Preparing Your Greenhouse for the Growing Season

As the growing season approaches, now is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and upgrade your greenhouse to ensure optimal plant health and efficiency. A well-maintained structure not only extends the life of your equipment but also helps prevent pest and disease issues while improving growing conditions. Taking proactive steps now can save time and resources later in the season.

Deep Cleaning: The Foundation of a Healthy Greenhouse

A clean greenhouse is essential for preventing the spread of disease and maximizing light penetration. Over time, dirt, algae, and plant debris can accumulate on surfaces, reducing efficiency and creating breeding grounds for pests.

Start by removing any plant material, weeds, or organic matter left over from previous crops. Next, scrub the greenhouse frame, benches, and pathways with a horticultural disinfectant to eliminate bacteria and fungal spores. Be sure to wash greenhouse coverings—whether polycarbonate, glass, or plastic—to remove dust and algae buildup that can block sunlight.

Irrigation systems also require attention. Flush out lines, clean filters, and inspect for any blockages or leaks that could impact water flow. Ensuring that irrigation components are functioning properly will help maintain consistent moisture levels throughout the growing season.

Recommended Products:

• Disinfectants & Cleaners:
• Synergize® Disinfectant – A broad-spectrum disinfectant effective against various pathogens, ideal for sanitizing greenhouse surfaces.
• Cleaning Tools:
• Carlisle® 8" Scrub Brush – Durable brushes designed for rigorous cleaning tasks, helping to remove stubborn dirt and algae.
• Personal Protective Equipment:
• Moldex® 9000 Full Mask Reusable Respirator – Provides full-face protection with a lightweight design, ensuring safety during cleaning procedures.

Structural Inspection: Identifying Repairs Before They Become Problems

Winter weather and general wear and tear can take a toll on greenhouse structures. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify any necessary repairs before planting begins.

• Frame & Coverings: Check for rust, cracks, or loose bolts in the framework. If the greenhouse is covered with plastic, look for tears or areas that have become brittle and replace them as needed.
• Ventilation Systems: Ensure that exhaust fans, intake vents, and louvers are free of debris and functioning correctly. Proper airflow is critical for temperature control and preventing fungal diseases.
• Doors & Seals: Inspect door hinges, locks, and seals to ensure they close securely, helping to maintain a stable internal climate.
• Shade Cloth & Insulation: If your greenhouse utilizes shade cloth or insulation, check for any rips or deterioration that could affect its effectiveness.

Catching small issues now can prevent major disruptions once plants are in place.

Recommended Products:

• Replacement Panels & Hardware:
• Dura-Bench Plastic Greenhouse Bench – Durable and UV-resistant panels to replace damaged sections, maintaining structural integrity.
• Door Hardware & Parts:
• QC Supply Dura-latch – constructed of heavy-duty, rustproof, zinc-plated steel. It has a unique design that ensures closure every time.

Upgrading Equipment for Better Efficiency

Investing in greenhouse improvements can lead to better energy efficiency, more consistent plant growth, and reduced labor. Consider these upgrades to optimize your growing environment:

• Heating Systems: If your greenhouse relies on supplemental heat, test heaters to ensure they are functioning properly. Clean vents and check for any worn components that may need replacing.
• Lighting: Supplemental grow lights can be a game-changer for extending growing periods. Ensure all bulbs are working and consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED options for better performance.
• Irrigation & Automation: Drip irrigation systems, misting setups, and automated watering timers can help provide consistent moisture while reducing water waste. Testing these systems before planting ensures they are in top condition.
• Environmental Controls: A well-maintained thermostat or humidity controller can make a significant difference in regulating growing conditions. Calibrating or upgrading these systems can improve efficiency and plant performance.

Recommended Products:

• Heating Systems:
• LB White® Therma Grow™ Greenhouse Heater – 220 Liquid Propane – Offers high efficiency and advanced performance to reduce energy and maintenance costs.

• Ventilation Systems:
• DURAFAN® Select Speed Shutter Fan – 20" – Ideal for greenhouses, this fan helps remove excess heat and humidity, promoting a stable growing environment.

• Environmental Controls:
• TH415 Corrosion Resistant Thermostat – features a watertight, NEMA 4X-rated enclosure and a fast-responding stainless steel sensor, ensuring reliable temperature control in humid and corrosive greenhouse environments.

Final Preparations: Stocking Up & Testing Systems

With structural repairs completed and equipment inspected, the last step is to stock up on essential supplies. Having pest control solutions, fertilizers, growing media, and spare parts on hand prevents unnecessary delays once plants are in place.

Before bringing in new crops, perform a final systems test. Run heating, ventilation, irrigation, and lighting systems to confirm everything is operating as expected. Adjust thermostats, timers, and airflow settings as needed to create the ideal growing environment.

Recommended Products:

• Pest Control Solutions:
• Sticky Fly Traps – Non-toxic traps to monitor and control flying insect populations within the greenhouse.
• Fertilizers & Growing Media:
• Mother Earth® Groundswell™ Performance Soil – A high-aeration formula provides the grower more control compared to traditional potting medias.
• Spare Parts:
• Irrigation Drippers and Emitters – Keep a supply of these components to quickly address any issues in your watering system.

A Successful Season Starts with Preparation

Taking the time to clean, inspect, and upgrade your greenhouse before the growing season begins ensures a more efficient, productive year. By addressing potential issues early, you can focus on growing strong, healthy plants without unexpected setbacks.