Processing the greenhouse in the fall is one of the most important activities that I do in the fall. I start with it as soon as I harvest the entire crop. I adhere to the following sequence of actions.
Why it is necessary to process the greenhouse in the fall
The main purpose of the procedure is to disinfect the structure from pathogenic microorganisms that could appear on the crops of the last season. And also get rid of the larvae of insect pests.
After a thorough treatment, I proceed to the restoration of the soil.
I adhere to the following sequence:
- Harvest.
- Digging.
- The washing up.
- Disinfection and treatment from pests.
- Soil preparation.
Let's consider each point in more detail.
Harvesting
After harvesting the fruits, I thoroughly clean the greenhouse from lashes, residues of tops, weeds and small roots. This must be done, since even the smallest parts of tomatoes can become a source of such a dangerous disease as late blight. Therefore, I do not put the leftovers in the compost, but burn them.
Further, I disassemble all the supports, wash them, disinfect them, dry them and put them away for storage. I remove the film from the film structures. I do the same with the covering material as with the supports.
Digging the soil
A large number of pathogens, fungal spores and larvae of insect pests enter the soil. Careful digging of the soil with at least a shovel bayonet will help prepare the soil for the disinfection procedure.
Once every 3 years, I will certainly remove the top layer of the earth completely, removing about 30 cm. Since it is in such a layer that a large amount of salts, insecticides and fertilizers accumulate over time.
I mix the removed soil with compost. I put a new, fertile one in the greenhouse.
Greenhouse cleaning
If I disassemble film greenhouses, then I thoroughly wash polycarbonate greenhouses.
I do this:
- In 10 liters of hot water I dilute 1 bar of laundry soap. To get a solution faster, I cut the soap into small pieces.
- Using a foam sponge, I apply it to all parts of the greenhouse, paying special attention to the frame, small cracks and hard-to-reach places.
- I leave it for 15 minutes.
- I wash off with clean water with a rag.
I do the same with inventory.
Since polycarbonate can be scratched, I only use a soft sponge and cloth to wash it.
In addition, with a clean design, it is much easier to remove ice and snow in winter.
Disinfection and treatment from pests
Most often in greenhouses, I grow:
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- pepper.
These plants attract a large number of pathogens and pests. To avoid the appearance of various diseases next year, I disinfect the greenhouse in the fall.
I use:
- Bordeaux liquid. An effective prophylactic agent for late blight.
- Fungicides. Excellent help against fungal spores and in the fight against powdery mildew.
- Specialized drugs for fusarium.
- Biological products for root rot.
Copper sulfate is suitable as a universal antiseptic. However, I use it with caution, no more than 1 time in 3 years, since it increases the acidity index.
In the fight against pathogens of various diseases, as well as against insect pests, sulfur checkers have proven themselves.
I use them as a prophylaxis against:
- aphids;
- whitefly;
- bear;
- wireworm;
- May beetle;
- nematodes.
Soil preparation
After all the activities, I start preparing the soil. Crops grown in the greenhouse, actively consuming nutrients from the soil, deplete it. Therefore, it is necessary to restore the fertile layer.
I bring in for digging:
- manure;
- compost or humus;
- lime to slightly acidify the soil.
I have been using this sequence for preparing greenhouses in the fall for more than one year. And in the new season I get healthy crops that give a high yield.
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