Damping down confusion

Polytunnels, cold frames, greenhouses, propagators & more. How to get the best out of yours...

Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter

User avatar
Brooklynodog
KG Regular
Posts: 93
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:06 pm
Location: Somerset

Having read the 2 popular poly tunnel books I am confused by the damping down issue. They recommend that p/t`s are regularly damped down to increase humidity. My questions are, should this apply to G/houses? What about the blight issue, does this not encourage blight growth conditions?
A bad days fishing is still better than a good day at work!
PLUMPUDDING
KG Regular
Posts: 3269
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:14 pm
Location: Stocksbridge, S. Yorks
Been thanked: 1 time

I damp down my greenhouse when it is very hot and the plants seem to enjoy it. I do keep the windows and doors open though for good ventilation too. I've not had any blight problems.

It also keeps red spider mite numbers down as they prefer dry conditions.

I try not to splash soil on the leaves of plants and don't wet the foliage when it is sunny to avoid scorch, or from late afternoon so they aren't wet over night.

You are more likely to get moulds later in the season in cloudy damp weather.
Monika
KG Regular
Posts: 4546
Joined: Thu Jul 06, 2006 8:13 pm
Location: Yorkshire Dales

I dampen down our greenhouse when it's warm, at the same time opening all flaps and doors. Our greenhouse path is a thick layer of limestone chippings so I always water that well and the drying process then causes humidity.
User avatar
Brooklynodog
KG Regular
Posts: 93
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:06 pm
Location: Somerset

My main concern is the influence damping down may or may not have on blight, as I lost my entire g/house tom population last year :shock:
A bad days fishing is still better than a good day at work!
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic