While we’ve already gone over the best ways to keep your greenhouse clean and running well, mistakes and troubles are naturally going to arrive. There are very few obstacles that can’t be overcome with some careful planning and adaptive learning. Here’s some common mistakes to look out for:
- Not considering your air circulation: This is one of the easiest aspects to overlook when building your greenhouse. Fresh, moving air is widely available to most plants growing outside, so we don’t consider the possible consequences of sealing off the crops from the outside air. Clean air reduces the chance for pests or disease and helps control temperature and ambient humidity. There are many things that can disrupt airflow within your greenhouse. A stuck window or clogged air filter can prevent clean air from getting in, or dirty air from getting out. Be sure to note when your filters need to be changed, or to open the windows in the morning.
- Unregulated temperatures: If a sudden cold front comes over the mountain, or if you’re in the middle of a blistering hot summer, your greenhouse may not be able to self-regulate. Instead of turning up the AC, shade can be used in the form of tree foliage or cloth -- but this must be measured against relative loss of light. Early spring is the best time to inspect and repair or replace your heating and cooling systems. It’s harder to fix a broken heater in the bitter winter than it is at Easter.
- Neglecting your irrigation: Any piping or storage containers used for water or fertilizers need to be routinely checked and cleaned in order to prevent build-up or damage. Diminished flow can be a result of a clogged filter. This problem is most evident in wilting plants and dry soil. A standard way to sterilize your irrigation system is by flushing it with a 5 to 1 mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide.
- Ignoring a pest problem: Since conditions in a greenhouse are so cushy for a plant, it makes sense that a swath of unwanted living things might also find your greenhouse appealing. If you find mold or certain pests continuously finding their way back inside, disinfection and sterilization may be in order. It may be necessary to decontaminate your entire irrigation system.
- Things getting a little too salty: You can measure the salt content in your nutrient solution or substrate by measuring the overall electrical conductivity. The more salt there is, the more nutrients are typically available. If this becomes too concentrated, your plant may struggle to properly absorb moisture, and suffer from prolonged thirst even when water is being adequately provided. This can be solved by disinfecting and sanitizing your irrigation system. If fertilizers are allowed to build up and run without maintenance, fertilizer salts can accumulate within your delivery or storage system.
