Autumn treatment of greenhouses against late blight

Many gardeners have heard about how and why to treat a polycarbonate greenhouse against late blight in the fall, but what exactly does this work involve, and when should it be done according to all the rules? After harvesting, it's important to prepare the greenhouse for winter, as this is the key to a good harvest in the future, resistant to pests and diseases.

As for late blight, in our climate this disease is especially dangerous for tomatoes. The damage is characterized by the leaves and stems turning dark brown, the fruits cracking, and losing their flavor. Mold and a white coating may appear on them.

Important! Phytophthora It develops especially rapidly during the fruit ripening period, in high humidity, and with fluctuating temperatures. The disease is transmitted through soil, seeds, and infected plant debris.

Preparation for processing

Unlike film greenhouses, dismantling polycarbonate for the winter is not necessary, which is a plus. Experienced gardeners begin preventative maintenance in October. This includes removing all auxiliary equipment (stakes, twine) that were necessary for growing crops during the season.

You will also need to clear the soil in the greenhouse of plant debris. When preparing to treat a polycarbonate greenhouse for late blight in the fall, it is recommended to remove the top seven centimeters of soil, as this is the depth at which the larvae and pests themselves typically hibernate.

You'll also need to dig up the remaining soil—this is an additional measure to remove larvae and pests—and then disinfect the soil. Once the soil work is complete, you can begin working on the structure. The greenhouse walls should be washed with a soapy solution. If late blight, other diseases, or pests attack during the season, it's essential to use specialized products to combat the specific problem.

How to fumigate a greenhouse

Additional serious polycarbonate greenhouse treatment This involves using sulfur candles or simply sulfur cuttings to fumigate the entire room. To do this, first seal all cracks and windows, place the candle in the center of the greenhouse, light the fuse, then quickly exit and close the doors tightly.

Advice! To ensure the effectiveness of this treatment, it is recommended to additionally moisten the structure from the inside. If using cutting sulfur, use a kilogram of this substance per 10 cubic meters and mix it with charcoal. Then pour the mixture into basins and place the container in the center of the greenhouse.

It's important to note that the substance released during sulfur combustion can damage the metal frame of the greenhouse. Therefore, if any damage is already present during treatment, experts advise against fumigating the room with sulfur.

Important additional tips:

1. If perennials are grown in a greenhouse, the structure should be treated only in the spring. Use treatment products suitable for specific perennials.
2. Bordeaux mixture is an alternative to sulfur checkers, which cannot be used on already damaged metal frames. The solution is applied using a spray bottle.
3. If late blight is already in the soil, a weak solution of potassium permanganate will help combat it. Dig the soil to a depth of 20 cm, then water thoroughly. For severe infestations, additionally apply bleach (place it in piles in the summer).
4. Fertilizer application depends on the soil layer and its composition. Organic fertilizers are ideal, as they increase the humus content and ultimately reduce the risk of late blight.
5. Be sure to use preparations for treatment that interact with saltpeter and sawdust.

About folk methods

Folk remedies can also be used successfully as preventative measures. While these are intended specifically for prevention rather than for combating late blight, they have proven to be effective and efficient.

Proven folk methods:

1. The polypore mushroom is used to make a decoction. It should be crushed and poured with boiling water. Spray the infusion on greenhouse plants several times every two weeks.
2. Chalk or a sifted ash solution will help combat late blight. This solution can be applied to the soil or sprayed on greenhouse plants during the growing season.
3. An infusion of garlic pulp combined with potassium permanganate has proven to be excellent for spraying. Dissolve the mixture in warm water and use it three days later to spray young seedlings in the greenhouse. Repeat this procedure every ten days for a month.
4. Increasing the temperature in the greenhouse will help combat late blight. On a hot day, close all doors and vents, raising the temperature to 40°C (104°F). Then, ventilate thoroughly.
5. However, it is worth remembering that at temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and above, pollen on tomatoes becomes sterile.

These are the basic and crucial points regarding how to treat a polycarbonate greenhouse for late blight in the fall. It's important to first determine whether the disease poses a threat to the future harvest, then you can implement the necessary and most effective preventative measures.