Greenhouse Soil Management

It is even more important to manage you soil well in greenhouses than in the yard. Greenhouse soil tends to go “stale” much more quickly. I highly recommend organic gardening, for the health of the soil as well as the quality of your produce. And if you are not gardening organically, that raises the importance of soil management even more.

There are many nutrients in the soil that support the health of your plants, although many people still think in terms of N, P, and K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Besides the nutrients, there are countless organisms contributing to the health of your soil.

Whether you are using organic or inorganic fertilizers, yearly additions of compost, and/or manure to your soil will greatly improve its health. And once every few years, it is a good idea to remove three to four inches of soil and replace it, preferably with compost or compost mixed with rich, loamy soil or a commercial soil mix. Although the soil mix is basically inert, it will lighten up the soil in your beds, especially if they are completely contained. Fertilize regularly as you would in the garden. If your greenhouse beds are not right on the ground, you need to be careful of a build up of salts and minerals in your soil, especially with inorganic fertilizers. Make sure you water thoroughly, and you should change the soil more often.

Watering your greenhouse is different from watering your garden. The greenhouse maintains a higher humidity, but it is hotter and soil dries out more quickly. Monitor your watering closely until you understand your greenhouse’s rhythms. Make sure there is good air circulation, to avoid plant and soil diseases from the humid air.