​A greenhouse is important for many keen gardeners, however, for a greenhouse to function properly it benefits from regular maintenance and care. With that in mind here are a few helpful suggestions:
 
To start with, it’s advisable to keep your greenhouse locked when not in use, especially in households with young children. Many potentially dangerous items are often kept in a greenhouse, like gardening tools and pesticides, etc. so it's important to keep them out of harm's way.
 
A greenhouse is designed so that it can retain heat and light, creating the ideal environment for plant growth. One of the keys to maintaining this environment is good ventilation, otherwise, air will become stagnant and humid which will allow fungi to grow. A lack of ventilation will also cause the greenhouse to become too hot and this will kill plants.
 
In the winter months, it is usually necessary to provide extra heat in a greenhouse by way of an electric heater. To minimize the risk of fire it is very important to only use a heater that is intended for greenhouses. You also want to keep this in mind when using other electrical items by only using those that are suitable for outdoor use. Keep them unplugged when you are not using them.
 
It is not uncommon for the greenhouse to develop a leak from time to time. If you notice a leak, fix it immediately to prevent too much moisture from accumulating and to stop mold or other pathogens from growing. Doing this will also keep insects away.
 
It's clear to see the need for regular greenhouse maintenance so that it is a safe environment for plants to flourish.

​As October is now upon us and fall is here, it is time to start preparing for those cold winter months.  While it’s not the most pleasant thought, now is the best time to plan our home winterization.  So, how do we do this?  Here are a few suggestions:
 
Now is a good time to test your heating system, before its really needed.  One way you can do this is by turning up the thermostat.  How does it respond?  If it is very slow to respond, it may need some attention.  Another good idea is to change the air filter and, if you use propane or oil, have the tank filled and ready.  If you have a fireplace, it would be good to have it inspected and make sure it is in good working order, ready for use.
 
Have gutters and downspouts cleaned out so that you prevent any debris left in them from freezing, which can weigh down guttering and damage it.  This is also a good time to put a coat of sealer on decking and cover over outdoor furniture.   Drain sprinkler systems of all water and air so that they do not crack during cold temperatures.
 
One area which can create a lot of damage to a home during winter is the homes plumbing system.  Pipes lead to all areas of the home, including areas that are not occupied or heated such as the attic and crawlspace.  Use fiberglass insulation or foam to cover the pipes in these areas.  It's also a good idea to maintain the homes temperature at a high enough level so that pipes in these unheated areas don’t freeze either.
 
So, while the thought of freezing temperatures is not always pleasant to many of us, preparing your home now will ensure a warm and problem free winter at home.