Autumn treatment of the greenhouse after harvesting.

Autumn greenhouse preparation is one of the essential agrotechnical measures for controlling diseases and pests of vegetable crops. For disinfecting frame components, the greenhouse covering (in our case, the greenhouse film), and even the soil, a solution of copper sulfate (100 g + 10 L of water) or bleaching powder (400 g + 10 L of water) is used.

Most frequently, sulfur smoke bombs are used to disinfect greenhouses with wooden frames—this is an inexpensive yet highly effective sanitization method. The smoke penetrates the most inaccessible places, crevices, and joints, leaving harmful bacteria, microbes, and fungal spores no chance of survival.

A sulfur smoke bomb outwardly looks like one large tablet or several individual tablets containing the active substance (sulfur) and a fuse for ignition. It is necessary to seal all existing cracks and openings. Distribute the sulfur smoke bombs along the entire perimeter of our film greenhouse at a rate of 1 tablet per 5 cubic meters on non-combustible surfaces, and light the fuse. After this, doors and vents must be tightly closed, and the sulfur left to smolder for 2–3 days without opening the greenhouse. After the required time, the greenhouse is ventilated, and the walls are washed with a soap solution. Following such disinfection, all fungi, mold, pests, pathogenic microorganisms, and other infections will be destroyed.

For film greenhouses with a metal frame, bleaching powder is used because sulfur promotes the corrosion of metal structures. Prepare a solution of bleaching powder (400 g + 10 L of water), stir well, and let it stand for 4 to 5 hours. Treat all internal surfaces of the greenhouse with this solution, then close it tightly for 2–3 days.

There is another simple and budget-friendly method for greenhouse disinfection—treatment with non-chlorine bleach (e.g., Bos, Perwoll, Vanish) that contains perborates. Dilute the bleach in water at the same concentration indicated in the instructions for bleaching laundry and treat all surfaces inside the greenhouse using a sprayer. Important! The air temperature must not be below +5°C.

In the event that your greenhouse film has already completed its service life and requires replacement, you can purchase high-quality greenhouse film on our website or from our dealers throughout Ukraine.

What should you use to wash the inside of a film greenhouse? Use a soap solution made from laundry soap (1 bar per bucket of water). Apply the prepared solution to dirty surfaces, leave it for 5–10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Treat supports and garden tools in the same manner.

Autumn Replacement of the Topsoil Layer in the Greenhouse

After harvesting and removing the plants, the topsoil layer (10–15 cm) must be removed with a shovel. Following this, the soil needs to be dug up, and larvae should be manually removed from the overturned layers.

To increase soil fertility, reduce plant disease infestation, and decrease the number of pests, sow green manure crops (mustard, oil radish, oats, or beans). Green manures are excellent soil sanitizers. Absolutely all green manure crops loosen the earth and healthily restore it; thus, sowing green manure is an important agronomic practice that very positively impacts the yield of the subsequent crop, balances the humus and nutrient content in the soil, and significantly reduces weed infestation after harvesting the main crop. The mown green mass of green manures can be left on the surface or incorporated to a shallow depth, thereby creating a unique “air cushion”.

Every 2–3 years, it is advisable to replace the topsoil layer (25–30 cm) with fresh soil, as harmful microflora, insecticide residues, and fertilizer accumulations build up in the upper layer. The new soil must be treated using specialized biological preparations (“Phytosporin”, “Syaivo-1”) or chemical agents (Bordeaux mixture, potassium permanganate). High-quality soil preparation and treatment in autumn will excellently prepare it for the upcoming planting season.

If you are just planning to build a greenhouse, our articles How to Build a Budget-Friendly Arched Film Greenhouse and How to Choose a Film for a Greenhouse will be useful to you.

Wishing everyone a rich harvest!