Why a Clean Greenhouse Is a Thriving Greenhouse

How a Proactive Cleaning Routine Can Prevent Pests & Plant Diseases In Your Greenhouse

One of the most important goals in greenhouse production is a fruitful crop that matures at the same time and stays free of pests or diseases. When a crop succumbs to rot, fungus gnats, blight, or another problem, it can mean a hefty financial loss as well as major disappointment. The best way to prevent these pests and plant diseases is with a proactive cleaning routine, which will prevent accumulation of infectious microbes and algae. To thrive, a greenhouse must be clean.

What Are The Benefits Of Disinfecting My Greenhouse?

Growers are always relieved to learn that most pathogens that affect their greenhouse crops can be managed to a large extent with the use of disinfectants from their commercial greenhouse supplier. Disinfectants can be effective against bacteria, common fungi such as rhizoctonia and pythium, and algae management. Algae is an often overlooked problem in greenhouses but should be addressed because it serves as a breeding ground for insect pests such as fungus gnats and shore flies. Properly cleaning your greenhouse is a crucial element in greenhouse management for top crop production and plant health.

When Should I Clean My Greenhouse?

It's much easier to prevent pests than it is to treat them, so develop a cleaning plan to protect your crops. There are two approaches: either proactively clean your greenhouse on a regular basis or develop a consistent cleaning protocol to use between crops.

It’s ideal to disinfect your greenhouse routinely, but the timing of crops and different maturation dates can make this difficult. Because of this, many growers prefer to implement their disinfecting and cleaning protocols in between crops, when the greenhouse is almost completely empty. At the end of season as employees anticipate a winter break, it can be tempting to wait on cleaning until the week before planting a crop, but it’s preferable to clean up debris from the growing season right after a harvest. This eliminates overwintering sites for pests and reduces bacterial populations before the spring growing season begins. 

What Should My Cleaning Routine Look Like?

Talk with a consultant at your wholesale hydroponic store to learn which cleaning products may be best for your greenhouse. Keep in mind that an effective cleaning routine will contain multiple steps. 

First, you’ll need to physically remove weeds, soil, and any debris out of the way. An outdoor vacuum and a good broom with a large dustpan are likely the only tools you’ll need for this step. A pressure washer with soap is another option, but everything that is sprayed will need to be carefully rinsed. However you choose to clean, start at the top of the greenhouse and work your way down. Spilled soil, growing media, and organic materials from plants, such as leaves, can reduce the effectiveness of your disinfectant, so don’t skip this step. 

Once debris has been removed, you can begin disinfecting. Pay special attention to areas where bacteria and algae like to hide, such as rafters, window ledges, between folds of plastic in the greenhouse’s structure, and the tops of piping

It’s ideal to construct your greenhouse benches and work tables out of wire so that they can be easily disinfected. Avoid wood, which is subject to rot, algae growth, and insect infestations. Between crop cycles, disinfect your benches and work stations with an approved disinfectant product available through a greenhouse farming distributor. There are multiple options for certified organic operations along with additional options for conventional growers. 

If you’ve previously had a disease problem, avoid reusing plant containers, because pathogens and spores can survive in root debris or soil particles that may be left on these containers. If you opt to reuse pots and trays, they should be thoroughly washed to remove all plant and soil debris before being treated with disinfectant. This should be done even if there is no evidence of disease in the crop or greenhouse environment. 

Algae, which grows on water piping, equipment, greenhouse coverings, benches, pots, and sidewalks within the greenhouse, should be carefully managed. Since algae is slippery, it poses a liability risk for employees and customers, in addition to serving as food and a breeding ground for many types of insect pests. Reduce algae growth with proper watering and fertilizer management, along with sanitation and disinfectant. 

Quality Greenhouse & Hydroponic Equipment Solutions In Phoenix

Dutch Direct is a one stop shop for all of your greenhouse management and production needs. We provide a wide selection of quality materials and equipment from around the world at wholesale pricing. Visit our website today to see how we can boost your plant growth and productivity!

18 North 57th Drive Ste #1

Phoenix Az 85043

United States

Phone: (480) 432-6410

Email: info@dutchdirect.us