With only a few minutes of ongoing maintenance weekly, your plants will thrive with minimum pests and disease challenges, increased light and better air circulation!

Once a week take time to remove dead plant material from plants and soil. Watch for slugs and other pests and disease on plants, in pots, under trays, in corners and beneath benches and treat as soon as possible. Use only sterilized soils and containers in your greenhouse for minimum disease and pest challenges. Sterilize used pots, flats, other containers and tools with a disinfectant like Physan 20 before reuse. Space your plants out so they aren’t crowding each other for increased light and better air circulation.

Annual Cleaning

At least once a year (I generally do this in late summer) take all your plants out of the greenhouse and thoroughly clean the frame, glazing, benches, shelves, flooring and growing accessories. Spray with a hose to remove general surface dirt and debris inside and out.

Glass

For stubborn spots of algae, spray Physan 20 or a mild mixture of household bleach and let soak before rinsing. To clean off tree pitch and adhesive residue I recommend Citrus Cleaner. Windex Outdoor Concentrated Cleaner (hose end form) makes cleaning greenhouse glass a breeze.

Multi-Wall Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Fiberglass

Taking care of your polycarbonate sheets is simple, and with regular cleaning, they’ll stay in great shape for years to come. These sheets are treated with a UV-resistant coating on one side to

protect them from the elements, but they still need a little TLC. Follow these steps to periodically clean both the treated and untreated surfaces of polycarbonate, acrylic, and APET with approved cleaning agents to keep them looking and performing their best.

How to Clean

1. Rinse polycarbonate sheet with lukewarm water.
2. Wash gently with a mild soap and lukewarm water.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge and gently wash in the same direction as the flutes (see this in the illustration).
4. Rinse out the cloth and refresh your water often. Be careful not to scrub and avoid brushes or squeegees. While the coating is UV-resistant, it’s not scratch-resistant.
5. Rinse again and dry with a soft cloth to keep water spots away.

Safe Cleaners to Use:

• Freon T.F.
• Joy
• Palmolive Liquid
• Top Job
• VM&P grade Naptha
• Brillianize®

Unsafe Cleaners (DO NOT USE):

• Lysol
• Pinesol
• Butyl Cellosolve
• Isopropanol
• Formula 409
• Products with Ammonia

Important Tip: If a cleaner isn’t compatible in a short-term test, it likely won’t work well in real-world conditions. But even a successful test doesn’t guarantee it’ll hold up over time, so be sure to try products in your specific environment first.

UV Protection Reminder

Remember, the UV-treated side of the polycarbonate sheet should always face outward or toward the light source to provide protection for the polycarbonate sheet substrate.

Oil Metal Surfaces

Your metal frames, door hinges, and vents will appreciate a good regular oiling.