Re: Misting Systems
- To: <propagation@mallorn.com>
- Subject: Re: Misting Systems
- From: "* C* <a*@brinet.com>
- Date: Sat, 27 Feb 1999 09:58:22 -0500
I used a "Mist-A-Matic" type mist system for years. It was a home made unit
and worked perfectly EXCEPT for occasional hang up's where the mist was kept
off. The unit is so sensitive that just one spider web could keep it from
working properly. If you were to use a spray around the mist control to
control spiders it should give you good service for many years. There was a
set of plans published in the American Rhododendron Society Journal 10 to 15
years ago for a unit using a similar concept that is made of Plexiglass.
Another system for use on a smaller scale incorporates a "cool mist
humidifier" such as the type you would use in a room in your home. A typical
system could be a chamber, say, 8 ft long x 40" deep x 36" high. The frame
could be made of 2"x4" pressure treated lumber or as in my case 1-1/8"
aluminum pipe. The entire chamber should be covered with plastic with a
hinged opening for access. Several I have seen are in a basement or garage
and the 'door' is hinged at the top so that when it is opened it can be
secured to the ceiling above. Two 4ft 4 tube fluorescent fixtures such as
the type used in dropped ceilings are mounted above and OUTSIDE the plastic.
Locate the humidifier near the top against a side wall and/or cut form an
opening in the plastic to secure a duct type connection. This can be done by
forming a plastic duct or tube and securing it to both the side wall and the
humidifier with plenty of tape. The humidifier is controlled by an EXTERNAL
timer. This can be a simple 24 hr lamp/appliance timer. You will have to
adjust the humidifier control depending on the minimum on time. For example,
if your minimum on time is 15 minutes you may find the humidifier should be
set to LOW. Or with a different humidifier it may be MEDIUM. Once set you
only need to monitor the soil for dryness. Don't forget the purpose of the
mister is to create and maintain a high humidity around the plants and
doesn't affect the soil.The medium will dry faster if you are using bottom
heat . One refinement I might suggest is to use white plastic or if you can
find a source for reflective Mylar, to cover the chamber. These materials
will reflect light better than clear plastic (use clear on the top under the
lights).
Ed Collins........Western NC.....2200 ft...... Zone 7
----- Original Message -----
From: <skid@bway.net>
To: <Propagation@mallorn.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 27, 1999 5:57 AM
Subject: Misting Systems
>Dear Group,
>We are planning on installing a mist prop bench this year (although we say
>that every year, but this year for sure!) and have been looking into a
>'Mist-A-Matic' control system.
>
>Our situation is that we do not live where the garden/nursery/prop bed will
>be and will not be able to monitor and change the misting with
>temperature/weather fluctuations. The above mentioned system uses a
>stainless steel mesh, that when wet, is 'heavy' and turns the misting off.
>When evaporation takes place, the mesh is lighter, and therefore rises, and
>turns the water back on again, etc.
>
>We wondered if anyone out there has tried a system like this, and could
>tell us how well it worked As well as what the pratfalls (in any) are with
>this type of system.
>
>If there is a similar system, or brand that anyone would specifically
>recommend, we would greatly appreciate it.
>
>Thanks for your help,
>
>Bill & Harvey
>SKID Plants Zone 6 CT USA
>
>
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