Wondering how to maintain a greenhouse? Well, the steps are straightforward, but it takes a lot of patience to do so. If you want to grow your crops all year round or extend your gardening season, then we’ll help you do that.
Do you want to grow your plants that don’t usually survive during certain times? Then a greenhouse is perfect for you. Having a greenhouse can be beneficial in many ways.
You can have fun taking care of your plants with the care they need. The hardest part about having a greenhouse is building it and filling it with the plants of your choice. But that doesn’t end there. Let’s find out more about how to maintain a greenhouse
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Steps In Maintaining A Greenhouse
The plants won’t grow well if you’re letting them grow there all by themselves. You need to maintain your greenhouse for your plants to grow up to their full potential. Lucky for you, through all the ways to maintaining your greenhouse, we’ve summed it up for you.
Here are the ways on how to maintain a greenhouse:
#1 Sun and shade
Sunlight is essential to plants. We can’t avoid the dust lingering on top of your greenhouse covers. So a simple wiping will do. Scrub the windows of your greenhouse regularly to allow more sun. We don’t want to see a dusty greenhouse now, are we?
Having some natural shade will also suffice. Plant deciduous trees around your greenhouse to provide shade in summer and sun in the winter. Perfect for shielding strong winds too.
If there is no more space for growing trees outside, you can consider putting artificial shades. Install roll-up shades inside the greenhouse to protect plants from summer sun when necessary.
#2 Heating and ventilation
Ventilation is vital. Heat can be deadly to plants. Regularly check and maintain all heating system components, especially before the winter.
Consider installing a second door to avoid losing heat to a draft. In that way, more escape passage for heated air.
Colors can be a factor in controlling temperature too. Dark colors tend to absorb heat more than light colors. Paint indoor surface black to attract and retain heat.
Installing roof vents at the ridgeline of the greenhouse’s ceiling and the roof is a good idea. Or sound monitoring systems that are readily available for purchase for temperature monitoring.
You could also install airflow fans to help improve air circulation.
#3 Monitoring pests
When it comes to the best greenhouse maintenance, one of the most crucial factors in pest control, prevention is better than cure. To avoid pests, make sure you don’t bring it inside your greenhouse.
As much as possible, inspect the new plants before you bring them into your greenhouse. If you’re already suffering from pests issues, try to research about your situation. For instance, if you find aphids in your plants, you would know that ladybugs can help.
Pests that lurk into your plants have their natural enemies. This includes lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic flies, Adult assassin bug, and more. You can put them into the greenhouse to help control pests.
#4 Maintaining humidity
It all comes down to humidity. The more humid the greenhouse is, the better. Humidity is essential for plant growth.
Water your plants regularly. Never apply too much water to your plants. Too much is harmful as it can drown out your plants.
Consider the damping method. It also helps to keep your plants humidified. By wetting the hard surfaces in your greenhouse, the wet surfaces tend to evaporate and increase humidity.
Be cautious with the anti-dripping linings. In case you find water drips, it’s time for you to move the plants located in the drip line.
#5 Plant care
One of the most critical uses of the greenhouse is to grow plants. So taking good care of the plants should be the priority. Why build a greenhouse with no plants?
In taking care of your plants, there are basics. Prune dead leaves and branches and remove them from the greenhouse. Dead leaves and stems may steal some nutrients that are supposed to go to the other parts of the plant. So removing them is the best option.
Remove weeds and other uncontrolled plants from the area around the greenhouse. Weeds are stealing nutrients from your plants. Removing them should let your plants thrive.
#6 Cleanliness and orderliness
When it comes to growing, cleanliness is a must. Maintaining the area clean is a very effective way to prevent pests: washdown tables and benches with soapy water to remove dirt.
If you have smooth floors, Scrub and mop them regularly. It’s nice to walk in a clean and organized greenhouse. Make sure to wipe the windows. Clean the surfaces. And sweep floors for fallen leaves.
#7 Repairs
As time goes by, some parts of your greenhouse lose their sturdiness. They are so keeping in check if the materials are still sturdy.
Check everything that needs repair. Like torn parts, on your covers. Repair broken vents. Re-apply shade paints if the paint already wore off.
Conclusion
It’s very basic- regular maintenance is crucial. To ensure your plants to grow healthy, you have to give them a clean environment.
Yes, the process might sound simple, but it’s actually complicated. Yet, if you get used to it, things will get a lot easier. Don’t waste your time idling now that you know how to maintain a greenhouse. Happy gardening!