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info@ecoslider.comHow to Prepare a Greenhouse for Winter
How to Prepare a Greenhouse for Winter
High-quality greenhouses can last for decades. To keep your greenhouse functional and looking good for over 10 years, it’s essential to prepare it properly for winter. The main goals are to prevent mold on the frame and in the soil, and to exclude or minimize any structural deformation.
Content
1. General Recommendations
- Ensure the greenhouse is securely installed – it should be firmly anchored to the ground, with tightly closing doors and vents. This will help prevent wind damage or frame deformation. If you have an older greenhouse without a foundation or a weak frame, we recommend reinforcing the walls from the inside using support braces.
- Place the greenhouse away from buildings to avoid snow sliding off nearby roofs and crashing onto the structure. If you have a lean-to greenhouse, ensure it’s very sturdy, as large volumes of snow can fall from the house roof.
- 3. If your old greenhouse is already showing signs of wear – such as deformation or gaps – patch and reinforce it to avoid further deterioration during winter.
2. How to Clean a Greenhouse (Polycarbonate, Glass, Film)
The goal of cleaning is the same for all types: remove dirt, disinfect the surfaces, and pay extra attention to joints and frame connections (metal, wood, plastic). Use appropriate cleaning agents based on your greenhouse material. Clean with a flannel cloth or soft sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth. You may also use a steam cleaner with soft attachments.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses. Use dish soap or baking soda. You may also disinfect with a 40% formalin solution (250 g per 10 L of water) or a bleach powder solution (400 g per 10 L of water). Do not use acidic solvents — they can damage the plastic.
Glass Greenhouses. Use soapy water or regular glass cleaner. For disinfection, a potassium permanganate solution works well. If there are cracks or damage, replace the glass and seal any gaps.
Film Greenhouses. Clean with soapy water, then treat with a copper sulfate solution. Let it dry, then remove and store the film in a dark place until the next season. Disinfect the frame with appropriate cleaning agents.
If your greenhouse frame is made of high-zinc-content metal, it will resist moisture better. Ecoslider greenhouses use top-grade metal with 275 g/m² zinc coating — one of the highest in the industry. For wooden frames, use a 5% copper sulfate solution to prevent moss and lichen growth.3. How to Prepare the Soil
After harvesting, it’s important to remove plant residue and disinfect the soil by:
- Turning over the soil
- Heating (solarization or hot water)
- Adding lime or dolomite powder to reduce acidity
- Replacing the top 5–10 cm of soil
- Or covering the soil with compost
4. What Not to Do
- Use harsh chemical acids
- Clean surfaces with abrasive brushes
- Press, strike, or lean on polycarbonate or glass
- Remove snow with a shovel
- Scrape off ice with force
5. If You Need to Dismantle an Old Greenhouse
You may be considering replacing your greenhouse for the new planting season.
In addition to producing high-strength greenhouses, we also offer dismantling and disposal services for old greenhouses (when purchasing and installing an Ecoslider greenhouse).
If you need a new greenhouse and want help dismantling the old one, contact us at: info@ecoslider.com