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Talkback: Cleaning the greenhouse

Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
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Thanks for the sound advice on the greenhouse. My next concern is that in the past I have re-used pots from year to year, removing the old compost, but this year I thought it would be best to clean the pots to ensure they are totally clean to use again.

Any advice on what is best practise for cleaning and if there is anything that should be added to the water to aid the cleaning, or is it water and elbow grease ??? Would mild washing up liquid do any damage ?

Regards
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  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I clean my greenhouse every year using a hefty squirt of Fairy washing-up liquid in a bucket of lukewarm water. It does the job beautifully, inside and out, and although I generally rinse it off with clean water after the scrub, I don't really think it is necessary. The rain does the rest anyway. There has been no effect on the plants in a bed beside the greenhouse either.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I clean my greenhouse with the recommended amount of Jeyes Fluid to warm water. For the stubborn algae, I have added a squirt of Fairy Liquid. This seems to do the job quite satisfactorily. I then give both inside and out a good rinse with the hose pipe. The glass is sparkling and all set for the new season.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I use a little Ecover washing up liquid, but even then only when really necessary - elbow grease and an old fashioned scrubbing brush do the trick on most occasions !
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    Where do i buy elbow grease?
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    i planted 8 hellebores last april/may purchased from a well knowen garden centre they were reduced after they had flowered but now when i was looking forward to them flowering for the ist time in my garden they have failed so far although they have been in leaf throughout the year & any black spotting has been removed
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I have found that hellebores sulk a bit after being planted. Some of mine took a few years to flower, but were well worth waiting for.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    LOL JJB! My Mum once sent me to the shop for a tin of elbow grease, I got halfway there before she sent one of my brothers after me ... they all found it extremely funny ;-)
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    I put some new glass in my greenhouse last year it really showed up the old glass that managed to stay in tact for the last 35 years I just hope the year has toned it down a bit to match the rest, but I promis I will clean it this year, as easily as possible. I have Hellebores self seeded in the pot with my hydranger I just hope I can tease the out with out killing them, I don't suppose they will be the same as the mother plant but will be nice if I have something new.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    sorry I left the e off of promise and dear me Hydrangea also spelt wrongly, I know some body will be waiting to pounce.
  • Gardeners' World Web UserGardeners' World Web User Posts: 17,147
    wouldn't it be great if you COULD buy elbow grease ?!
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