Have you ever stumbled upon an abandoned greenhouse? It’s a sight that captures the imagination. An abandoned greenhouse – overgrown with wild vines is a powerful image of nature reclaiming its space. It can feel both sad and beautiful at the same time. If you find yourself the new owner of such a place, don’t despair. With some patience and the right approach, you can bring it back to life. This guide will walk you through the process, from first assessment to planting your first new seedlings.
Abandoned Greenhouse – Overgrown With Wild Vines
That initial view can be overwhelming. Vines like ivy, Virginia creeper, or wild grape have likely taken over. Their roots can damage structure, and their weight can stress old glass and frames. Your first job is not to rush in with shears, but to plan. A methodical approach saves time and prevents injury or further damage.
First Steps: Safety and Assessment
Before you touch a single plant, you need to make the site safe. An old greenhouse can have many hidden hazards. Assume nothing is stable until you check it.
- Wear Protective Gear: Thick gloves, long sleeves, sturdy boots, and safety goggles are non-negotiable. You’ll encounter thorns, splinters, and possibly broken glass.
- Check the Structure: Carefully look at the frame. Is it wooden or metal? Is it rusted or rotted? Gently test the stability of beams and posts. Look for cracks in the foundation.
- Inspect the Glazing: Look for broken panes of glass or cracked polycarbonate sheets. These will need to be replaced to make the greenhouse functional again.
- Be Aware of Pests: An overgrown space can house wasps, rodents, or snakes. Make some noise as you approach to encourage them to leave.
The Clearing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now you’re ready to start clearing. The key is to work from the top down and the outside in. This prevents you from being buried under falling vines.
- Cut the Main Vines at the Base: Use sharp loppers or a pruning saw to sever each major vine stem where it emerges from the ground. This cuts off the water supply to the upper growth.
- Let the Foliage Wilt: Wait 7-10 days. The leaves and stems on the greenhouse will start to die and become lighter, drier, and easier to remove. This is a crucial patience step many gardeners skip.
- Remove Large Debris from the Roof: Starting at the highest point, carefully pull down the dead vines. Work in small sections to avoid a sudden collapse. Have a helper if possible.
- Clear the Interior: Once the outside is mostly clear, move inside. Remove all dead plant matter from benches, floors, and corners. You’ll likely find old pots and tools too.
- Dig Out the Roots: After the vines are removed, dig around the base of the greenhouse to find the remaining root systems. Removing them prevents immediate regrowth.
Repairing the Structure and Glazing
With the greenhouse cleared, you can see the true state of the structure. Make a list of all necessary repairs. Start with the most critical: stability and weatherproofing.
- Repair or Replace Frame Members: Sister new wood alongside rotted wooden beams, or use metal repair plates for a metal frame. In severe cases, sections may need full replacement.
- Replace Broken Panes: Measure any broken glass or polycarbonate carefully. Order replacements, and install them using the proper glazing clips or sealant. This is vital for temperature control.
- Check and Fix the Door: Ensure the door frame is square and the door opens and closes smoothly. A good seal keeps heat in and pests out.
- Clean Everything Thoroughly: Use a mild disinfectant or horticultural soap to scrub every surface, inside and out. This removes algae, mold, and potential disease spores. Don’t forget the corners where debris can hide.
Dealing with the Ground Inside
The floor and any ground beds inside need attention. Vines and weeds would have depleted the soil and left roots.
First, remove all weeds and their roots from the soil. Then, consider your options. You can lay a new weed barrier fabric and gravel for a clean floor. Or, if you plan to plant in ground beds, you’ll need to revitalize the soil. Add lots of compost and well-rotted manure to bring back nutrients and improve texture.
Bringing Life Back: Your First Plants
Choosing your first plants for the revived greenhouse is exciting. Start with easy, resilient varieties that will give you success and build your confidence.
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and parsley thrive in the protected, sunny environment.
- Radishes: They mature very fast, sometimes in under a month, which is very rewarding.
- Tomato or Pepper Seedlings: Start these from seed to transplant outside later, or grow a dwarf variety inside year-round.
Remember to monitor temperature and ventilation closely. An old greenhouse can heat up very quickly on a sunny day, even in winter. Installing a simple automatic vent opener can be a game-changer if you aren’t always home.
Preventing the Vine Problem from Returning
Regular maintenance is the secret to keeping your greenhouse from being overrun again. A little work each week prevents a huge job later.
- Weekly Perimeter Check: Walk around the outside of your greenhouse every week. Look for any new vine seedlings or suckers trying to take root.
- Immediate Removal: Pull any new growth the moment you see it. Young vines are easy to pull by hand before they establish strong roots.
- Keep the Area Clear: Maintain a 1-2 foot clear border of gravel or mulch around the base of the greenhouse. This creates a dry, visible zone where weeds are easy to spot and remove.
- Prune Nearby Trees and Shrubs: Keep any surrounding foliage trimmed back so it doesn’t touch or lean on the greenhouse structure.
FAQ: Your Greenhouse Reclamation Questions
Q: What if the structure is too far gone to save?
A: If the frame is completely unsound, it may be a safety hazard. In this case, salvage any usable materials like glass or hardware, and consider dismantling it. You can use the foundation for a new greenhouse kit.
Q: Can I use weed killer on the vines?
A: It’s not recommended for the initial clearing. Herbicides can damage soil and harm future plants. The cutting-and-wilting method is safer. For persistent roots afterwards, a careful, targeted application may be an option, but manual removal is always best.
Q: How long will this reclamation project take?
A: It depends on the size and condition. Clearing might take a weekend or two. Repairs could take several more weekends. Spread the work out to avoid burnout. The entire process from start to planting might take a month or two of part-time work.
Q: What are the benefits of saving an old greenhouse versus buying new?
A: An old greenhouse often has character and charm that new structures lack. It can also be more cost-effective, even with repairs. You’re also recycling and giving a piece of garden history a new purpose, which is incredibly satisfying.
Restoring an abandoned greenhouse is a rewarding project. It connects you to the history of the land and gives you a functional space for year-round gardening. Each season you grow plants in it, you write a new chapter in its story, replacing one of neglect with one of care and abundance. Take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll be enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.