5 Common Greenhouse Problems and How to Fix Them

Greenhouses are not just gardening tools; they are protective environments where plants can thrive without the threat of external effects. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for plant propagation, extend the growing season, and allow you to grow tropical and ornamental plants that normally cannot grow in your climate. However, the benefits don't come without the issues.

Growing plants in the greenhouse does not make them immune to common problems and diseases that cause stress for greenhouse gardeners. This article outlines the five most common greenhouse problems to look for and offers ways to fix them and, if possible, prevent them from occurring in the first place.

1. No Proper Air Circulation

Blocked air circulation is a common greenhouse issue. Without proper air filtration, your plants can fall prey to moisture-loving disease bacteria and die. If your greenhouse has no air circulation, the heat will increase inside, which could cook your plants on sunny days. A greenhouse is an enclosed environment in which plants can produce toxic gases. Stagnant air in the greenhouse can increase humidity, in which diseases thrive, and plant stems don't grow as healthy as when air is moving vigorously. If these gases aren't released, the crops might not be able to grow.

Solution

This issue can be avoided by installing fans or ventilation windows on the roof or along the side walls to improve plant ventilation and maintain healthy circulation. However, opening the windows alone is not enough to ventilate the greenhouse; rather, air needs to pass through. Roof vents will let warm air escape. Installing a small fan in a greenhouse will keep the air moving. Use trellises for sprawling plants and trim their overgrown leaves to improve circulation and leave enough space for other plants.

2. Greenhouse Temperature Control and Humidity

One of the most common mistakes greenhouse gardeners make is forgetting to check the greenhouse temperature and control humidity. The summer delivers record temperatures in Southern and Northern California, amplified by wildfires. In hot summers, the greenhouse temperature can exceed 50°C, but the cooling system can control the temperature at 15~30 °C, which is suitable for plant growth. In freezing winter, the greenhouse temperature should be a few degrees higher than the ideal temperature limit for plants.

Humidity is a natural aspect of the greenhouse growing cycle because when the plant grows, it absorbs water through its roots and evaporates it in the air. However, too much moisture in the air can cause pathogens to thrive in your greenhouse and lead to plant growth failure or death. Additionally, too little humidity will quickly dry out your plants.

Solution

An excellent way to control temperature swings is to use shade cloth, ventilation, or heating. In summer, open the vents to cool down the greenhouse. Monitor the greenhouse temperature regularly using a basic thermometer or smart sensor.

Misting your plants with water and grouping plants with similar humidity needs closer is a great way to increase humidity. On the other hand, moving plants apart, increasing ventilation, and adding bottom heat will decrease it.

3. Issues with Irrigation and Fertigation Systems

Irrigation and fertigation system failures are another headache for greenhouse growers. Check the water pressure and flow rate to determine whether a system works properly. Irrigation system problems can lead to over- or underwatering the plants. Overwatering can suffocate the roots and promote the growth of moisture-loving pathogens. Moreover, inadequate watering can cause wilting, crinkling, and even plant death. Wilting plants are a clear sign of potential irrigation problems.

Similarly, faulty fertigation systems can lead to improper fertilization, harming your plants. In addition to affecting plant health, this problem leads to other issues such as water wastage, high water bills, water runoff, and nutrient wash off.

Solution

Timely repair and replace faulty equipment to manage this issue. After harvest is the ideal time to troubleshoot and replace all worn-out, broken irrigation components. Clean drippers, misters, and sprayers regularly and flush the system periodically to prevent clogging.

Note: Drip irrigation is the most efficient and economical irrigation system for greenhouses, as it delivers water directly to plants' roots in a controlled amount without wasting water.

Read More: What is Fertigation? Definition, Advantages & Method

4. Pest Problems and Fungal Growth

The most significant greenhouse problem is pest management. It is believed that plants growing in a greenhouse environment are immune to garden pests and diseases, but sadly, this is not true. Pests love to stay in a comfortable space with a roof over their heads. They can find and attack your tender plants when you least expect it.

If they are not detected and managed early on, pests like aphids, fungi, and whiteflies can quickly spread to your plants. Moreover, too much humidity in the greenhouse can lead to mold and fungus growth. A warm environment is a favorite place for any fungi to grow. Therefore, all greenhouse gardeners must be aware of garden pests.

Solution

Regularly check your plants to reduce the risk of pest problems. Inspect leaves and look beneath them for any signs of eggs. If any plant seems to be infested or diseased, remove the affected plant from the greenhouse to prevent contamination spread. In addition, check new plants before planting them in a greenhouse.

Read More: 10 Common Plant Diseases and How to Treat Them

5. Cleanliness and Maintenance

Keeping the greenhouse clean and well-maintained is another big issue. In a greenhouse, everything can quickly get dirty. Unless you use the hydroponic growing medium, the soil is the foundation of everything your plant, and it can reach many surfaces. Once the dust and grime are settled, it will attract pests and fungus.

Dirt, mud, and fallen leaves can become grounded in the floor, and dust can enter through the window or door. Therefore, your greenhouse should be clean and organized for a healthy growing environment. A clean greenhouse creates a clean and healthy environment for plants, ensuring a great harvest.

Solution

Regularly clean the space and disinfect all gardening tools. Clean floors, dust the fans, remove debris from the roof, and wipe down the walls. Regularly check for potential structural issues, leaks, and standing water. Check the doors, vents, irrigation components, power generators, and tables for potential structural issues, leaks, and standing water. Prune plants and use trellises to promote air circulation and efficient use of space.

The Bottom Line

As a greenhouse grower, the ability to predict and troubleshoot issues is crucial for a healthy crop cycle. The good news is most problems are easy to avoid and address. With timely intervention, you can effectively solve issues before they escalate. Despite the challenges, greenhouse gardeners continue to provide healthy and fresh produce. The controlled environment of a greenhouse allows you to eliminate issues like strong winds damaging your crops, or pests devouring your harvest, commonly associated with outdoor gardening.

At DripWorks, we provide high-quality greenhouses and greenhouse accessories to help growers grow the highest-quality plants by controlling the growing conditions. We carry a range of Solexx greenhouses in numerous sizes and shapes that are perfect for gardeners and farm operations. Explore our greenhouse collection to find the perfect one for your garden.