Once you've built your new hobby greenhouse, you will find that maintaining your greenhouse regularly will provide you with many years of enjoyment.
Most backyard greenhouses are relatively trouble-free. But keeping certain parts of your greenhouse properly maintained will help give you peace of mind
so you may concentrate on the growing operations of your greenhouse.
Greenhouse Frame Maintenance
The greenhouse frame is one of the most important parts of your greenhouse. Depending on what materials you have used to construct your greenhouse,
you will need to regularly inspect for any rot, rust, other corrosion or cracking. Check to make sure that any moving parts such as greenhouse door
hinges are not accumulating corrosion and if it looks like it may need oil for lubrication, don't put it off until later.
Check for any stress fractures in the greenhouse frame and also check to make sure none of the fasteners holding your greenhouse together have come
loose. If they have come loose, tighten them securely. If your greenhouse frame is painted wood, check occasionally for any loose or blistering paint.
If you find the paint is cracking or blistering, promptly scrape the paint off and allow to dry completely before sealing and re-painting the area. If
your greenhouse frame is constructed of painted metal and you find rust forming, use a wire brush to remove any rust and then clean, prime & paint the
affected area. If you find any mildew forming in your hobby greenhouse, take steps to remove it immediately to prevent its spread in your greenhouse.
Greenhouse Glazing Maintenance
Your greenhouse glazing should also be maintained regularly. Should the glazing become dirty, your plants' ability to receive sunlight transmission
is reduced considerably. This is especially important during the winter months in your greenhouse. So make sure that cleaning of your greenhouse glazing
is a priority every fall. If your greenhouse is covered with a greenhouse poly film, make sure to wash it thoroughly with a mild liquid soap and water solution.
Greenhouse plastic should NOT be expected to perform longer than recommended by the manufacturer. Your greenhouse plants will only suffer if you put off
replacing your greenhouse plastic past the recommended replacement interval due to decreased transmission of sunlight.
Greenhouse glass should also be cleaned with a liquid soap/water solution. Give special attention to the roof portion of your glass greenhouse as more
dust and dirt will accumulate in this area and be less readily noticeable as a common daily observance. Check to make sure the caulking around the
greenhouse glass is not cracking or peeling apart. If it is, repair the area and then caulk with a suitable sealant. And do not use the cheapest
silicone sealant you can find unless you want to find yourself making the same repair again within a few years.
Your hobby greenhouse shouldn't be a pain to maintain if you frequently check for potential problems. Make a checklist of what to look for and then use
it on a weekly or monthly basis. Just a quick glance every now and then can prevent a small chore from escalating into a mountainous task.
