Greenhouse treatment in spring against pests and diseases

Growing vegetables in Russia's temperate climate, which so desperately requires warmth, requires such facilities. However, while creating comfortable conditions for plants, greenhouses also provide a perfect environment for weeds and pathogens. The golden rule of prevention applies: prevention is better than cure. Is it possible to plant tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in the same greenhouse?, every gardener should know about this.

Initial stage: preparation and restoration of the greenhouse

At this stage, the following volumes of work should be completed:

1. It's important to review the structural integrity. If necessary, replace damaged frame parts.
2. Also, pay attention to the condition of the coating. There should be no holes under any circumstances: the film can be repaired by re-applying it or applying patches with tape.
3. If all plant debris wasn't removed in the fall, it's essential to do so now. After all, fallen leaves, shoots, and branches could have harbored pathogens and pests.
4. Greenhouse coverings are usually washed with a soap and soda solution. However, if the covering is made of polycarbonate, cleaning should be done carefully: use only soft materials and avoid abrasive or scratching substances.

Next, we need to take a closer look at how to treat the soil in a greenhouse. In the spring, soil sanitization against pests and diseases is carried out using several methods, which will be discussed below.

Options for soil cultivation in a greenhouse

When the greenhouse area does not exceed 30 square meters, boiling water is most often used. Hot water helps kill pests and many pathogens in the soil. In southern regions, where there is sufficient solar heat, a "wet bath" is often used. This method involves sealing the greenhouse to prevent any air from entering for a week, after flooding the soil with large amounts of water. During this period, many pests will also be destroyed. Caring for cucumbers in a greenhouse must be carried out correctly.

For central regions and colder northern areas, this procedure is, of course, impossible. Therefore, replacing the topsoil is particularly effective. Remove about 10 cm of soil, spread it over the garden, and replace the old soil with compost and organic fertilizers, then dig thoroughly into the greenhouse.

You can also improve the soil under a cover naturally by planting special crops. Green manure crops are a solution for those gardeners willing to wait for a large harvest, as they require a significant amount of greenhouse space to be planted with these crops. For organic farmers, this is the best solution.

Chemicals are often used to disinfect soil. For acidic soils, bleach solutions are used. Experienced gardeners and hobbyists will advise on how to treat a greenhouse in the spring against pests and diseases. Many of them use the tried-and-true method of using effective copper or iron sulfate. These remedies are fully justified as a preventative measure.

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It's important to remember that early chemical soil treatments have virtually no negative impact on the growth of vegetable crops. However, if you miss the ideal time for pesticide treatment, don't despair; instead, use safer, natural remedies. Many have proven effective in combating pathogenic bacteria. These natural remedies include onion and garlic infusions, mustard, and tobacco dust.

How to disinfect greenhouse frames and coverings?

The cleaned greenhouse structure should also be disinfected. If you're unsure how to do this, read the recommendations below. It's believed that the simplest and safest way to prepare a greenhouse for the new season is to fumigate it with smoke. A simple fire, with the smoke directed directly onto the structure, is suitable for this purpose.

To be 100% sure that pests and diseases won't harm your plants, use the more effective sulfur fumigation. Sulfur dioxide penetrates deep into the soil and any hard-to-reach areas, killing all living things in its path: insects, diseases, and rodents. However, this method is also quite dangerous for humans. Sulfur vapors pose a threat to the respiratory system, causing bronchospasm.

To avoid harming yourself during the procedure, before treating your greenhouse with sulfur in the spring to control pests and diseases, make sure you have a gas mask, or at least a respirator. Light the sulfur candles starting from the furthest one to get to the exit as quickly as possible.

Another common option is sprayingSpraying the frame and covering with special solutions based on chemicals or natural ingredients is a common solution. Bleaching powder and copper sulfate can also help disinfect the greenhouse. These solutions are only used on the interior elements of the structure.

Ferrous sulfate is especially effective when trying to get rid of lichens and moss spores. Spraying with the prepared solution should only be done after the surfaces have been completely cleared of fungal growths.

The use of bio-based solutions is considered a safer option for human health. While they are less effective than chemical solutions when pests are present, they are ideal for preventative measures while also positively impacting soil fertility.

Before treating your greenhouse for pests and diseases in the spring, consider the purpose of the procedure – soil treatment or prevention.