Changing Weather
Thursday, 23 April 2009 18:57
The weekend weather forecast calls for sunny days with temperatures in the mid to high 80’s following this week of cool, cloudy weather. As a result, there is a strong possibility, your spring crops will experience summer temperatures in a greenhouse with little or no shading in place. Even one or two days of bright sunshine with temperatures in the high 80’s can stress bedding plants and hangers with rooting systems that are not fully developed. Delicate foliage of shade plants such as impatiens will be susceptible to sunburn.
Be sure your greenhouses are well ventilated and the crops are irrigated to avoid wilting and undue stress on the crops. Shade cloth may be needed over areas containing shade plants.
Photo: Impatiens showing stress
Tina Smith, Paul Lopes, University of Massachusetts
