Every spring, mold appears in the greenhouse, the walls darken, and by July the tomatoes become covered with brown spots. Many people think it's because of the weather or bad seeds, but in fact the cause is late blight spores left over from last year. To avoid this problem, just do one simple thing in the fall. The author of the Zen channel “Ideal Vegetable Garden” (12+) spoke about this.
Phytophthora spores do not die in winter. They hide in the soil, on walls and in plant debris. If you do nothing, in the spring they will immediately begin to infect new bushes. Therefore, October is the most important time for processing. It is important to arrive before severe frosts.
First you need to prepare the greenhouse well:
- remove all plants, including roots,
- remove the top layer of soil,
- wash the walls and frame with warm water and soap,
- seal the cracks so that spores do not hide inside.
After this, you can choose one of three simple methods:
1. Copper sulfate. The solution is sprayed all over the inside, the greenhouse is closed for two days, then ventilated. You need to work with gloves, as the product is strong.
2. Trichoderma – live fungi that displace late blight. They are bred in water and watered on the ground. They act gently, but for a long time. Protection remains until the next harvest.
3. Vinegar and peroxide. First, treat with vinegar, after a couple of days with peroxide. Both products kill spores and do not harm the soil.
After this treatment, the mold disappears, the smell disappears, and in the spring you can immediately plant tomatoes. In summer there is no need to constantly spray the plants, and the crop grows healthy and tasty.
Question and answer:
Is it possible to treat a greenhouse after frost?
No. At temperatures below –5°C, chemical and biological drugs have almost no effect. It's better to go in October, while it's still warm.
Is it necessary to remove the top layer of soil in a greenhouse in the fall?
Necessarily. The bulk of late blight spores accumulate in the upper 5 cm of the ground. This soil needs to be removed from the site or calcined.
How does Trichoderma work against late blight?
These are beneficial fungi that colonize the soil and displace pathogens. They are active at temperatures from +8°C and protect plants throughout the next season.
