In The Greenhouse This January

Watering Care 

• Watering: During winter, plants in the greenhouse need less water. However, it’s important to check soil moisture levels regularly. Water in the morning when possible, as it allows the soil to dry out before the temperature drops at night. 
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure that pots and trays have good drainage and avoid overwatering, as the reduced light and colder conditions can lead to root rot. 

Clean and Organise 

• Clean the Greenhouse: January is a great time to give the greenhouse a thorough clean. Wash windows and glass panes to maximize light penetration. Clean plant pots, benches, and tools to prevent the buildup of dirt, moss, and pests. 
• Sweep the Floor: Sweep away any fallen leaves or plant debris to keep the space tidy and to reduce the risk of disease. 

Maintain Temperature and Ventilation 

• Monitor Temperature: January can be quite cold, so ensure that your greenhouse is kept warm enough for any plants inside. While most plants are dormant, frost-sensitive plants (like some citrus or seedlings) need protection. If you don’t have heating, consider using a small greenhouse heater or heat mats to prevent temperatures from dipping too low. Aim to keep the temperature above freezing. 
• Ventilation: Even in winter, it’s important to ventilate the greenhouse on milder days to prevent humidity from building up, which can cause fungal diseases. Open vents or doors briefly when the temperature rises above freezing. 
• Insulate the Greenhouse: For those with unheated greenhouses, insulating the structure can help maintain a more stable temperature. Use bubble wrap or thermal blankets to line the walls and roof to keep the greenhouse warmer. Be sure to leave space for ventilation to avoid overheating on milder days. 

Check for Pests and Diseases 

• Inspect for Pests: Even in winter, pests like aphids, whitefly, and mealybugs can be active in the greenhouse. Check the plants regularly for any signs of infestation, and remove pests by hand or use organic treatments if necessary. 
• Control Fungal Diseases: Ensure that humidity levels are controlled to prevent fungal diseases such as mold or mildew. You can also use a fungicide treatment if necessary. 

Plan for Spring Planting 

• Start Early Crops: January is a good time to start planning for spring. If you’re growing early crops, such as tomatoes, peppers, or chillies, you can begin sowing seeds indoors in your greenhouse under controlled conditions (using heat mats or propagators if necessary). These crops will benefit from the head start and be ready for transplanting when the weather warms up. 
• Buy Seeds: If you haven’t already, this is the perfect time to buy seeds for the coming growing season. 

Ensure Good Light 

• Maximize Light Exposure: Days are short in January, so it’s important to make the most of the available daylight. Keep the greenhouse clear of obstructions that might block sunlight. Clean the glass or polycarbonate to ensure that as much light as possible gets through to the plants. 

By following these tips, you can keep your greenhouse plants healthy through the winter and get a jumpstart on the growing season in the coming months.