How to Prepare Your Greenhouse for Spring

One of the most important preparation tasks you can do to ready your greenhouse for spring involves a deep cleaning. Not only is this a nice way to give yourself and your greenhouse a fresh start as you approach a new growing season, but also—and more importantly—it helps rid your gardening space of any lingering pests.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking a cold winter has killed off harmful insects. Slugs, aphids and other pests can survive in the comfortable warmer temperatures inside the greenhouse and wait for your spring planting to attack.

So how can you be sure that your greenhouse is really ready for new growing season? Follow these steps to ensure your space has had a thorough spring cleaning that sets you up for growing success!

Clean on a warm day. This allows you to completely empty the greenhouse so no trace of your greenhouse is untouched. If the weather is warm enough, you can set your plants outside without any protection. If it’s still a little cooler, you can wrap them, especially if they are more delicate.

Start with the floors. Sweep out the entire greenhouse, paying particular attention to the corners where pests can linger and hide. Fix any low spots in the floors where water could accumulate, and be careful to remove any dead plant matter.

Scrub the glass. This will break down any algae or mildew that has built up on your greenhouse. This step is particularly crucial because you don’t want this to limit the amount of sunlight your new seedlings are getting early on.

Disinfect everything. That includes pots, planters, shelves, benches, hose nozzles and garden tools. You can use hot soapy water or an eco-friendly disinfectant, but just be sure you give everything a thorough washing and rinsing.

Replenish the soil. Take care to give your potting media a reset as well. Soil can easily become depleted of nutrients—and all the more accessible to pests—if not. It only makes sense as you give your greenhouse a fresh start on the growing season to give your plants one as well.

Check the outside. Inspect the perimeter of your greenhouse for any signs of pests and treat them. Now is also a good time to repair any tears or openings that may allow insects to make their way inside.

Still have questions on how to prepare your greenhouse for spring? At Gothic Arch Greenhouses, we’re happy to help! Call us at 1-800-531-4769 or visit www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com to find everything you need for a successful growing season