Recognize the Signs of Plant Stress

Quick Answer:

How do I revive my plants and know if they need fertilizer? Yellowing leaves, pale color, and stunted growth are common signs of nutrient deficiencies—especially nitrogen and sulfur—while shiny, vibrant leaves indicate a well-fed, thriving plant. Are compost, worm tea, and manure enough to fertilize greenhouse plants? Though compost, worm castings, and manures improve soil texture and microbial health, they lack essential nutrients and should be paired with a balanced fertilizer for full plant recovery. What other issues might be stressing your greenhouse plants? Inconsistent watering, pest infestations like scale, or high pH levels can also cause symptoms of stress; identifying the root cause and responding with steady care, micronutrients, and natural pest control helps restore plant vitality and resilience.

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This summer, I returned from a long-distance move to find my greenhouse plants crying out for help—wilted leaves, dry tips, and pale color. Turns out my house sitters were a little too cautious with watering and fertilizer. Now that I’m back, I’m coaxing everything back to life, and the transformation has been remarkable.

Quick Answer: 

What are the best tips for a successful late summer greenhouse harvest? As the season transitions, focus on four essential strategies: switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer (like a 2-8-4 mix with kelp and micronutrients) to build plant strength without promoting excessive growth; maintain strong air circulation with fans to prevent fungal issues as nights cool; start fresh crops like lettuce and arugula to extend your harvest into fall; and apply targeted shading using aluminet or shade cloth to protect plants from intense late-summer sun. These greenhouse gardening tips will help you maximize yields and enjoy a longer, more productive harvest season.

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Late Summer Gardening Tips

It is late August and I am chatting with my daughter who lives in Northern Alberta, Canada. Her outside garden has never looked so good because of the heat and regular rains. But she is wishing she could get another month on either end of the growing season.

Quick Answer:

Think fertilizing is optional? Think again. Even the laziest greenhouse gardeners will see bigger blooms, healthier seedlings, and more resilient plants with the right fertilizer routine. Whether you’re starting cuttings or transplanting seedlings, container-grown plants need consistent nutrients due to frequent watering and limited soil volume. A simple system—like color-coded watering cans and diluted fertilizer solutions—makes regular feeding easy and effective. By using a light but frequent approach, even busy or forgetful gardeners can ensure robust root growth, reduced transplant shock, and thriving greenhouse plants from season to season.

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Truth be told, I can easily ignore a bit of soil spilled on the benches or an occasional unsterilized pot for seedlings. I don't always wear gloves, or fastidiously wash labels. I like the results in my greenhouse. My Sweet Peas bloom early, my tomatoes grow fat on the vine. A little mess, a few germs - my plants and I are no worse for the wear.