UK households face having to take everything out of their greenhouses in their garden – as gardening pros urge them to give the outbuildings a deep clea

Gardening experts are warning UK households to empty their greenhouses before October. UK households face having to take everything out of their greenhouses in their garden – as gardening pros urge them to give the outbuildings a deep clean.

If you have a greenhouse, the gardening pros recommend giving it a good clean this October to prevent pests and let more light in. You should also protect half-hardy plants, this could be done by bringing them into a greenhouse or adding a fleece.

Matthew Briggs, the BBC Gardeners’ World star, said: “Clean the glasshouse inside and out. Wear rubber gloves and goggles or safety glasses and take care on ladders.

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“Work methodically, carefully and don’t over reach; whenever possible, work from the ground. An old vacuum cleaner is useful for sucking up debris resting on the glasshouse frame before you start.

“Rinse the glass to loosen dirt then wash the glass with a pressure washer or scrub with a long handled soft yard brush, using a plant label, old knife or credit card to remove moss or algae between the panes.

“Rinse off the glass, then dry and polish with a chamois leather or similar for a first class finish. While you are at it, clean the gutters, remove any plant debris, check that the down pipes are clear wedging a pan scrubber into the top of the downpipe stops them from being blocked by autumn leaves.

“Once you have finished, returned all your pots to their original positions on and under the bench.”

He added: “Check the greenhouse heater to make sure it’s working before the onset of frost – it is worth seeking out a ‘bargain buy’ as a back-up, so you don’t lose precious plants.

“Remove the greenhouse shading or open blinds to increase light levels and feed your crops with tomato fertiliser to speed ripening, particularly towards the end of the month.

“Remove any leaves showing signs of pests and diseases and treat tender containerised plants with biological controls for vine weevil before bringing them indoors.

“Keep pots weed free and benches clear of plant debris; plant hygene is always important but particularly at this time of year.”