It is not easy for plants to be spared from greenhouse mold in the long term. But if just a few rules for a he althy microclimate in the glasshouse are followed, the dangerous gray mold fungi have little chance of causing major damage or destroying entire cultures.
How can I prevent mold in the greenhouse?
To avoid greenhouse mold, ensure sufficient plant spacing, regularly check the microclimate, water directly at the roots, ventilate regularly and use nettle or horsetail broth as a preventative measure.
Growing fruit and vegetable plants or tropical exotics under glass all year round or even breeding completely new varieties is incredible fun and is thesupreme discipline of hobby gardenersAt least until the… If mold forms in the greenhouse, then the fun is over. Nevertheless,the dreaded gray horse does not have to be a reason for despair. Even under the often complicated climatic conditions that naturally prevail in the greenhouse and sometimes change several times a day, annoying fungi can be prevented quite well.
Causes of Greenhouse Mold
The good news at the beginning: even the most aggressive gray mold can hardly harm he althy and undamaged plants. On the other hand,wilted plant parts, broken flowers and leavesor excessively fertilized plants offer problematic areas of attack. This means that regular checks on the stocks help immensely, which means nothing more than that the tomato, pepper or cucumber plants in question must be removedquickly and rigorously if possible. After all, this method is still better than watching the greenhouse mold destroy all the plants within a very short time.
Too many plants would be a false ambition
As understandable as it may be, at some point every greenhouse is simply full and reducing the planting distances simply to increase the quantity rarely pays off. Especially at high humidity levels,the natural ventilation of the plants must work with each other. If it doesn't, it won't take very long until the characteristic "gray lawn", which consists of rapidly propagating mold spores, spreads to the previously he althy plants. When setting up a greenhouse seasonally, it would be important to note that:
- Plants must have enough space to dry off;
- Excessive humidity is avoided (regular ventilation);
- Don't get the leaves wet when watering, but rather water the roots;
- Plants also suffer from stress, be it due to drought, cold or heat, but also incorrect fertilization!
How to avoid greenhouse mold
In the greenhouse, it is best to water during the growing seasonfirst thing in the early morningThis gives the plants the best chance of drying out quickly, as the humidity at this time is still bearable for them. As a preventive measure, in addition to regular checks for emerging mold infestation, occasionalwatering with nettle or horsetail brothhas proven to be effective. If the daytime heat is too high, it helps to cover the greenhouse and thus quickly reduce the internal temperature. If you want to pursue your hobby in a particularly professional manner, we recommendpurchasing a suction fan, which can be converted to heating mode later in the winter.
Tip
Especially in summer, never use cold water for watering, but always use stale water from the watering can. The risk of greenhouse mold decreases significantly if the temperature and humidity inside are checked several times on hot days and regulated accordingly.
