Many gardeners know that the best time to clean and disinfect a home greenhouse is after harvest. But this does not mean that it does not require care at other times of the year. So, here is an approximate plan for greenhouse cleaning for the seasons of the year.
In our article, we will analyze in detail the rules for maintaining polycarbonate greenhouses in summer, winter, spring and autumn, and also consider what means to wash the material inside and out, so that it does not darken and deteriorate.
Why and when to clean the greenhouse
Elevated temperature and humidity not only stimulate the growth and development of green spaces, but also create a favorable environment for the rapid spread of harmful microorganisms that can destroy all the fruits of your work. In addition, dust stains and green deposits reduce the light transmission parameters of the polymer, which negatively affects the main functionality of the cultivation object. Therefore, despite the “general” autumn cleaning, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures in the greenhouse during each season.
Spring greenhouse cleaning
Start spring cleaning in the greenhouse with the onset of the first warm days. Most of the snow has already melted, and the growing season is still about a month away.
Clean up inside:
- take out inventory, seedling boxes and other items;
- eliminate the remains of weeds;
- carefully inspect the metal frame and polycarbonate surface;
- make necessary repairs;
- clean up the tracks.
After that, start washing the panels. We do this carefully and carefully, using microfiber cloths, soft sponges and other non-abrasive products. Apply a solution of laundry soap and water to the coating, leaving the foam for about 10 minutes on each side. Rinse at least 2 times with clean water, being careful not to let dirty drops fall on the ground inside. Walk dry with a soft towel or just open the doors and windows of the greenhouse if the sun is already shining with might and main.
Pay attention! Our experts are categorically against the use of high-pressure cleaners for washing polycarbonate sheets. The danger of this method is to damage the protective outer layer with a powerful jet of water. To clean the roof and hard-to-reach places, it is better to use a garden hose. We categorically do not recommend that you try to chip away the dense snow crust with shovels or other hard tools. Wait a bit until the frost itself disappears under the warming rays.
Summer cleaning
In the summer, due to the wildly overgrown plants, it is difficult to carry out a full cleaning of the greenhouse or greenhouse. However, sanitation should not be completely neglected. Care during this period of time consists mainly in periodically removing dirt from the coating (it is better to do this in the evening, when the air temperature drops a little and the polycarbonate cools down), as well as maintaining the desired level of lighting inside the greenhouse.
If the summer turned out to be too hot, the fruits can easily “burn out” under the influence of excess ultraviolet radiation. In this case, it will not be superfluous to worry about additional shading of the greenhouse. Purchase a covering net from the store or paint over the walls with a self-made chalk solution, which can then be easily washed off with plain water.
And, of course, do not forget about the fresh air supply, for example – install solar automatic fan with thermal drive on the vents, which will work even in your absence.
Fall greenhouse cleaning
In fall, the most time-consuming phase of preparing a greenhouse begins, on which its fruitful operation in the future directly depends. Following the topic of our article, we will not write in detail about the nuances of tillage from pests and the complete disinfection of the premises. Although all these actions must be carried out. Let’s focus on the principles of washing polycarbonate.
- Despite its high mechanical strength, the transparent polymer is very sensitive to scratches. Do not use aggressive preparations and devices – powders, pastes with hard inclusions, brushes with hard bristles, metal washcloths, etc., so as not to injure the surface of the sheets;
- Forbidden are caustic chemicals, alkalis, acids, solvents, glass cleaners, car shampoos, and washing powders (even well diluted). The safest and most effective method is to wash polycarbonate with an aqueous suspension of 72% laundry soap with a neutral ph;
- when preparing a soap solution, experienced gardeners advise adhering to the following proportions: half a standard piece per bucket of liquid. Rub the bar on a grater and soak in warm water until completely dissolved (you can overnight). Stir well before use and, if necessary, dilute with water;
- another option is to find and buy special products for washing polycarbonate in a hardware store;
- start cleaning from the top, without skipping a single design element. Particular attention should be paid to the joints and corners, because it is there that the most pollution accumulates;
- Carry out cleaning work at an ambient temperature of at least 10-15 ° C, in dry, clear weather.
A few words about caring for the metal frame and the foundation of the greenhouse made of timber. To maintain their integrity and strength, remove corrosion from metal parts with a rust remover and repaint the damaged area. Soak the wooden base with antiseptic compounds or coat with slaked lime.
Winter cleaning
One of the distinguishing characteristics of cellular polycarbonate is its high resistance to different temperature conditions. Therefore, there is no need to dismantle the greenhouse for the winter if it is made of a really reliable material of the proper density. It is enough to monitor its condition during the cold period, clean off snow drifts in time, avoiding strong blows, pressure and excessive friction. Keep in mind that precipitation accumulates less on a pure polycarbonate sheet. The spherical or conical shape of the roof contributes to its natural movement down.
Conclusion
Maintenance of ClimaPod greenhouses will not take you much effort and time. We use high quality polycarbonate, which does not turn yellow and does not lose transparency throughout the entire service life. The aluminum frame of ClimaPod greenhouses is not subject to corrosion.
Follow the recommended standards for the care and washing of polycarbonate greenhouses, and if you have any questions, please contact our managers for additional advice.
