Cost Effective, large scale potted plant rescue brainstorming

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding cost-effective solutions to protect a large number of potted pepper plants that were damaged by high winds. Participants explore various protective structures and materials to mitigate further damage while considering the balance between cost and effectiveness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests a teepee-like structure with mesh to soften wind effects, noting concerns about time and cost.
  • Another proposes a baffle system using 2 x 4's and plywood panels arranged in a staggered formation to block wind.
  • A participant inquires about the size of the area under cover to better assess protective measures.
  • There is a suggestion to use mosquito netting, which is lightweight but may reduce airflow significantly.
  • One participant proposes drilling holes in the pots to insert stakes for additional support, though concerns are raised about the vulnerability of the leaves and fruits to wind shear.
  • Another idea is to use a perforated tarp as a potential protective measure, similar to the mosquito netting suggestion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and ideas for protective measures, with no consensus reached on a single solution. Concerns about the effectiveness and practicality of each proposed method are expressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of balancing cost and benefit in their suggestions, and there are unresolved concerns regarding the potential for long-term damage to the plants from wind exposure and viral infections.

rhody
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I will get right to the point, a grower of super hot peppers in Florida has almost 10,000 plants of twenty eight varieties in pots, 3 - 10 gallon pots, forced drip irrigated.

Many plants are near fully grown, they are staked in their pots to hold them up as needed, and all are under a sideless canopy with 50% sun block material on top.

Last week, during high winds, 30+ mph about 850 of them, were knocked over with some degree of damage. Other then planting them in the ground what cost effective solutions could be used to protect them, any idea is not too far fetched. There is plenty of brain power here, and not to tap it would be a waste.

My first inclination is for some kind of teepee like structure over the plants with some kind of mesh to soften wind effects, but that could be time consuming and pricey. Keep in mind cost versus benefit when thinking about the problem. He is considering putting them in the ground, but then he has to deal with the nematoad problem which is the reason he went with pots in the first place. At the time the pots were the lesser of all evils which is now under scrutiny.

The amount of loss from broken branches and subsequent risk of virus infections through open plant wounds is significant. There is short term damage, loss of branches and pods to deal with. Second, possible long term catastrophic plant damage to deal with from viral infections.

Thanks folks...

Rhody...
 
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How about just a simple baffle system around the whole thing? A bunch of 2 x 4's buried deeply enough to ensure stability could be used to hold plywood or such-like panels in a maze pattern (like a bunch of picket signs in staggered formation).
 
How big of an area is under cover?
 
Danger said:
How about just a simple baffle system around the whole thing? A bunch of 2 x 4's buried deeply enough to ensure stability could be used to hold plywood or such-like panels in a maze pattern (like a bunch of picket signs in staggered formation).

Yeah, a snow fence like structure popped into my head too, thanks Danger...

Pkruse said:
How big of an area is under cover?

His semi-covered areas are pretty big, Here is a video. Having 10% of your stock damaged is significant, after all the hard work that it took to get the plants this far. Thanks. Maybe the video will help.

Rhody...
 
How about mosquito netting?

It's light and easily installed, but the mesh is fine enough that it reduced air flow substantially. All he'd have to do is attach it around the top of the structure and then stake it into the ground.
 
I assume that there is a stake in the pots to hold up the plants. Why not drill a hole in the pots and hammer these stakes through that hole in the soil for a foot or so.
 
Andre said:
I assume that there is a stake in the pots to hold up the plants. Why not drill a hole in the pots and hammer these stakes through that hole in the soil for a foot or so.
Andre, I love the simplicity of that idea. Something about it concerns me, though. Even with the stalks firmly supported, the leaves and fruits (or whatever peppers are) would still be vulnerable to wind shear.
 
Along the lines of dipole's mosquito netting, maybe perforated tarp?
 

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