Page 15 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2022

Sanitation before new plant material enters the growing area, whether greenhouse,
hoophouse, or an outdoor growing space is the first step in protecting the next round of
production. Additionally, current supply chain issues across the world, namely the shortage
of plastic resins, is having a major impact on the availability of containers, trays, and other
supplies for the nursery and greenhouse industry. The re-use of plastics is growing, making
sanitation more critical than ever as trays or containers are essential for production and
come in direct contact with our plants. This article will outline a comprehensive, step-by-step
process for sanitation all types of growers can utilize within their operation from crop to crop
or season to season.

STEP 1: PRE-CLEANING CLEANING
Preparing your production area for the cleaning and sanitation process is actually the first
step in the process. For growing spaces, weeds are a major source of inoculum for both
insects and disease. Physically remove or spray out any weeds using appropriately labeled
herbicides. Rake up debris or significant soil spills from the previous round of production.
Similarly, reusable containers and trays should be wiped or pre-rinsed with pressure to
knock off any visible soil before going through cleaning and disinfecting steps.

Clean Thoroughly to Disinfect Effectively
Thorough sanitation requires a two-step process, no matter if the surface to be cleaned is a
bench top, floor or ground cover, irrigation system, or reusable container. Two steps require
two products – a cleaner and a disinfectant. Disinfecting sanitizers may bubble or foam, but
they do not have the power to actually clean or sanitize through even a relatively thin layer of
dirt, debris, algae, or biofilm.

Applying the Cleaning Solution

GRIFFIN GAZETTE 2022 | 15