After the end of the summer cottage season and harvest, experienced summer residents begin to think about preparing for spring. Treat a polycarbonate greenhouse in the fall — is a concern for many. This is one of the essential conditions for its continued use. Timely and appropriate measures will extend its useful life for growing vegetables and other crops.
Why do processing?
Beginning gardeners often overlook the importance of preventative maintenance for polycarbonate products used in their gardens. However, greenhouses made of this material, for example, are a breeding ground for spores and pests. They infest the soil, frame components, and greenhouse equipment. For this reason, it's crucial to implement all necessary agricultural practices, such as treating greenhouses in autumn against pests and diseases.
Of course, not all inhabitants are harmful to plants. Soil is considered a living organism, home to a multitude of bacteria. They constantly convert organic matter into chemical compounds necessary for the normal growth and development of crops. Various insects inhabit the soil, but not all of them pose a danger to vegetables and berries.
The greenhouse microclimate has a beneficial effect on the development of pathogenic flora.
The fight against them must begin immediately. after harvestThe project will only be successful if you know how to treat a polycarbonate greenhouse in the fall. This is very important if you don't plan to replace the soil. Sometimes such work is also carried out in the spring, but it's increasingly better to do this in the fall. These measures will improve the shelf life of future fruits and reduce the risk of crop damage from diseases and pests.
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If you neglect disinfecting a polycarbonate greenhouse, harmful bacteria will re-infect your crops in the new season. Many pathogens are known to remain active for long periods of time. This is especially true for late blight spores, which damage tomatoes. Autumn treatment of a polycarbonate greenhouse effectively eliminates whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, nematodes, and other pests.
It is recommended to perform all work in the following order:
- collect and remove all plant remains from the greenhouse;
- wash and clean the walls and roof of the greenhouse;
- carry out soil processing and preparation;
- carry out disinfection;
- if necessary, make minor repairs to the structure.
Soil disinfection
The soil is cleared of plant debris. No roots, stems, or fallen seeds should remain on the surface. If plants were treated with pesticides due to disease, they should be completely destroyed. Healthy plants can be used in a compost bin. This compost is not recommended for growing similar species.
Equipment and other items should be removed and sanitized. It is recommended to remove the top 7-9 cm of greenhouse soil. After this, a new, healthy mixture should be added. Now you can add organic fertilizer and begin digging the entire soil, including the bottom layer. When this type of work is performed in the spring, the application of fresh organic matter is omitted.
If there have been no widespread plant diseases or pest attacks this season, the soil can be left in place. However, it must be disinfected after digging. This is usually done using one of the following solutions is used:
- copper sulfate;
- lime and chlorine;
- 3% ferrous sulfate.
Greenhouse soil is also often treated with boiling water, which is especially important in the spring. However, such treatments will harm earthworms, which improve the soil's composition. enrich it with humus and improve the structure. Chemical preparations are best used only in the fall.
Cleaning of the frame and covering
The polycarbonate covering should be carefully inspected for rust and other damage. If any, they should be repaired or painted. It is recommended to wash the frame elements with a warm, soapy solution.
Every spring or fall, remember to wash the greenhouse inside and out. After cleaning, wipe the polycarbonate with a damp cloth. Avoid allowing the solution to come into contact with the ground. A non-abrasive cleaning agent is usually recommended for disinfection. To avoid damaging the polycarbonate, you can use soft sponges instead of cloths.
Methods and means
Greenhouse disinfection in spring differs from autumn disinfection. This is due to the specific products used. It is generally accepted that only biological compounds can be used in spring. The following methods are suitable for autumn:
- fumigation with a sulfur candle or cuttings of sulfur;
- irrigation with copper sulfate;
- spraying with bleach.
However, sulfur-based disinfectants are not suitable for greenhouses made of galvanized steel. They are suitable for wooden or painted surfaces. Protective equipment is required when using this type of disinfection, as sulfur releases toxic substances.
The same principle is used for processing with cuttings sulfur, but the product is taken at the rate of 1 kg per 10 m3, placing everything on metal trays. The main substance is crushed, then mixed with charcoal in equal proportions, and then ignited. After this process, the greenhouse should be kept closed for 5-7 days. Then, it is ventilated for about 2 weeks.
Many gardeners are concerned about what to treat their greenhouse with in the fall, as this will impact the next season's harvest. For example, bleach is suitable for spring and fall.
For this they take:
- 1 liter of water;
- 400 g of bleach.
Place the diluted mixture in a spray bottle and let it sit for 4 hours. After this time, it can be used to spray the greenhouse and soil. The building is closed for 2 days Afterwards, it's thoroughly ventilated. This solution can be used to disinfect greenhouse equipment.
Preparing for winter
If you don't plan to grow crops in the greenhouse during the winter, it's best to leave it open. Freezing the soil is inexpensive and time-efficient. To do this, simply keep the doors and vents slightly open. Freezing the soil effectively eliminates most pests that overwinter in the greenhouse soil.
This method will help equalize the temperature inside the structure. This will prevent condensation and ice from forming on the greenhouse walls. Accumulated snow will be easier to remove, and most often, it will fall away under its own weight.
It's a good idea to add snow to the greenhouse at the end of winter to thoroughly moisten the soil. This will awaken the soil microorganisms within the structure sooner and, along with the moisture, will increase crop yields.