In my unheated greenhouse some of my overwintering plants are suffering a bit from a strange grey mould :'(
Any dead / dying plant leaves, lavender seedlings, winter lettuce etc. quickly get covered in a fine grey powder and lots of tiny spores. As soon as I see the mould I put the plants outside and this seems to eventually kill it (and sometimes the plant dies too) but when I even touch a plant I can see all the little spores wafting off into the distance...
I have tried ventilating the greenhouse but it didn't help. Is there anything that can be done or is it a symptom of the dark damp winters up here in Glasgow? I had cleaned out the greenhouse with soapy water about two months ago - is there anything better I should be using that might help?
Sound like you have botrytis W&C! I have it in my greehouse too, though I do ventilate, but not as often as I should! I think prevention is the best way, remove dead leaves etc, before the problem starts, though I do this every year and still seem to get it!
I think that maybe it is symptomatic of an unheated greenhouse over here! I do puff my cannas, and geraniums with sulphur when I cut them, this seems to help, Dottie P.
My guess is; it is still damp air and ventilation helps.
Is it possible to put a fan (not necessarily a hot aired one) in the greenhouse? to get the air moving around.
I appreciate you want to keep the greenhouse as warm as is possible and opening windows and doors is not always practical.
Is it possible to slide a couple of panes of glass up a couple of inches thus causing a bit of a draught. This would at least keep the air in motion.
Other than that short of using fungicides I can't suggest anything else.
Yes it is ventilation for sure. Get rid off all the dead/dying stuff and open the doors/vents during the day.
I know it is a pain but if you have bubble wrap over the windows take it down during the day to let the air circulate a bit.
Cleo
Hi guys - fellow sufferer here too! Overwatering seems a contributory factor too, so easy on the can!
As said - Â a fan is a huge help. Otherwise, right or wrong, after sterilising with Armillatox, I always use a Sulphur candle. This is in an empty 'house.
One wonders whether a smoke would be a help at this stage?? Â = Tim
PS Just looked up sulphur on the net, and it seems to say CLEAR the 'house first. So why can you happily dust things with it??