Greenhouse Grower’s Storm Preparation Checklist
SECURE THE STRUCTURE
- Inspect frames, posts, and bolts for looseness or rust.
- Reinforce weak joints with steel braces or ropes.
- Roll down and secure side panels and end walls. With forecast winds reaching up to 205 km/h, remove or tightly roll UV sheets and fasten them securely to prevent tearing.
- Add extra anchors or sandbags at the base of the greenhouse.
- Remove or tie down loose items (empty trays, films, pipes, tools). Anything that can fly, will.
- Lash roll-up side panels every 0.5–1.0 m with ropes or ratchet straps; add cross-ties to ground anchors.
- Clear roof gutters, downspouts, and perimeter canals; install mesh or screen guards to stop leaf clogging.
PROTECT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
- Turn off the main power switch before the storm.
- Unplug pumps, lights, timers, and other devices.
- Elevate plugs, sockets, and controllers above flood level.
- Wrap electrical connections in plastic or waterproof tape.
- Charge power banks and radios; keep emergency lights ready.
- Label breaker circuits now to avoid guesswork when power is restored.
- Keep extension cords and multi-plugs off the floor and away from water paths.
MANAGE WATER AND NUTRIENTS
- Seal nutrient containers and store them indoors.
- Cover or disconnect dosing tubes to prevent backflow.
- Keep acids and oxidizers stored separately, sealed, and upright.
- Place acids and oxidizers in separate, ventilated areas with secondary containment (basins or tubs).
- Seal tank lids; add temporary weights or straps so lids don’t lift under gusts.
- Close or valve off any lines that could siphon floodwater into tanks.
SAFEGUARD CROPS
- Harvest mature crops early.
- Remove weak seedlings or trays likely to collapse under wind.
- Stake tall crops like tomatoes or peppers.
- Cover open NFT channels or tanks to prevent rainwater dilution.
- Secure DWC rafts and tank lids (weights or straps) so they don’t lift or drift.
- Cap or cover open NFT returns to limit rainwater dilution and debris entry.
- Move propagation trays and seed stock indoors (dry, sealed containers).
PROTECT ANIMALS
- Bring small animals (rabbits, chickens, pets) to safety.
- Move livestock to higher ground and secure feed in dry containers.
- Strap or weigh down beehives and insect breeding boxes.
- Ensure ventilation when sheltering animals; avoid airtight spaces.
- If in coastal or low-lying areas with surge risk, relocate animals and critical supplies to higher ground ahead of time.
GO BAG
- Contacts: Post one small list where everyone can see it — family/crew, barangay DRRMO, vet, electrician.
- Go-bag: First-aid kit; flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries; power bank and small radio; gloves and sturdy shoes; duct tape, cable ties, small knife, marker; IDs and important papers in a zip-lock.
Author
Jonathan Miguel Mabini
Jonathan Miguel Mabini, known as Nathan Miguel on social media, is a passionate hydroponics grower and mentor. He studied Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts, and began his career in photography, videography, and video editing, eventually working in marketing and creatives for a major retail company.
In 2020, he shifted his focus to indoor hydroponics, growing lettuce and leafy greens using grow lights at home. He explored systems such as Kratky, Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Dutch Bucket setups, gaining in-depth experience in controlled environment agriculture.
Nathan has attended various webinars and training programs offered by reputable Agriculture Training Institutes in the Philippines, strengthening his technical knowledge in crop production, water quality, and system design. Now working with NutriHydro, he serves as a mentor for onsite seminars, teaching science-based best practices to empower and inspire future growers.
Jonathan Miguel Mabini
Jonathan Miguel Mabini, known as Nathan Miguel on social media, is a passionate hydroponics grower and mentor. He studied Visual Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts, and began his career in photography, videography, and video editing, eventually working in marketing and creatives for a major retail company.
In 2020, he shifted his focus to indoor hydroponics, growing lettuce and leafy greens using grow lights at home. He explored systems such as Kratky, Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Dutch Bucket setups, gaining in-depth experience in controlled environment agriculture.
Nathan has attended various webinars and training programs offered by reputable Agriculture Training Institutes in the Philippines, strengthening his technical knowledge in crop production, water quality, and system design. Now working with NutriHydro, he serves as a mentor for onsite seminars, teaching science-based best practices to empower and inspire future growers.
NutriHydro is a manufacturer of plant nutrients based in the Philippines. They are known to grow the healthiest, heaviest, and largest lettuce in the country. NutriHydro products are available to purchase from the following e-commerce platforms.
Lazada: bit.ly/3asMYXN
Shopee: bit.ly/3nRJX6Z
Basilyard: bit.ly/346Kklw
NutriHdyro Website: bit.ly/434MoY6
