If you have the use of a greenhouse or polythene tunnel, then you will probably be aware that this time of year brings plenty of problems for over wintering plants. Therefore some precautionary steps are needed to stop the fungal diseases or mould from destroying your prized specimens. On warmer days improve ventilation by opening doors and windows; this will reduce the humidity, one thing that mould thrives on. Keep what plants you have well spaced to let the air circulate and try not to let water sit on the plant leaves. I had a lot of trouble with mould in my tunnel last year and I must confess I was tempted to buy a chemical to spray on the plants to combat the problem. One thing that stopped me was the fact that I have recently constructed a pond in the tunnel to house my slug eating frog friends, any water that is in the tunnel will go to the pond as it has been built at the lowest point, so chemicals are out of the question. Luckily I was told recently that there is an organic method that can be used, this involves spraying the plants with one part skimmed milk and three parts water… Job done; I’ll let you know if it works.
As with most plants, when they are not actively growing, they generally require less water, so allow the surface of the compost or soil to dry out before watering.
