Re: heating cables (advantage)

In a message dated 4/19/02 7:21:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Paul.Smithhisler@dnr.state.oh.us writes:


Subj:RE: heating cables
Date:4/19/02 7:21:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From:P*@dnr.state.oh.us
Reply-to:p*@hort.net
To:p*@hort.net
Sent from the Internet



Perhaps a cheaper alternative is to build a greenhouse over your planting
area.  I built a 16'x12' (approx 10'x12' once erected) PVC arch and covered
it with green-house plastic.  The whole thing cost me about $15 in PVC and
$25 in plastic. 

If you erect it well before you plant, it wall resolve multiple problems for
you.  Mine covers two planting sites, it has warmed the soil about 20
degrees above outside (haven't measured it yet, ask John Maston) and it
protects the plants from a late frost.  An earlier version also helped me
dry out the patch enough to till since my patch has been very wet this
spring.

Is there some advantage to the heating cables that I am missing?

-Gus


I've used them for about 15 years in combination with greenhouse type of protection.  Their biggest advantage is when you get an extended cloudy or rainy period during germination.  With the lack of sunshine there is little heat generation for the seeds. (I direct start) They also help generate heat under the blankets at night to prevent freezing.  It is not uncommon for me to see 20's in early May.

George Brooks
North Tewksbury, MA USA
Pumpkin Nuts Page
Approximately 25 miles Northwest of Boston
in the Merrimack River Valley
Zone 5N
Personal Bests
617.6 1991
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