Get the best gardening results from your glass in a cold frame, greenhouse or glasshouse. (The difference I am told is that a glasshouse has controlled conditions).

Preparation  for 2011

• Make some glasshouse resolutions and stick to them. What will be grown and when. What experiments may be worth trying etc.
• Plants need light so clean the glass thoroughly inside and out.
• Take down any bubble wrap insulation and clean with Jeyes fluid. Replace damaged sections before reinstalling.
• Clean out  guttering and algae from cracks between the glass. A plastic plant label may help you get into tight spaces.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces, benches, gravel and capillary matting.
• Wash any pots taking care to get rid of bugs lurking under rims and on bottoms.
• Treat wood frames with a wood preservative.
• Check windows for damage or loose panes.
• Ventilate well and allow the area to dry
• Replace any soil or compost according to your resolutions above

Do not forget to clean other equipment like temporary plastic structures, cold frames and cloches.