Uh Oh! A Rip in Your 6-Mil Poly Greenhouse: What to Do for Healthy Cannabis Plants
Even the most dedicated cannabis grower can face an unexpected challenge – a rip in their greenhouse cover. Especially with a thinner 6-mil poly covering, tears can happen due to wind, hail, accidental contact with tools, or even birds. But don't panic! Here's what you need to know:
Impact on Your Cannabis Crop:
A rip in the greenhouse cover can negatively affect your cannabis plants in several ways:
- Temperature Fluctuations: The controlled environment you've worked hard to create will be compromised. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in colder climates, stressing your plants.
- Humidity Changes: Humidity levels might fluctuate, potentially leading to mold or mildew growth, a significant threat to cannabis.
- Light Exposure: Depending on the size and location of the rip, your plants might receive unwanted light variations, disrupting their light cycle.
- Wind Damage: Exposed plants become vulnerable to strong winds, which can damage leaves and stems.
- Pest and Disease: A ripped cover creates an opening for unwanted pests and disease spores to enter the greenhouse.
Fixing the Rip and Restoring Your Plants:
Time is of the essence when dealing with a ripped cover. Here's how to minimize damage and get your greenhouse back in top shape:
- Temporary Fix: First, prioritize a temporary fix to mitigate further damage. Depending on the size of the rip, you can use duct tape (preferably cloth duct tape) or heavy-duty repair patches specifically designed for greenhouse plastic.
- Permanent Repair: Plan for a permanent repair as soon as possible. This might involve replacing the entire damaged panel or using a heat shrink patch kit for smaller rips.
- Monitor Your Plants: Closely monitor your cannabis plants for signs of stress, pests, or disease. Increase ventilation to prevent humidity build-up and adjust your lighting schedule if necessary.
The Rain Factor:
If rain enters through the rip, the consequences can be severe:
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Damp conditions and fluctuating temperatures create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can devastate your crop.
- Nutrient Leaching: Heavy rain can leach away vital nutrients from the soil, potentially weakening your plants.
- Root Rot: Prolonged dampness around the roots can lead to root rot, a serious fungal disease.
Minimizing Rain Damage:
Here are some steps to take if rain enters your greenhouse:
- Immediate Action: Remove any standing water from the floor and around the plants.
- Increase Ventilation: Open vents and doors to promote air circulation and drying.
- Inspect Plants Thoroughly: Look for signs of mold, mildew, or leaf damage caused by rain.
- Fungicide Application: As a preventative measure, consider applying a fungicide to your plants, following the recommended dosage and application instructions.
The SolaWrap Advantage
If you're growing cannabis in a SolaWrap greenhouse, the chances of a rip or tear are significantly lower compared to a standard 6-mil poly greenhouse. Here's why:
- Superior Strength: SolaWrap is a multi-layered film specifically engineered for greenhouses. It's thicker and more robust than standard 6-mil plastic, offering superior resistance to punctures, tears, and harsh weather conditions.
- Advanced UV Protection: SolaWrap incorporates UV stabilizers that prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and weak over time, unlike standard plastic that degrades in sunlight. This translates to a longer lifespan and less risk of rips due to sun-induced weakening.
- Expert Design: SolaWrap is designed with a keder system for secure attachment to the greenhouse frame. This reduces the likelihood of the plastic flapping in the wind and potentially tearing.
Peace of Mind for Your Cannabis Crop
While unforeseen accidents can always happen, choosing a SolaWrap greenhouse for your cannabis cultivation provides significant peace of mind. The enhanced strength, durability, and UV protection significantly reduce the risk of rips and tears compared to a standard 6-mil poly greenhouse. This translates to a more stable growing environment for your valuable crop and less time spent on repairs.
