Maintaining the Greenhouse and Equipment

1
Maintaining the Greenhouse and Equipment

• Original Power Point Created by
• Myron Sellars

Modified by the GA Agriculture Education
Curriculum Office July 2002
2
WHY MAINTAIN?
Greenhouses and equipment must be maintained to
reduce costs.
3
FRAMES

• Galvanized metal is almost maintenance free.
• Non-galvanized metal must be painted to avoid
  rust and corrosion.
• Wood must cleaned and painted every 2-3 years.

4
COVERINGS

• Rigid covering must be cleaned of dust and dirt.
  Average lifespan is 10 to 20 years.
• Polyethylene must be carefully cleaned to avoid
  tearing. Average lifespan is 3 to 4 years.

5
BENCHES

• Galvanized metal and aluminum benches need to be
  sterilized between crops.
• Wood benches must be cleaned between crops and
  painted every 2-3 years.

6
WALKWAYS

• Gravel must be replaced as needed.
• Concrete must be cleaned and cracks filled.
• Never forget to add bullets

7
ELECTRICAL

• Never attempt to repair 240 volt power.
• Hire a professional to repair cords, switches,
  relays, and thermostats.

8
SEVERE WEATHER

• Cold Weather turn the thermostat up a few
  degrees for additional heat. In the case of
  heavy snow, remove any hanging baskets hanging
  from the frame.
• Wind Storms make sure the covering is securely
  attached. Do not remain in the greenhouse during
  a storm. During a heavy rain, watch for water
  pockets.

9
FANS

• Clean-off any rust and repaint
• If applicable, lubricate motor

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INFLATION FAN

• The inflation fan in double-poly houses must be
  lubricated every 6 months.

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COOLING PADS

• Adjust the flow of the pump to wet the pads.
• Opened clogged holes in the distribution pipe.
• Clean algae from the pad and sump.
• Prevent salt build-up by constantly draining a
  small amount of water.
• Keep the pH of the sump solution between 6.0 to
  9.0.
• Lubricate the ventilation shutter.

12
HEATERS

• Never attempt to repair a heater. Hire a
  professional.
• Check the burner for proper flames ( should be
  two shades of blue with little or no yellow).
• Check the pilot flame if applicable.

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SPRAYERS

• Use a strainer when filling the sprayer.
• Clean after use.
• Replace broken parts.
• Clean or replace nozzle.
• Lubricate wheels.

14
HAND TOOLS

• Keep clean and sharp.
• Use the proper tool.

15
ENGINES

• At the beginning of the season change the spark
  plug and air filter.
• Use the recommended oil.
• 2-cycle engines mix the oil and gas.
• 4-cycle engines check the oil level.
• Drain the gasoline from the engine before
  storage.

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MAINTAINING THEGREENHOUSE

• Keeps the high cost of equipment replacement down.