As the first signs of spring appear and the days begin to grow warmer, ensuring your greenhouse is ready for the bustling growing season ahead is important. Having a greenhouse for your plants means you can get a head start on the season and enjoy the colorful blooms and delicious produce well before your neighbors. However, adequate preparation and spring cleaning are the keys to making the most out of your greenhouse. By taking the time to declutter, clean, and optimize your gardening space, you'll set the stage for a successful and bountiful season. In this blog post, we'll explore the essential steps you should take to ensure that your greenhouse is fully prepped and ready for the arrival of spring's bounty.
1. Prep your greenhouse for spring
As spring approaches, properly preparing your greenhouse for a successful growing season is essential. Start by decluttering, removing dead plants and old leaves, which can harbor diseases and mold growth. Compost healthy-looking debris or burn any diseased plant material to prevent the spread of bacteria. Inspect your greenhouse for potential pests which may have made it their winter home and any items that need repairing or replacing, such as pots, benches, and seed trays. During winter pests may have taken to your greenhouse for shelter so it's important to thoroughly check all areas and ensure a clean and healthy environment for your plants to thrive.
2. Declutter and deep clean your space
Decluttering and deep cleaning your greenhouse space is essential in preparing for the spring growing season. Start by removing any accumulated debris, dead plants, and old leaves that may have piled up during the winter. This creates a new environment and helps prevent the spread of diseases and mold growth.
Next, deep cleaning ensures your greenhouse looks new and inviting. Then, sweep the floor, wash interior and exterior polycarbonate panels with warm soapy water, and disinfect pots, seed trays, and tools. Cleaning the exterior of your greenhouse is also important since that will impact how much light can pass through your glazing.
By decluttering and deep cleaning your greenhouse space, you create a healthy and organized environment for successful plant growth.
3. Check for pests and repair items
Maintaining a pest-free greenhouse and ensuring necessary repairs are vital for your plants' overall health and productivity. While diligently checking for pests and addressing any issues, it is essential to keep the following in mind:
- Regularly clean and disinfect greenhouse surfaces and equipment to prevent the buildup of pathogens and algae, which can harbor pests such as fungus gnats and shore flies.
- Remove plant debris, weeds, and organic matter, as they can serve as breeding grounds for pests and diseases.
- Before the growing season begins, inspect your greenhouse for signs of damage, such as scratches, leaks, and holes. Pay special attention to areas around door frames, vents, and fans, and promptly address any repairs to avoid more significant issues later.
- Continuously monitor plants for any signs of pest infestation, such as damaged leaves or insects on the plants. Early detection allows for quick action to prevent further spread and damage.
You'll be on your way to cultivating healthy, thriving plants in your greenhouse by ensuring a pest-free environment and regularly addressing repair needs.[1]
4. Ensure proper air circulation
Ensuring proper air circulation in your greenhouse is crucial for maintaining plant health and preventing the spread of diseases. Optimum airflow can be achieved by following these guidelines:
- Install strategically placed vents: Vents or louvers should be placed at both ends of the greenhouse, allowing warm air to escape and cooler air to enter. As the Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment at UMass Amherst mentioned, wind passing over the roof creates a vacuum, promoting effective air exchange.
- Roll-up sides: These can be added to hoop houses, providing ventilation during warmer months.
- Taller greenhouses: The greenhouse structure should be tall enough to help hot air rise, enabling more effective airflow.
- Utilize fans: Horizontal airflow fans can encourage air circulation but should be turned off during warmer months to prevent destratifying the warm air.
By following these strategies, your greenhouse will maintain an ideal environment for plant growth, ensuring a successful and productive season.[2]
5. Check your water source and temperature
Ensuring a consistent water source and maintaining an ideal temperature are crucial aspects of optimal plant growth in a greenhouse. Here are some key points to consider when checking your water source and temperature:
• Inspect your water source regularly: Pipes may freeze during winter months, or other unexpected issues might arise. Confirm that your water source works efficiently and is easily accessible for your greenhouse.
• Avoid cold water: Icy water can shock young plants, resulting in root damage, leaf loss, and other problems. Ensure that the water provided is not too cold for your plants.
• Consider an automatic watering system: This can be a convenient and efficient way to maintain consistent watering for your plants without manually checking and watering them regularly.
