Re: light intensity
One thing I've noticed is that plants that are protected
under a sheet of plastic tend to look a little lighter in
color, and also tend to be a little "thinner" in the leaves.
That is, the leaves appear a little more translucent. On
the other hand, plants that face full sun get greener,
darker, a little thicker, or perhaps a more leathery look.
Of course, they tend to look a little more weathered.
My gut feel is that full sun ought be better, but I can't
argue with the success that those who use a full cloche get!
It may be also that whatever is lost under a full cloche
is quickly gained back when the cloche is removed.
Cliff
> Cliff
> Light intensity is a difficult thing to measure for sure. Problem is
>there
>are parts of the light spectrum that are lost as the light transfers
>through
>the plastic. Only reason I know is because I used to raise reptiles and if
>two identical Iguanas are treated and fed EXACTLY THE SAME but one is
>exposed
>to direct sunlight and the other is given sunlight through a window the
>direct light Iguana will fully develop into the adult characteristics and
>the
>other will grow large but will always have juvenile characteristics. The
>other problem is no matter how much calcium and vitamins you give the
>protected Iguana it will have small holes in its bones from not being able
>to
>USE the calcium. some of the light spectrum lost as I remember is all of
>Ultraviolet A and a good portion of Ultraviolet B there are many more but I
>have my Books put up right now. Who knows what the long term advantages or
>disadvantages are it seems to work and that is good enough for me !!!
> Take care all and have a wonderful season !!
>
> Kevin Smith
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