When it comes to cleaning, you may not do windows, but your growing environments should be at the top of your list.
So here it is, it’s January. Staying warm? Not much growers can do at this time of year, especially in the northern states. Starting plants is right around the corner for some. Until that time, though, there’s not much to do. Or is there? We know the chores put off during the summer may be (should be) attended to at this time: mending tools and whatnot, but there’s more that can be done. It’s time to clean and prepare the growing space, for one thing. We’re not talking about a quick hose-down and sweeping, we’re talking about a deep, invasive cleaning. Near-sterilization if possible.
In any greenhouse or growing structure there are organic materials being used during the season. These materials are dropped on the floors — which may be composed of packed dirt in and of themselves — and thus are capable of supporting life. Moreover, season-long fertilization of this material creates a nice little ecosystem. Often this is life we’d prefer not to support, especially in our greenhouses and growing areas.
Using specific cleaning solutions like GreenShield (no link found) and Zero-Tol — which are available from your horticultural supplier of choice — or using broad-range solutions such plain bleach and water with a little elbow grease thrown in, a person can have good success at properly cleaning a structure and significantly reduce the abundant microbial life in existence. And the advantages can be significant, likely preventing a number of potential disease problems. Killing off microorganisms can allow a greater level of success the coming season.
There is a legitimate concern for killing off non-threatening life forms, but those organisms will bounce back just as the not-so-desirables do. In fact, but using sound organic practices, they can bounce back much faster putting odds in your favor the coming season. There are even products like commercially available Mycorrhizal meant to do just this.
When it comes to cleaning, you may not do windows, but your growing environments should be at the top of your list. It’s time to fire things up, activate life with a period of warmth, then roll up your sleeves and clean your slate.
