If you own a greenhouse or nursery, you’ve likely invested quite a bit of money into your operations and you know that even a partial loss can put your plants, profits, or even your whole business weeks behind! And with industry trends showing that demand is only rising, you don’t want to miss out on the most profitable time of year.
Spring is coming and summer will be here before we know it, so there’s no better time to do some routine maintenance to ensure that your greenhouse is in tip-top shape.
Note: Unplug all electrical components before deep cleaning or checking belts, screws, etc.
- Start with your frame.
- Tighten bolts, clips, and/or bar caps and make sure joints are sealed properly.
- Pay attention to any crevices where pests could be hiding out.
- Clean around the door and make sure it seals properly.
- Inspect and repair glazing.
- Tighten clips and/or bar caps and secure with silicone sealant.
- Wash and repair panels.
- Repair holes or tears in your cover with polyethylene tape.
- Perform a checkup of your ventilation system.
- Tighten, clean, and lubricate the vents.
- Inspect your fans for any belts, blades, or screws that need to be tightened or replaced.
- Check vent position switches and any hinges and catches.
- Clean your evaporative cooler pads.
- Prevent pests.
- Disinfect irrigation and holding tanks.
- Deep clean on a regular basis.
- Keep your plants healthy and remove plants that might be diseased immediately.
- Use natural pest control.
- Set up your shade system.
- Apply spray-on shading in preparation for summer (if applicable).
- Consider investing in roll-up shades as an alternative to spraying on shading.
If you plan to open your greenhouse or nursery to the public, there are several additional points to consider:
- Develop and post a fire escape plan.
- Decide on your pet policy.
- Consider how to keep families with children safe.
- Schedule and limit chemical usage.
- Keep equipment, appliances, and chemicals off-limits.
- Make your greenhouse or nursery accessible to everyone.
Despite your best efforts, accidents still can still happen. That’s why it’s important to have specialized business insurance designed for the unique needs of greenhouse and nursery owners. Learn more about GrowPro today.
