Addressing the worry of how to keep plants in polytunnel from growing mould, manage the humidity, ventilation and circulation, and spacing and cleanliness indoors. We already know how problematic it is to see mushrooms growing in the polytunnel but what more if what’s growing indoors is a type of fungi that’s detrimental to plant health. Mould infestation in the polytunnel affects crops’ production, but the good news is it’s preventable with simple management practices.
When one sees mould growing in the polytunnel, it can pertain to different types of fungal diseases. White mildew and grey mould are equally concerning to see indoors, but both also have the same management practices to prevent them from growing. The three methods below will keep your polytunnel healthy and mould-free.
Guide On How To Keep Plants In Polytunnel From Growing Mold
Humidity control
When we think of mould and fungal growth, our minds automatically go towards the polytunnel humidity level. One of the most common fungal diseases, grey mildew, or Botrytis blight, is manageable with proper humidity control. And if you think about it, controlling the indoor humidity will cost you way less than the loss you’ll experience from fungal diseases.
So how does one manage the humidity in the polytunnel? The University of Massachusetts Amherst recommends proper ventilation and airflow. This article will discuss these two practices in greater detail later on.
Additionally, you can also use a dehumidifier to decrease indoor humidity to prevent mould germination. Remember that if the polytunnel’s relative humidity goes over 85%, in addition to poor air circulation, warm temperatures and standing water will inevitably lead to the growth of mould. Therefore, ensure that the humidity level indoors should only be around 50 to 60%.
This way, the plants still get their requirement, but you’ll also not encourage mould growth.
Proper ventilation and circulation
As mentioned earlier, proper ventilation and circulation are the keys to preventing mould growth. You do this by using the vents and adding fans to the polytunnel. If you live in a humid UK area, a dehumidifier will also help maintain the humidity level in the greenhouse, but incorporating these two practices will be optimal.
What ventilation and air circulation do for the humidity ensures that potentially mouldy air goes out and fresh air comes in the polytunnel. Additionally, ventilation helps regulate the temperature to prevent the growth of mould. You can start by opening the vents in the polytunnel, and then you can gauge if you’ll need to add fans later on.
Proper spacing and cleanliness
Besides the polytunnel conditions, a significant factor for preventing mould growth is proper spacing and cleanliness. We know that hygiene plays a huge role in keeping grass from growing in the polytunnel, which is also applicable to mould prevention. Much like weeds, spores of fungi quickly spreads through direct contact, air, and water.
Ensuring proper spacing will prevent infection among plants and, as a bonus, also helps with air circulation and drying time after watering. Keeping dry is important because standing water on the surfaces also supports the growth of mould. Additionally, since fungi spread via the air, an air purifier can kill spores that might be present indoors.
Lastly, cleanliness and sanitation throughout the surfaces, walls, and floors will help prevent fungal infection. It also includes thinning plants, removing dirty water, clippings, and potting soil, and wiping the tools you use for gardening in the UK. Infected soil and plant material can also cause mould problems, so be diligent in everything you bring and use in the polytunnel.
Common Fungi In Polytunnel
Different types of fungi can grow in the polytunnel. However, the common ones are grey mould, white mould, powdery mildew, and black sooty mould. Most polytunnel gardeners in the UK tend to see grey mould as the familiar one because it can infect almost any plant.
How To Get Rid Of Mold In Polytunnel
If you already have an existing mould in the polytunnel, you don’t need to fret because you can still get rid of it, depending on the circumstances. For example, both grey and white mould is the most problematic because you have to remove the infected plants in the polytunnel and bury them to prevent spores from spreading. On the other hand, you’re in better luck if you’ll be tackling powdery mildew because you can remove the infected leaves, and you’re good.
What about black sooty mould? Bugs like aphids cause this infection, and therefore, getting rid of bugs will solve this issue. Start removing ants as they support other bugs, and then use insecticidal soap to manage the insects and pests.
Conclusion
Polytunnel gardening in the UK will only be productive and rewarding if you know how to prevent potential problems beforehand. One of the common issues you must learn is keeping plants in a polytunnel from growing mould. With proper management practices like managing the humidity, ventilation, and circulation and ensuring the spacing and cleanliness indoors, you don’t have to fear fungal diseases.
The common moulds in the polytunnel are grey mould, white mould, powdery mildew, and black sooty mould. Each of them has different ways of removal, so it’s best to practice prevention instead. Overall, the practices you’ll do to prevent mould growth will benefit you, not just against fungal diseases.
Your plants will also thrive, and you can avoid other polytunnel problems. It’ll be like hitting multiple birds with one stone.