submitted by Mohyuddin Mirza

With the cold weather we have been having, a few issues are emerging which need attention. With outside temperatures below 30C and wind over 20 miles/hour several issues can emerge in the greenhouse:

• The obvious one is cooler temperature inside the greenhouse and cold spots along the perimeter. Twenty four (24) hours average temperature may drop below the set point and that will cause vegetative crops. A purple color on leaves, thickening of stems and yellowish green color is an indication of temperature dropping to about 12C. Look at the picture:

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submitted by Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza

In late May and early June I was called by a Basil grower to come to the greenhouse and check leaf scorching on potted and leaf Basil. What I mean to say is that we grow two types of Basil. Potted basil, in 4, 6 and 10 inches pots for direct sales and basil leaves and stems for sale through farmers markets and commercial wholesale channels. Here it is how the symptoms looked like:

submitted by Dr. Mohyuddin Mirza

It seems that spring is on its way, in spite of the very cold weather. Calls are coming in on what is being planted. One grower reported that Dracaenas are bring planted, bare rooted roses are already in pots, early geraniums from seeds are in 4 inch pots and marigolds are on their way. All growers reported temperature in the growing medium going to around 12C at night time and then rising to about 15C during day time. This will delay rooting. Those growers who have bottom heat can maintain better temperature in the growing medium.

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