The greenhouse in autumn

Clean it well in preparation for winter plants, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

IT'S time to start thinking about winding down the summer greenhouse and getting it ready I for the autumn and winter.

The first thing to do is take down shading, or wash off shading paint, to allow maximum light to the plants that are remaining inside.

Autumnal mists and mellow fruitfulness are all well and good and beautiful to behold, but a mild, damp season is the perfect breeding ground for moulds, so make sure the greenhouse is clean before moving tender plants in.

Disinfect surfaces and the framework and use a plastic label to winkle out debris jammed between the frame and panes. Make sure the panes are secure too, adding extra clips where necessary.

Our tomatoes still have some fruiting life left in them so I've removed a lot of the lower leaves so that sunlight can get to the remaining trusses.

If they take their time turning red, I'll tie a blackening banana next to them to release the 'ripening gas' ethylene and hurry them up.