Keeping a Pest Free Greenhouse
Pests are one of the biggest threats to plants in a greenhouse. In fact, if left unchecked, pests in a greenhouse would be more devastating than a similar invasion in an open air garden. Because the environment is closed, the multiplying pests are concentrated in a smaller area and thus have fewer plants to attack than in an open garden where there are no physical barriers. For the greenhouse to serve its intended purpose, pest control must be at the top of your agenda.
Follow these guidelines to help keep your greenhouse pest free:
Keep it Clean: Create a cleaning schedule which you follow on a weekly basis. Quickly remove any mold or fungi if you should discover it. Mold and fungi can become a huge problem in an enclosed space and spread very quickly. Each season do a deep cleaning, removing all items and washing down every surface with hot soapy water.
Freeze them Out: An easy and cheap way to remove uninvited guests from your greenhouse is to freeze them out. Remove all your plants and store them in a warm place for a day or two. Open your greenhouse up to a cold environment and the pests are likely to move on or die. When you are sure your greenhouse is safe, bring your plants back in and return your greenhouse to the proper conditions.
Check Your Tools & Dirt: Unsanitary tools are another item that can infest your greenhouse. Be sure you wash all your tools (even the new ones) with bleach and hot water before using them. They may appear clean to the naked eye but you never know what is on there that can be harmful. In addition use sterilized potting mixtures rather than regular dirt or soil.
Observe: Regularly inspect your plants checking for any signs of pest eggs or larvae. Do not take chances. As a general rule of thumb, if you do not know what it is, get rid of it immediately. Your best defence is proactive offence by nipping any signs of pests well before they get a foothold. Any plant already infested should be quarantined and treated separately to prevent pest spread.
Insect Pest Control: Whenever possible you should avoid using pesticides, especially if your plants are meant for human consumption. Praying mantis's and lady bugs will prey on pests that are harmful to your crops while leaving them alone for you to enjoy.
Follow these five steps and your greenhouse is sure to remain pest free leaving you to enjoy the rewards.
To learn much more about Keeping a Greenhouse Pest Free. Please visit Jonathan Miranda's website where you can learn all about Greenhouses. How to build greenhouses, where to buy them and more.
