How to maintain your garden buildings, fences and patio

How to maintain your greenhouse

A greenhouse is a fantastic addition to any garden and will last for years with a little bit of love! Keep yours in great condition with our top maintenance tips.

Choose a time when the weather is good for a few days and you can empty out the greenhouse before you begin.

First, wipe down windows using a glass cleaner to ensure light can get in. Then, wash down tables and benches with warm soapy water.

Make sure you remove or protect all your precious greenhouse plants before you clean it. If you have a PVC greenhouse we recommend cleaning with a soft damp cloth.

Next, oil the windows and doors so they continue to open and close easily.

Also, it's important to stay on top of pests as often as you can. Inspect for pests and bugs and if you do find anything treat and move the plant away from the others to ensure it doesn’t spread.

When you've treated the bugs, wash all accessories including pots, trays and cans to prevent any contamination when re-using them.

Finally, remember to ventilate your greenhouse, especially on hot days right through from spring to autumn. This will prevent your plants from overheating. We recommend opening greenhouse doors, windows and vents on sunny days.

Simple steps to perk up your patio!

Can't see your patio for all the weeds or has it turned a funny shade of green? Fear not! Just follow our simple steps to help you perk up your patio in time for the summer months and get it back to looking its best.

• Start with a tidy up. Brush up any leaves and debris
• Banish pesky weeds - Remove larger weeds and debris that has collected in the gaps in your patio. Using a stiff brush will help shift even those stubborn weeds
• Pour patio cleaner into your garden sprayer. Spray the solution onto your patio then sit back and relax - many cleaners don't require any scrubbing, and can take around a week to do its thing
• Give it a sweep - After around a week, brush away any leftover dirt and debris. Ta da! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your newly cleaned patio!

If your patio is in need of a total refresh, you may need to invest in a pressure washer – this will jet away any stubborn mould, grime or dirt.

Revive and maintain outdoor wood

Make sure sheds and fences are well looked after and they will last for years to come.

We all know how the great British weather can bring rain, hail, snow and sun all in one season, but did you know this can cause pressure on wooden joints? That's why we think it’s a good idea to give wood a coat of paint on arrival, followed by a yearly treatment.

If your shed or fence is dip treated, a preservative is the best way to protect against rot and decay, followed by a waterproofing treatment to stop moisture getting in. If your shed or fence is pressure treated, you should only need to apply a waterproofing treatment.

Wood treatment is best applied in dry weather when there’s no rain expected for a few days to give it chance to do its magic. Before you start painting give the shed or fence a good clean, check for any loose nails and sand down surfaces. Paint in the direction of the wood grain and be sure to apply 2 coats for good coverage and a lasting finish. If you’re applying a completely different garden colour, a third coat may be needed.

We've got loads of handy articles to help you with this - check our guide on how to paint wood, and our top tips to maintain your shed!