Summer in the Hobby Greenhouse

Greenhouse Activities
The greenhouse has now taken on a new look. Bedding plants and hanging baskets have been moved outdoors and tomatoes and cucumbers are now the crops that require our attention. These are the months we focus on ventilation and cooling the greenhouse. There must be air movement and hot air needs to escape in the summer greenhouse environment. To accomplish this all vents and doors are open and by using a small circulating fan there will be continuous movement of air inside the greenhouse. Exterior shading may be required to maintain the cooler temperature. On a hot day spray or hose down the benches and floor. The best time of day is morning or early afternoon. This is called "damping down" and will definitely cool the greenhouse atmosphere.

Watering and Fertilizing

It is important to check the watering needs of the greenhouse plants on a daily basis. Some container plants may need watering twice a day. A balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 is often used for greenhouse plants and there are tomato fertilizers available at the local garden centers.

Greenhouse Pests and Diseases
Prevention is the best method for controlling pests and diseases in the greenhouse. Checking plants regularly leads to early detection of any problems. Spraying with Safer Soap will aid in the prevention of outbreaks of whitefly and other pests.

Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Regular watering and fertilizing is very important and will increase the crop yield. Cucumbers start to grow very tall during these summer months. They can be trained to grow along the greenhouse eaves or pinch out the growing tip when it reaches the roof of the greenhouse. Tomatoes have small side shoots, known as suckers, which take energy from the main truss. Always remove these shoots as soon as they are visible.

My Favorite Plants on Display in The Summer Greenhouse
Some plants will have their permanent home in the greenhouse. Climbing vines such as the mandevilla and passion flower thrive in the summer greenhouse. They do require daily watering and frequent fertilizing.

Mandevilla and Passion Flower