Early Spring Greenhouse Preparation: A Practical Guide for the New Season

Early spring is the right time to carefully assess your greenhouse and plan the upcoming season. A stable, airtight, clean and properly equipped structure allows you to begin work without stress and to fully utilise its potential - both for cultivation and for comfortable time spent inside.

Below we recommend a set of simple yet important steps to prepare Gardenis aluminium greenhouses with tempered glass or 10 mm twin-wall polycarbonate glazing for the new season.

1. Structural Inspection After Winter

Assess whether the structure has been affected by heavy snow loads or temperature fluctuations during winter. Check:

• Whether the frame remains straight and stable

• Whether all fastening elements - bolts and nuts - are in place and tightened

• Whether glazing seals remain properly positioned

• Whether doors open smoothly and close tightly

• Whether roof vents operate without resistance

• Whether the base or foundation remains stable

Even a robust aluminium construction benefits from seasonal inspection. This is a preventive measure before intensive use begins.

2. Glazing Inspection: Tempered Glass and 10 mm Twin-Wall Polycarbonate

After winter, carefully inspect all glazing panels. Ensure they are intact and securely fixed within the frame.

If replacement is required, panels can be ordered directly from us or from your local glass or polycarbonate supplier. When ordering, always specify exact dimensions and the glazing type.

3. Snow, Ice and Drainage System Check

Where possible, remove accumulated snow and ice around the greenhouse to improve drainage.

Clean roof gutters and downpipes from debris, dirt or ice blockages. Downpipe outlets must remain open to allow water to drain freely.

If water accumulated and froze inside the downpipes during winter, the expansion of ice may have caused them to crack. If any damage is identified, replacing the affected components is recommended.

4. Cleaning the Glazing — The Foundation of Light and Clarity

Dust and environmental residue accumulate on all outdoor surfaces, including greenhouse roofs and walls. Even when barely visible, these deposits reduce light transmission and affect overall appearance and feeling.

A simple cleaning method:

1. Rinse the interior using a garden hose.

2. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid.

3. Using a long-handled soft mop, clean the ceiling and walls.

4. Use a larger sponge soaked in the same solution for corners, profiles, shelves and accessories.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

6. Remove excess water with a dry cloth or window squeegee.

7. Repeat the process on the exterior.

Use only soft cloths or sponges.

Aluminium profiles - especially powder-coated ones - and polycarbonate glazing must not be cleaned with aggressive chemicals. Avoid chlorine-based products, strong acidic or alkaline cleaners, solvents (acetone, petrol, thinners), and abrasive pastes or powders. These substances may react with aluminium, damage protective coatings, and reduce the clarity and longevity of polycarbonate.

Burning chemical fumigation products or sulphur smoke treatments inside the greenhouse is also not recommended, as released substances may negatively affect aluminium surfaces, polycarbonate glazing and sealing elements.

Wear protective gloves and use stable ladders when necessary.

The process requires some time, yet the result is clear - more light, improved microclimate and a more pleasant environment for the season ahead.

5. Ventilation System Assessment and Upgrade

Check whether roof vents and their automatic or manual openers operate smoothly. If cylinders are worn, replace them.

If you are considering additional ventilation for the new season, options include:

• Additional standard roof vent

• Extra door

• “Louvre” type ventilation window for improved air circulation

• Automatic openers

• Replacement cylinders for automatic openers

Proper air circulation directly influences plant health and your comfort inside the greenhouse.

6. Additional Accessories: Does Your Greenhouse Meet Your Needs?

Define the intended function and desired level of comfort. You may consider upgrading with:

• Mounting brackets for electrical switches or sockets

• Tool and equipment holders

• Shelving

• Lighting supports

• Additional plant support systems

• Protection against pets

• Bed edging systems

• Raised beds

• Internal partition walls for zoning

• Access ramps for easier entry

If you plan to install electricity or water supply systems, it is most convenient to do so once the ground has thawed.

Well-chosen accessories significantly enhance functionality and allow the greenhouse to be tailored to individual needs.

You can select these accessories from our product range; please review them in the “Greenhouse Accessories” section.

7. Interior Layout Planning

Evaluate the size of functional zones, pathway width and positioning of equipment and accessories.

If the greenhouse is also used for relaxation, designate a separate area for seating or small furniture.

A well-considered layout transforms the greenhouse into a distinctive leisure space for many enjoyable hours.

8. Soil Renewal

Remove old plant residues, cultivate the soil, and enrich it with compost or organic fertilisers. If necessary, replace the top layer.

Healthy soil forms the foundation of a sustainable growing season.

9. Preparation for Early Seedlings

If planning an early start, equip the greenhouse with a thermometer, protective fleece, supplementary heat source or heat-retention solutions.

Polycarbonate glazing retains heat more efficiently, while glass ensures maximum light transmission. The choice should align with your cultivation goals.

A Thoughtful Start to the Green Season

Preparing your greenhouse for spring is not merely maintenance - it is a strategic step for the entire season. Inspection of structure and glazing, evaluation of needs, and informed decisions help transform the greenhouse into a highly functional, comfortable and attractive environment.

A well-maintained Gardenis greenhouse will serve reliably for decades. Carefully selected upgrades allow each new season to begin even more comfortably than the last.