How To Store Portable Greenhouse During Winter
Portable greenhouses are free standing structures that can be assembled or disassembled and moved whenever necessary. These are relatively smaller than most greenhouses. Unlike real greenhouses that use heater to keep the environment warm during extreme cold weather, portable greenhouses rely on passive solar heat to keep temperature stable and provide a suitable environment for plants to grow.
Gardeners who live in colder climate can benefit from a portable greenhouse as it can extent growing season by at least 2 to 3 months earlier, but must be folded over the winter.
While portable greenhouses are not as expensive as real greenhouses, it is important to know how to properly store them. This is how it’s done:
Cleaning the Cover
A typical portable greenhouse is made of vinyl or plastic products, which tend to break after a constant exposure to heat and cannot handle heavy weight such as broken tree limbs and snow. Once it is no longer needed in the spring or late fall, it must be disassembled to prevent unnecessary damages.
The easiest way to clean the greenhouse cover is to leave it directly on the frame itself. Mix dishwashing soap with water and use scrub to clean the plastic cover inside and out. Use cold water to rinse it off. Let it dry thoroughly before removing the cover from the frame.
Folding and Storage the Cover
Once removed, fold the cover in a tent-like fashion. If you still have the original box, place it inside the box for easy storage. If not, use a rope to tie the cover securely. Store the cover in a cool and dry place like a garage.
Storing the Frame
Disassemble the frame and store it during winter. This prevents the frame from catching rust and falling limbs. Make sure that the frames are clean and dry. It is good to bring out the assembly manual for easy reference, but if you don’t have it, color code each coupling before disassembling it. The worst thing that will happen to you is when you have protected your greenhouse frame from rust over the winter but no longer know how to assemble and use it for the next planning season.
Portable greenhouses last for about 2 to 3 years if not properly maintained. With proper care, maintenance, and right storage during the off season months, your portable greenhouse can last indefinitely.
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