Give your garden a spring cleaning – part 1

With spring just around the corner one thing that should be done now is a good clean and tidy up.

Starting in the greenhouse, conservatory or potting shed, it’s essential that you give the glass a good clean with something like Jeyes fluid or a good detergent or soap.

This will kill off algae, fungal spores and some overwintering pests. It will mean lots more light will get to your plants enabling them to grow much quicker and sturdier.

Any pests and diseases controlled now will also mean infection later is less likely and will be delayed.

So clear away dead or decaying leaves and twigs off plants you are overwintering, clean pots, trays and benching with a similar solution to the one you used for the glass.

If these pests are not deterred they can quickly infest succulent new seedlings when you start growing them soon.

The damp, still conditions found in greenhouses encourage fungal diseases to thrive so start ventilating the greenhouse on sunny days. Try and keep your growing areas as sterile as possible at all times, but particularly over winter.

Check back here again soon to get some more handy hints on how to freshen up your garden in time for the spring.