By Steve Cather
Scrub your pots
When was the last time you actually cleaned your pots ? Most gardeners dump the dirt out and consider the container ready for reuse . Those used pots still hold organic material , nutrient salts , old soil , and possibly pests . A good blast with a garden hose is usually enough to restore them to a like-new condition . If the accumulation is more persistent , you may need to use a small brush to break the chunks loose . When using fabric pots , you may be best served by replacing them after two to three crops .
Clean your glass
You spent all that money on the latest and greatest equipment . Make it work for you at peak efficiency . If you have vented hoods with glass , you need to keep them clean . You ' re paying for the light . Make sure it reaches your plants . A layer of dust inside a light fixture can prevent that valuable light from reaching your leaves . Clean the glass inside and out at least every 90 days .
Calibrate your pH meter
That fancy pH meter you bought needs to be regularly maintained . If you haven ' t been consistent with calibrations , now is the time to correct that situation . If your meter isn ' t calibrated , those nutrient problems you have been battling will just continue to get worse . Correct pH is critical for healthy plants with strong defenses . Establish a routine of cleaning , calibration , and testing your meters .
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Pre-planting and post-harvest are the best times to replace smoke detector batteries , check your carbon monoxide detectors , test your carbon dioxide regulators , sensors , and alarms for proper operation .”
Test your safety equipment
A safe garden feeds a safe gardener . Pre-planting and post-harvest are the best times to replace smoke detector batteries , check your carbon monoxide detectors , test your carbon dioxide regulators , sensors , and alarms for proper operation . Carbon dioxide can be dangerous . Don ' t cut corners on this equipment . Keep it in fine fettle so it will do the same for you .
Clean or replace your filters
If you use air conditioners , carbon filters , or water filters , now is the time to restore their efficiency and efficacy . A dirty water pump filter will reduce flow and may be a source of disease and disaster . Wash your water pump filters and check your filters often . I can ' t stress this enough . A carbon filter with a thick layer of dust on the pre-filter is not working as well as it could . Clean or replace your carbon scrubber pre-filter once per year .
Spend the time now or do the time later . An ounce of prevention may just add up to a pound of cure . grow cycle 127