WHILE many gardeners wait until autumn to carry out vital greenhouse maintenance, summer is also a good time as it’s generally warm enough for you to put pots outside to allow you to move around inside.

Greenhouse and frame maintenance should be carried out a couple of times a year, ideally in early spring when you can clean the glass inside and out, wash down the staging and remove debris from guttering.

At this time of year, take advantage of dry days by making sure the glass fits snugly to the frame and replace any broken panes.

Use a hose and long-handled, soft-bristled brush to clean the roof glass and take a washing-up cloth to the sides, going over all areas, because even if the glass looks clean, it will probably have a thin layer of algae on it.

Clean out debris from guttering and check that the brackets are sound and firmly attached and that there are no leaks. Small leaks can be repaired with a flexible, transparent, silicone polymer applied with a mastic gun, but for larger leaks you may need new gutters and downpipes.

Wooden frames need to be scrubbed clean with detergent and should be checked for rot.

Cut back rotten wood to where it is sound and replace it with naturally durable wood such as pressure-treated timber. New bare wood should be treated with wood preservative. Aluminium frames should only need a quick brush over.

Once you have cleaned the outside, bring your plants outdoors if weather permits and remove weeds from the corners of the greenhouse. Wash and clean the glass and frame inside, sweep away debris and wash down staging, which will help prevent problems from pests and diseases over the winter.

Allow the greenhouse to dry before moving the plants back in.

Check vents, lubricate hinges and adjust automatic vent openers.

Remember that all the usual greenhouse pests will remain active and breed rapidly in warm weather. Biological controls are very effective in the greenhouse, but be careful not to destroy them with insecticides.

It’s wise to give each plant a health check before you bring it back in, weeding it and trimming if necessary. Dead leaves can be removed and you can boost your plant with a new top dressing.

Pick off any slugs, snails or other pest and leave any plant which is infested with pests outside for more treatment.