Tasks In Autumn: How To Prepare Your Greenhouse

Now that summer is over and autumn has arrived, it’s time to prepare your greenhouse to withstand the colder winter months.

By doing so, you’ll protect your crops, extend your growing season and help your greenhouse stay in tip-top condition.

Here are a few easy but essential tasks you should focus on this autumn.

 

1. Declutter your greenhouse

Start by moving out any plants that have finished their harvest to reduce the chance of diseases then get rid of pots, trays, supports and other items.

Then focus on clearing away what you no longer need, whether that’s broken gardening equipment, tools or even packaging that has been lurking in the corner since you bought it.

Gardening experts at Mowers Online suggest "emptying and reorganising greenhouses to make any repairs to frames and roofs, ready for the rain and frosty weather."

 

2. Give it a good clean

Your next most important task is cleaning your greenhouse.

Grab some hot water, eco-friendly disinfectant and a sponge then wash those pots, trays, supports and other items you’ve removed. Rinse them well to remove any residue then leave them to dry and store them for next year.

Next turn your attention to the greenhouse itself. Wipe the crevices in the frame, clean the windows inside and out and sweep the floors to create a clean, bright space where plants can thrive.

 

3. Repair, repair, repair!

Even the tiniest of holes in your greenhouse can let the cold winter air seep in and damage or even ruin your crop, so make sure you solve any potential issues before autumn changes to winter.

Carefully check for any cracks, holes or gaps in your greenhouse then repair them with patches or caulking. If anything is damaged beyond repair such as cracked greenhouse glass, consider replacing it completely.

Then ensure that your windows and doors close properly and oil any hinges to ensure everything is in perfect working order.

 

4. Sort your greenhouse insulation

Greenhouse insulation will also help to keep out the cold air, seal off gaps and help your plants or flowers thrive during the winter months.

There are many affordable and convenient ways you can do this, including repurposing bubble wrap and using it on the windows or laid over plants, keeping your used plastic bottles and using them as mini-cloches or using polystyrene boxes to insulate plant pots or trays of seedlings.

We sell our own branded Elloplugs which can help you attract your bubble wrap or insulation to the interior of your greenhouse. Find out more here.

 

5. Think about healthy airflow

Your greenhouse plants need adequate ventilation so they don’t become weak or vulnerable to disease. However, this can become tricky to manage during the winter months when you want to maintain a healthy growing temperature.

One of the most effective ways to do this is simply opening the windows during the day when the sun is out and the temperatures are rising then closing them when the temperature drops again.

You could also consider investing in a fan or ventilation system that may cost slightly more but can solve many of the headaches and keep your plants in tip-top condition.

 

6. Consider using heating

Greenhouse heating can be an excellent way to maintain optimal growing temperatures during the winter months and enjoy your crop faster. It’s also an excellent way to prevent burst pipes or protect frost from damaging your plant pots.

If you already have a heater, move it into your greenhouse before the colder weather arrives, checking that it’s working beforehand. Otherwise, consider buying a new heater that provides the power you need - gas and battery-powered are good options.

 

7. Check your lighting

During the colder, darker days of winter, your plants could struggle to get enough light, especially if your greenhouse is located in a shady part of your garden. However, there are various lighting systems that you could use to protect your crop and even allow you to grow salad vegetables.

As the Royal Horticultural Society says, “They can be inexpensive and do not need an in-depth understanding of the science and mechanics, so anyone wishing to experiment with growing plants under artificial lighting can have a go”

Just pop to your local horticultural centre and choose between the T5 High Output (HO) fluorescent tubes, LEDs, or HIDs (High-Intensity Discharge) available. They can also give you advice on how to use these lights for optimal results.

Make sure you carry out these essential greenhouse care tasks in the autumn to keep your plants growing and healthy all year round. Need to replace your glass, invest in greenhouse heating or fix insulation inside? Visit our shop today.

 

Rosie Buckley