Autumn preparation of the greenhouse is the most important moment of the year for long-term usability. What you do in September-October affects the yield of the next spring. Here is our complete checklist.
General cleaning (September)
Start with general cleaning by the end of September:
- Remove all plants, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants (go to compost or aside, if they are diseased)
- Harvest through the soil, remove all roots, weeds and leaves
- Clean the structure, cobwebs, dust
- Wash the walls with a soft brush and mild solution
- Check the seals of windows and doors
Disinfection of the structure and soil
Structure:
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide (3%), safe, effective, without residues
- Or solution of Marseille soap + baking soda
- Spray all walls, doors, supports
Soil:
- Solarization: water the soil, cover with transparent foil for 4-6 weeks in warm spring/autumn, heat destroys pathogens
- Frost: leave the soil uncovered in winter, frost kills many pests
- Microbiome: apply EM (effective microorganisms) or compost tea, populate with good microbes
Composting of organic waste
Send all healthy plant waste to compost. Important ratio:
- Nitrogen (green): fresh plant, grass, tomato leaves
- Carbon (brown): dry straw, leaves, paper, cardboard
- Ratio: 1:3 nitrogen:carbon
Compost made in autumn is ready in April-May next year, just in time for spring planting.
More about composting in the article Ecological fertilization without chemistry.
Sowing of winter crops (October)
The greenhouse should not be empty in winter! Good cultures for Sep-Oct sowing:
- Spinach, frost-resistant, harvest Dec-Mar
- Winter lettuce (red "Rouge d'Hiver")
- Polar spinach, real athletic
- Wild arugula, survives under snow
- Saffron and carrot (later harvest)
More in the article Winter crops in the greenhouse.
Insulation for winter
By the end of October, check:
- Seals of doors and windows, replace damaged ones
- Polycarbonate panels, remove dry leaves from between panels
- Roof gutters, clean for winter precipitation
- Snow support, prepare letvene supports (for polycarbonate roofs for 50 cm snow)
"A greenhouse that is prepared in autumn brings a yield 6 weeks earlier in spring. The one that is not, loses a month.", a gardener from Bohinj
Make a autumn checklist (September-November) and hang it on the greenhouse door, tick off each step as you complete it. The next season will be grateful.
Quality structure = less autumn preparation
Termoplast greenhouses have stainless steel connections and UV-resistant panels, which means 50% less maintenance than cheap alternatives.
Our offer