Your greenhouse needs a caring touch, just like any growing plant. While some basic maintenance is required daily, the deep cleanings that come between growing seasons are just as important. Since greenhouses provide such an ideal place for plants to thrive, it makes sense that insects and pests would also adore these conditions. Insects and mites may hibernate in cracks and crevices, plant diseases can hide inside soil, and gnats and flies will thrive on any organic residue left behind. For a thorough clean, the following steps are some of our best practices:
- Get that house empty! Plants, debris, benches, tools, etc. Any plants should be transferred to a temporary spot while the cleaning is done. Keep in mind which of your plants are more or less durable, this movement can be traumatic for more delicate plants.
- Inspect the frame of your greenhouse. This will largely depend on your build of greenhouse, and what materials are holding it up. Metal frames may need their bolts tightened, or their welded seams inspected. Wooden frames will need to be inspected for rot, mold, or any signs of weather damage.
- Make sure all your greenhouse panes are clean and seal tightly when closed. Open spaces allow for air to escape, and for animals to find their way in. Cracked or damaged panels should be replaced.
- Start from the top and work your way down. This includes the roof and window panels. Dirt will stick onto anything it can find and may particularly build around wet spots or vents. Cleaning the transparent windows removes any debris that may be hindering the sun’s rays -- it’s best to clean both the inside and the outside.
- Clean up that floor. This is usually doable by simply using a sponge or a powerful hose. Debris and clutter should be removed before attacking the floor’s mess. Make sure to pull out any weeds that have made their way through gravel or grout lines.
- Disinfect your surfaces! This includes shelves, benches, containers, tables, or any other array of flat surfaces within your greenhouse. Excess dirt should be removed, and any raised beds should have their soil replaced. It’s essential to replace soil after a period of time. Not only does soil slowly lose its natural nutrients, but it can also play host to a series of unmentionables, including gnats, grubs, root aphids, and more. Removed soil can be reused once it’s allowed to compost and reset for at least a solid year.
- Put your equipment to the test. This can include heaters, fans, irrigation systems, timers, thermostats, whatever helps make your greenhouse tick. This is a good time to make sure that they’re all functioning as well as they can.
- As a final step, you can seal off all openings, vents, windows, and doors before letting the greenhouse rest for about a week. The rising heat should kill anything that may be making a home of your greenhouse that you don’t want, including pests and insects.