• Monitor temperature fluctuations: Keep track of temperature changes throughout the day and night to maintain ideal growing conditions for your plants. This will help prevent any sudden drops or spikes in temperature that could affect plant growth.
By checking your water source and temperature, you can significantly improve the overall health of your plants in the greenhouse, leading to a more successful and thriving garden.
6. Test and amend the soil as needed
One key aspect of maintaining a healthy greenhouse is to ensure that the soil quality remains at its best for the plants. Testing and amending the soil as needed can significantly affect plant growth and overall productivity. As mentioned in Growing Spaces Greenhouses Soil Test & Amendment Guide:
- Test your soil at least once a year, ideally in spring, to detect nutrient depletions and pH levels.
- Choose the best soil amendments based on the soil test results.
- Aim for neutral to slightly acidic soil for summer crops and neutral to slightly alkaline soil for winter crops.
- Add nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to improve greenhouse soil health.
- Use compost manure, peat moss, or other organic matter to amend the soil as needed.
Regularly testing and amending your greenhouse soil ensures optimum growing conditions for your plants throughout the year. [3]
7. Warm up your greenhouse for an early start
Warming up your greenhouse can give your plants a fantastic early start to the growing season, allowing you to get ahead in your gardening journey. Here are a few tips to efficiently warm up your greenhouse:
- Add insulation materials such as bubble wrap on the interior walls to trap heat and maintain a steady temperature.
- Utilize thermal water storage containers to absorb warmth during the day and radiate heat during cooler nights.
- Regularly maintain windows, doors, and vents to ensure they're well-sealed and functioning correctly.
- Consider investing in an energy-efficient greenhouse or solar-powered heater for a more sustainable solution.
By taking these steps, you can create a cozy environment for your plants to thrive while extending the growing season and diversifying the types of plants you can grow.
8. Use good hygiene practices
Practicing good hygiene in your greenhouse is essential for maintaining a healthy growing environment and ensuring the successful growth of your plants. By following these simple practices, you can minimize the risk of disease outbreaks and pest infestations:
- Clean and sanitize your greenhouse: Removing weeds, debris, and old plant material. As the Floriculture & Greenhouse Crop Production article mentions, deep-cleaning removes food, refuge, and breeding sites for insects and pathogens, reducing the risk of infestations.
- Replace old or damaged weed mats: These can harbor infectious diseases, so replace them in areas with high disease pressure.
- Dispose of waste properly: When removing weeds and other debris, discard them in a sealed garbage can outside the greenhouse to prevent pests from escaping into the crop.
- Inspect and quarantine infested plants: If you notice any signs of pests or diseases on your plants, isolate them and treat the issue before reintroducing them to the greenhouse.
- Keep greenhouse tools and equipment clean: Regularly wash and sanitize your tools, pots, and trays to prevent the spread of diseases. Eartheasy Guides & Articles recommend washing items thoroughly with soapy water and soaking them in an oxygen bleach solution. [4][5]
9. Secure your greenhouse for cost savings
Securing your greenhouse not only ensures the safety of your plants but also leads to significant cost savings in the long run. Some key points to consider for securing your greenhouse include:
- Installing a strong and durable frame: A
- Opting for energy-efficient materials: Polycarbonate glazing, for example, retains heat better than glass, reducing energy costs for temperature control.
- Proper ventilation systems: Good ventilation keeps your greenhouse cool in summer and helps prevent diseases and pests, reducing the need for expensive chemicals and treatments.
- Utilizing shade cloth: By using shade cloth, you can protect your plants from excessive heat and sunlight, ensuring healthy growth and reduced water consumption.
10. Control temperature for successful plant growth
Maintaining the ideal temperature within a greenhouse is vital for successful plant growth. Generally, a temperature range of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. Greenhouses primarily rely on solar energy to heat the interior but may also use supplemental sources such as gas or electric heaters. To manage the climate effectively, it is essential to have proper ventilation, including top and side vents, as well as fans that circulate air and prevent overheating.
Some valuable tips for controlling temperature are:
- Utilizing manual or automatic ventilation systems
- Opening the door or using shade cloths during warm days
- Ensuring adequate humidity levels (at least 50%)