Dealing with plant diseases

Summer is a time when your plants are most likely to be affected by diseases due to the higher temperatures and humidity levels. Therefore, it is vital that you take steps to reduce the risk of your plants become weakened or destroyed by disease. Whilst some diseases are difficult to get rid of, there are steps that you can take to prevent bacteria and viruses from spreading.

Making sure that your greenhouse is kept in good condition will help to prevent diseases from getting out of hand. Here are some other steps that you can take:

•    Keep an eye for signs of disease. Plant diseases can be kept at bay if you spot signs of them early on. Also keep an eye for any signs of damage caused by pests.

•    Clean your greenhouse. Pests and diseases are more likely to occur in cluttered greenhouses. Clear away any debris, dead plants or items that you no longer need.

•    Throw out infected plants. Any plants that are affected by disease should be removed from your greenhouse in order to prevent other plants from becoming infected. Some diseases, such as Grey Mould, can be kept under control by cutting out, disposing of or burning infected plants.

•    Ventilate your greenhouse. Keep your greenhouse well-ventilated during summer. Plant diseases and pests thrive in warmer conditions, so make sure that there is a good air flow in your greenhouse.

•    Keep plants well spaced apart. Avoid placing similar plants close together, as diseases will spread more quickly.

•    Install slatted staging. Consider adding slatted staging to your greenhouse, as it provides better air circulation around the roots of your plants and reduces the risk of damp and disease.

•    Keep pests at bay. Some pests, such as aphids, can spread disease, so you will need to take steps to protect your plants from them. There are pest sprays available that will help you to tackle pesky insects in your greenhouse, but always take care when using them, as some contain chemicals that can be harmful to your plants.

•    Keep tools clean. Make sure that any tools that you use to cut away diseased plants are disinfected afterwards. Wash containers or pots before growing cuttings.

•    Select the right type of plants. There are plants and vegetables that are resistant to pests and plant diseases, so consider selecting these types. You can find out which varieties are resistant by checking labels or researching them.

•    Keep diseased plants away from your greenhouse. Never bring infected plants into your greenhouse, as this can put other plants at risk.

•    Provide your plants with suitable growing conditions. Keep the conditions within your greenhouse suitable for your plants. Plants that are grown in poor soil are more likely to be affected by disease, so be sure to provide them with everything they need in order to thrive.

By taking steps to prevent your plants from becoming damaged by disease, you can enjoy all the benefits of growing them successfully.  
 

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