Make your greenhouse autumn-ready

Autumn is here, the leaves are falling, and your garden is getting ready for a well-deserved winter rest. But before that, a few well-planned autumn tasks will ensure your greenhouse is fully prepared for winter. So roll up your sleeves, it's time to take action!

Oogsten als een herfstkampioen

Voor je de klusser in jezelf loslaat, is het eerst tijd om de vruchten van je werk te plukken – letterlijk! Wie goed heeft geplan(t)(d), kan nu nog genieten van de laatste zomerse smaakbommetjes zoals verse basilicum, pittige pepers en kleurrijke paprika’s. Met een beetje geluk spot je zelfs nog wat laatbloeiers zoals tomaten of aubergines. Oogst alles wat er nog staat en trakteer jezelf op een flinke portie vitaminen voordat je écht de handen uit de mouwen steekt.

Harvest like an autumn champion 

Before you start fixing things, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work – literally! If you’ve planned (and planted) well, you can still enjoy the last summery flavors like fresh basil, spicy peppers, and colorful bell peppers. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some late bloomers like tomatoes or eggplants. Harvest everything that’s left and treat yourself to a healthy dose of vitamins before getting down to work.

Empty and clean your greenhouse

Once your harvest is in, it's time to send all the annual plants and root remnants to the compost heap. This prevents diseases and pests from overwintering in the soil. Then put on your gloves and get into cleaning mode.

• Clean the windows
  Leaves, algae, and dirt have attached themselves to your greenhouse glass, blocking precious natural light. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and a dash of vinegar, then give your glass a good scrub with a soft brush. Use a squeegee to dry the glass streak-free.

• Clean the gutters
  Just like your house’s gutters, the drainage and condensation gutters of your greenhouse can become clogged with leaves and twigs. Clear them out so rainwater can flow away easily, keeping your greenhouse dry.

• Remove automatic window openers
  Don't forget to unscrew the automatic window openers. These temperature-sensitive cylinders don't handle frost well and may freeze or crack. Store them in a dry, frost-free place and reinstall them in spring. This will extend their lifespan and prevent unexpected repairs in the new season!

Insulate your greenhouse for frost-sensitive potted plants

Now that your greenhouse is sparkling, it’s time to ensure your plants make it through the winter. Move your frost-sensitive potted plants inside. A temperature between 1 and 5 °C is ideal for their winter sleep. But beware, during unexpected cold nights, extra protection is needed. Line the walls and roof of your greenhouse with bubble wrap to raise the temperature by a few degrees, or consider an electric heater or gas stove to keep your plants comfortably warm.

With these tips, your greenhouse will be autumn-ready in no time. Want to get ahead for spring? In our magazine with a planting calendar, you’ll find inspiration for the new greenhouse season. Who knows, you might even discover a new vegetable to grow!