively clean your greenhouse, but should be used carefully.
"Always dilute it significantly, using one part bleach to nine parts water," says Lucy.
"The solution can then be used to disinfect pots, trays, tools and any greenhouse surfaces that have come into contact with plant pathogens."
If you use bleach, Lucy says it's important to "make sure your greenhouse is well ventilated and that you never mix it with other chemicals or cleaning products."
"After cleaning, rinse all surfaces to ensure there are no bleach residues left behind, as this could damage your plants if they come into contact with it," he concludes.
Now that you know how to clean a greenhouse, you can start making the shiny ball that will decorate your garden.
Just be sure to save old plant debris for your compost pile; After all, gardeners don't call it "brown gold" for nothing!
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