Though there’s plenty of summer left to enjoy before the colder weather sets in, August marks a definitive shift towards fall. Though still long, days are growing shorter, and the harvest season is quickly approaching. Now is the time to get late-season seedlings started, perform end-of-summer maintenance, and give a final push to crops before it’s time to harvest!
End-of-Summer Maintenance:
We’re not yet at the stage where greenhouses need to be winterized but there is some crucial maintenance that you should keep in mind as fall approaches. Weeding is easy to lose track of in the hottest parts of summer. Though August is often the toughest in terms of brutal summer heat, it's important to tackle any weeds that have made themselves at home, or they may start to cause some issues with your existing crops.
Any leafy greens that haven’t been harvested from your early summer planting have bolted and are in the process of going to seed. Though these plants should be pulled to make space for your next crop, don't chuck these plants just yet! You can harvest these seeds by cutting off the seedheads and placing them flower-side down in a paper bag. After they’re done developing, they will naturally fall off the plant into the bag and can be used for your next succession planting!
Check for any warping or cracking of your paneling/glazing. High winds, heavy rain, extreme heat, and hail can damage your paneling and may even weaken the actual frame. Mark any damaged panels that need replacing. August is the perfect time to take stock of repairs that will be needed before fall, and schedule any necessary maintenance.
Paint or stain framing that needs a quick refresh and address any areas of your frame that are worn or corroded. If your greenhouse is resting directly on the ground, check low areas and corners for sinking, rust, corrosion, mold, and rot (for wood frames). Tighten any bolts and ties that might have loosened from wind and normal use.
Heaters and boilers are essential for extending the growing season. It can be catastrophic for these to breakdown during a cold snap. Your goal before winter is to ensure that your heaters are working smoothly. Have your heating unit inspected by a licensed HVAC company to make sure that your system is clean, running properly, and in safe operating condition.
Late Season Seedlings:
Now is the time to get seedlings started for your late-season crops. With a greenhouse extending your season, you can easily grow Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, turnips, and snow peas, in time to include these in your Thanksgiving feast! When starting seeds in August, our high-quality Seed Starter Mix can give your seedlings a leg-up for greater success. Because cool-season seedlings can suffer from heat stress if they’re grown above 85 degrees, you’ll want to get these started in a cool place.
You can also direct-sow chard, kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets, and radishes, which can easily be ready for harvest before the first frost comes around. Many of these varieties are tastier if they are exposed to frost! Plants will convert starches into sugars when exposed to frost, preventing the plant from freezing. While this protects plants from stopping their metabolic processes, it also means they become sweeter after a frost.
Fuel Up Before Your Harvest:
Your crops have a lot left to give before their season is done! Squash and pumpkins become more at risk of white mold developing on their foliage as the season continues. As hallmarks of fall, it’s important to keep your stock of jack-o-lanterns and pie pumpkins in good shape. Diverse liquid microbes, like the ones in our BIOACTIVETM LiquiLife, are a natural solution! Beneficial microbes engage in competitive exclusion and bio-sanitation, protecting these crops from white mold and extending your growing season.
For heavy-feeding plants like zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers that are still actively flowering and producing, provide a refresh of essential nutrients with our BIOACTIVETM Supercharger. This is a micronized blend of kelp and humates that provides calcium to prevent blossom end-rot. BIOACTIVETM Supercharger is also designed to feed and invigorate the microbes that are in your soil, helping your plants to take in nutrients and grow more beautiful produce.
Winter is a ways away, but there’s plenty of preparations you can make to get ready. For questions on late-season crop care, healthier harvests, and all things for preparing your greenhouse for winter, contact us here!