With the theme of ‘a tidy space makes for a productive place,’ Hampton has today shared ten timely jobs to do in your greenhouse this September to keep it clean, organised and working hard for you throughout the months ahead.
Mervyn Montgomery, director of Hampton Greenhouses, said: “As the evenings draw in and the temperature begins to dip, your greenhouse becomes more important than ever. It’s not just a shelter for plants but a workspace, a storehouse and a growing zone that can carry you well into autumn and winter.”
Hampton advises starting with the cleaning and clearing jobs:
- Start by giving the whole structure a good clear-out. Wipe down the interior, wash the glass and remove any lingering algae or grime. Gutters in particular need attention, as blocked ones can cause water damage during freezing temperatures.
- On the ground, sweep up old soil, leaves and plant debris. If left, they’ll rot down over winter, creating a mess that’s harder to shift later and may offer shelter to pests.
- On that note, check thoroughly for insects and bugs. Pests can survive longer inside than they would outside, particularly in warm corners or under trays, and they’re quick to cause trouble in seed trays or among delicate plants.
- While you’re at it, take the chance to tidy away broken pots, clean out old trays and clear any spent beds. A well-ordered space saves time in spring.
- If you’re growing in borders or raised beds, add some compost or well-rotted manure now. It’ll start working into the soil over the coming months, giving you a head start for next season.
Once the place is clean and ready, greenhouse owners can turn their attention to planting.
- Autumn is the perfect time to start off winter crops such as garlic, onions, shallots and leafy greens like chard and kale. These hardy growers don’t mind the colder conditions and will give you fresh food even as the days get shorter.
- For a bit of seasonal colour, try planting winter-flowering bulbs like Cyclamen and Paperwhite. They make lovely Christmas displays, and if you plant a few extra pots now, they’re perfect for presents.
- You could also plant early potatoes and, with a bit of luck and care, be serving homegrown spuds with your Christmas dinner.
- If you have tender perennials still outside, consider lifting and moving them into the greenhouse where they’ll be protected from frost. It’s also a good time to divide plants that have grown too large, repot them, and give them space to recover and regrow.
- Finally, experiment. Every greenhouse is different. Some are sunny and dry, others cooler and more shaded. Try growing something you’ve never attempted before and see how it does. You might find your greenhouse is the perfect home for an orchid, a citrus tree or even a passionflower.
Mervyn Montgomery continued: “The more effort you put into the greenhouse now, the better it will serve you right through winter and into spring. In short, clear the weeds and plant the seeds!”
For over 40 years, Hampton has been synonymous with timber and glazed extensions, including bespoke orangeries and conservatories. Hampton’s approach to design has always been rooted in a deep appreciation of the principles of symmetry and proportion that define architectural excellence. This guiding philosophy has also been applied to the company’s new luxury timber greenhouse range, which launched in July this year and is aimed at the discerning horticulturist and homeowner.
The company is the only timber greenhouse manufacturer in the UK using FSC hardwood with full chain of custody, meaning the wood is tracked from source through to the final product, ensuring true sustainability and traceability. As the timber genuinely originates from responsibly managed forests, owners of a Hampton greenhouse can rest assured that their gardening endeavours will not have a detrimental impact on the planet.
The greenhouses are available to order online at www.hamptonconservatories.co.uk
or by calling 028 7082 4100.
A greenhouse brochure is also available.
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Portrush-based Hampton (Hampton Conservatories) was founded in 1982 by Mervyn and Kim Montgomery and has since become a leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke hardwood glass buildings. It has developed unrivalled expertise in producing award-winning bespoke conservatories, orangeries, swimming pool enclosures, botanical glasshouses, garden rooms, and glazed pavilions.