Growers should consider performing these 10 tasks to prepare for another growing season.
For many greenhouse growers, November is a month of preparation. Growers are planning plant shipments, making orders, replacing plastic, pouring concrete and performing other routine maintenance. Growers who plan and prepare ahead of time when moving into the 2016 growing season will be better able to focus on the task of the day and face fewer challenges. Michigan State University Extension recommends growers perform the following pre-season tasks to ensure a smooth growing season:
- Power wash empty greenhouse. Growers should consider power washing the concrete pathways, walls, benches and other equipment in their greenhouse. It will remove dirt, algae and other sources of pathogens.
- Replace plastic. Growers should routinely replace the plastic covering the greenhouse because, as it ages, a decreasing amount of light will reach the plants. New, clean plastic will also reduce sources of pathogens.
- Use sanitizing agents on walls, benches, equipment and floors. Numerous sanitizing agents are available to clean walls, equipment and other surfaces in the greenhouse. Sanitation for Disease and Pest Management from Purdue University provides examples of some of the chemicals growers can use to sanitize the greenhouse.