I’m planning a spring clean of my greenhouse this weekend…just wondering how others go about doing it?
Vinegar and water?
Disinfectant?
Splash with a hose and a wipe with a cloth?
And do you treat the metal frame in the same way?
Anything else I should look out for?
Bearing in mind I’m an ecogeek, a ‘natural’ solution would be ideal….thanks!
Tags: how to clean greenhouse
March 24th, 2009 at 12:21 am
I use plin water and a brush, with the water squirting out via the brush (IYSWIM) on the polytunnel walls….
For disinfecting stuff like pots and grow modules I use a natural lavender based liquid soap ( Faith in Nature) and a few drops of lavender essential oil in the mix, and then rinse with clean water and leave to dry.
I also use plain water with a few drops of lavender eo for scrubbing pots, trays etc… tee tree would be ok as well….as would any anti bacterial E sential oil..but wear gloves to be on the safe side and to protect yourself….
I have been doing this recently ..shall I do a post about it?
March 24th, 2009 at 12:22 am
That SHOULD read PLAIN water in the first line……
March 24th, 2009 at 8:43 am
The honest answer is ‘not very well’
I washed all the glass down with water and a cloth. Moved all the tat (huge pile of plastic trays and pots) into the outhouse. Evicted snails and slugs. Brushed down the shelves. Swept the floor. Tidied up the plants - removed dead leaves and watered them well. Arranged everything so it looked neat. Plugged in the propogators and sowed some seeds.
Verdict: could do better, but it’s got things underway
Celia
x
March 24th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Also not very well. I was forced to do mine when my parafin heater coughed up all over it, I was hoping to get away without doing it but I suppose it was just as well. I use a small amount of washing up liquid and water. I also recommend one of those rubber blade thingies that professional window cleaners use. I have a telescopic one that can reach the outside of the roof if you stand on a chair.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hi Lucy,
Can’t help with the greenhouse question but I have an award for you on my blog, hope it cheers you up! Poppy
March 27th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Even though I Jeyes Fluid-ed mine (sorry eco people) I believe that white vinegar is supposed to be the best for stuff like this - I use it in my washer and dishwasher for ‘cleansing’ (but not the greenhouse - duh!) Happy Cleaning!
p.s our new next door neighbours are bringing their chickens with them (hurrah!) so I may need to pick your brians if thats okay, as they aren’t laying, but aren’t too old……I’ll read your hens page 1st! Cat x
March 27th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Why Bother
Life is too short to be cleaning things? Think of the dirt as ‘free’ greenhouse shading.
Take Care
Deano
March 27th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Compostwoman - yes please to the post.
Cat - pick away, only too happy with help with chooky queries
Poppy - thanks so much! commented on your blog
Magic Cochin - I’m not planning on doing a wonderful job, but I just want to get rid of the green stuff around the windows…!
Rachael - Great tip, thanks! Will try and find one of those rubber blade thingies…
Deano - life may be short, but I need to get rid of the crap to make sure my plants grow well and I get rid of any diseases that might be lurking in there!
March 28th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hi Lucy
Why not try another approach? “The opposite of Sterile”.
Firstly, plants have their own defences against attack. The substances that they produce to protect themselves, are virtually identical to the ones that our own immune systems produce. This allows us to utilise them for ourselves.
Instead of cleaning everything, why not boost your plants immune systems, and help to prevent harmful microbes, by using Actively Aerated Compost Tea?
This site http://www.soilfoodweb.com/03_.....d_why.html explains what it’s all about, and this one explains how to make your own brewer. if you decide that you want to buy one, a search for compost tea brewer kits should give you some options.
I use Compost tea all of the time, and I don’t wash anything, pots, trays, greenhouse, shelving.
It works for me.
Deano
March 28th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
OOps
I missed out a link to the brewer plans
http://www.finegardening.com/h.....t-tea.aspx
Deano
March 25th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Hi Lucy
I am usually succesful with good old hot water a brush I use wire wool on the metal bits dabbed in bicarb of soda and of course plenty of elbow grease. Happy cleaning.
Nicky