Watering greenhouse crops

Comment by Colin Robinson on October 5, 2012 at 23:13

I tend to do it when the plants look as if they need it. I think a bigger problem in the colder months is lack of air circulation. Unless it's actually frosty outside I have the greenhouse doors/vents open as often as I can. Winter hardy varieties of salad crops can cope with the cold.

Comment by elaine rickett on October 6, 2012 at 7:27

Do you heat in your greenhouse overwinter? I don't, so all the tender garden plants that I have brought in have to be fleeced to ensure their survival. Depending on what the winter is like it's touch and go whether they make it through.

Comment by Stephen Shirley on October 6, 2012 at 10:10

As Colin says, whatever the time of year - you water as required. It is impossible to be more specific.

As I have said before, horticulture is a science - unfortunately not an exact one.

As Colin says, air circulation is most important and we vent our cold glass all year except when strong winds are forecast. Heated areas we also try and vent as much as possible - and if its been a week or two of being closed up we may even vent with the heat running just to get some air movement. This used to be common practice with say greenhouse xanths - but as people will not pay the worth of produce now, and margins are so low it is impossible. Our bulk gas price has doubled in three years, our plant prices haven't moved.

Colin - have you though of buying a Sulfume Vapouriser - in smaller glasshouses they work very well indeed.

Comment by elaine rickett on October 6, 2012 at 10:59

At the moment I leave a side vent open  and the door ajar except at night - I will just have to check on a daily basis what needs watering and what doesn't, my plan is just to keep things slightly moist rather than heavily watered.

Comment by Colin Robinson on October 6, 2012 at 12:52

Interesting link, Stephen.

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