Cleaning a Poly-tunnel at the End of the Growing Season
Cleaning a polytunnel at the end of the growing season is essential for maintaining a healthy growing environment. It helps remove pests, diseases, algae, and mould, ensuring a fresh start for the next planting season. Here’s what you can use and how to clean your polytunnel effectively.
Materials You Will Need:
Soft brush or broom: For removing loose dirt, dust, and debris.
Mild detergent or soap: An eco-friendly dish soap or liquid soap works well for cleaning the polytunnel without harming the environment.
White vinegar: A natural disinfectant that helps eliminate mould, mildew, and algae.
Baking soda: Another natural cleaner that can be used for scrubbing stubborn spots.
Disinfectant (optional): For extra sanitation, especially if you’ve had plant diseases. Look for a garden-safe disinfectant.
Garden hose or pressure washer (set to low pressure): For rinsing off the structure.
Buckets and sponges: For washing the polytunnel by hand.
Microfiber cloths: For wiping down surfaces after cleaning.
Bleach (use sparingly): Only for spot-cleaning persistent mould or algae, as it can harm plants and the environment if used excessively.
Steps for Cleaning a Polytunnel:
1. Remove Plants and Debris:
Start by clearing out any old plants, weeds, and leftover debris from the growing season.
Compost healthy plants, but dispose of diseased plants and weeds in the trash to prevent contamination next season.
2. Brush Off Dirt and Loose Debris:
Use a soft broom or brush to remove loose dirt, dust, and plant matter from both the inside and outside of the polytunnel.
Be gentle on the plastic to avoid tearing or scratching the surface.
3. Wash the Cover:
Prepare a mixture of mild detergent or soap with warm water in a bucket.
Use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the cover, paying special attention to areas with algae, mold, or mildew.
For tougher spots, you can sprinkle baking soda on the sponge to gently scrub without scratching the plastic.
Alternative Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for a natural cleaning solution that helps prevent mould and algae growth.
4. Disinfect the Polytunnel:
If you’ve had any issues with plant diseases, consider disinfecting the surfaces.
You can use a garden-safe disinfectant, or mix 1 part white vinegar with 9 parts water for a more natural option.
Wipe down or spray the metal framework, door handles, and any shelves with disinfectant to kill bacteria, fungi, or pathogens.
If using bleach for stubborn mould, dilute it with plenty of water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and spot-clean specific areas.
5. Clean the Floor:
Sweep the floor of the polytunnel to remove any remaining dirt, leaves, or plant debris.
If you use a solid flooring material (such as gravel or concrete), hose it down or mop it with soapy water and a disinfectant.
If your floor is soil, simply rake it and consider adding new mulch or compost to refresh the ground.
6. Rinse Thoroughly:
After scrubbing, use a garden hose or a pressure washer (on low pressure) to thoroughly rinse the polytunnel, inside and out, ensuring no soap residue is left behind.
Rinse the framework and any surfaces you cleaned with disinfectant as well.
7. Dry the Polytunnel:
Open the doors and vents of the polytunnel to allow for good airflow, helping it dry out completely.
Wipe down the inside with microfiber cloths if needed, especially if there are puddles or water droplets left behind.
8. Inspect for Damage:
As you clean, check for any holes, tears, or damage to the cover and framework.
Repair any small tears with repair tape designed for polytunnels or replace sections of the cover if necessary.
9. Maintenance Before Winter:
If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider adding insulation or a second cover layer to protect the polytunnel.
Check the ventilation system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Additional Tips:
Preventing Algae Growth: Regularly clean the polytunnel throughout the growing season to prevent algae and mildew buildup.
UV Stabilization: Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the UV stabilization of the polytunnel cover.
Keep Gutters Clean: If your polytunnel has gutters, clean them out to prevent water buildup.
By keeping your polytunnel clean and well-maintained, you ensure a healthy and productive environment for the next growing season.
