Spring cleaning’s the key to the heaviest crops
It’s a horrible job but one worth doing – a real ‘outdoor housework’ chore – here are some greenhouse cleaning tips to prepare your structure for the season ahead.
With the weather starting to get warmer, failing to do this job will lead to an explosion of pests and diseases, making your gardening hard work a complete waste of time. Here’s more on greenhouse growing and using bubble wrap as insulation.
Here are some helpful greenhouse cleaning tips from Nicola Simpson, head of marketing at Forest Garden. She said: “Spring is the time to reorganise your greenhouse. One of the key benefits of a greenhouse is that it allows you to grow plants and crops that need more shelter and higher temperatures than are found in the open garden.”
Greenhouse cleaning tips – de-cluttering’s the key
- De-clutter and thoroughly clean the greenhouse. This will create the best possible growing conditions for your plants and crops. Make sure the glass is clean inside and out to maximise light.
- Ventilation is key – poor airflow can result in plants suffering from diseases, so ensure adequate greenhouse openings allow good air circulation.
- Maintain pathways and staging, if necessary wash over with a non-toxic disinfectant, such as Citrox;
- Extend the growing season with heating. If there is a power supply, a purpose-designed greenhouse heater is a good option.
- Maximise the space you have to work with, particularly if you have a small greenhouse by installing adequate staging and shelving.
- If you haven’t already, install a water butt to collect rain from the greenhouse. It not only helps the environment but plants benefit much more from rainwater than tap water;
- Plan things out. Before you start growing, it’s a good idea to make a plan for what you’re going to grow and where.
Forest Garden makes timber sheds, summerhouses, garden structures and fencing panels in the UK. Its range of wooden greenhouses features innovative designs to maximise space and light. All timber is FSC certified. For more details, visit www.forestgarden.co.uk.
