Greenhouse Cleaning

 I took advantage of the warm Spring weather in the last couple of days to clear out the greenhouse.  A good wash, sweep and clean still isn't really enough to get rid of any lingering pests which hide in the cracks and crevices.  So today I bought a Sulphur Candle in the garden centre.

 I cleaned the greenhouse, then replaced some of the empty pots as they may still hide some pests. Red spider mite is a tiny little sand coloured insect which gradually sucks the life out of juicy green plants in the greenhouse.  My cucumbers have been particularly badly effected.  I try to keep the humidity levels high but it just gets worse year after year.

 For the past several years my red spider mite problem has become worse and worse.  I have blogged about it in the past here and have also used biological controls to try to help but I think that poor hygiene and cleaning may also be a factor.

 So.. the tin contains sulphur, with a waxed paper wick.  Just light the paper and the sulphur gradually melts to an amber liquid.

Once the wick is lit, the smoke starts to fill the greenhouse. I made a rapid exit as the smell already tickled my throat.  I will leave the greenhouse completely shut ovenight then will ventilate thoroughly tomorrow before starting my Spring planting.  I hope this helps get rid of these red spider mites for a while.