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Re: Stan's hot tomato

     Well it's Sunday morning and I went out to the garden to see how the
new setup faired.  SUCCESS!  The water in all the bottles has only about
an inch of ice at the top.  When I put them out last night, there was
about 4 inches of ice at the top.  Apparently the insulation was the
trick.  If I put a cover of insulation on the top I believe that nothing
will freeze.
     Which brings me to think maybe following this wall of water concept
is all wet.  Since I like the use of the Christmas tree lights for heat
and cheapness, I have another road explore.  
     If I forget about the bottles and the water and just make a box out
of insulation and put one bulb inside of a smaller box this may work
better.
     I have heard of "rose cones" but never seen them in person so have
no really knowledge of size or pro's and con's, or price, but perhaps
these may be useful.  If they are the right size, I may try to cut a
"window" in the sun facing direction, about 1/3 of the way around and
cover the "window" opening with plastic.  This will keep the heat in
throughout the night but let the sun in during the day to let the tomato
plant do it's photosynthesis thing.  One bulb per cone may do the trick. 
Also, this should keep the bulb and socket dry and also help heat the
ground.  Another worry may be how to keep the hot bulb far enough away
from the emerging plant to keep from hurting it.  
     Also, does anyone out there know if there are certain colors that
the plants can't see at night?  I'm afraid that the light may stop the
plants nighttime part of photosynthesis.  At worst, I will figure some
way to cover the light without stopping the heat.  
     OK, so here I go again.            SOMEBODY STOP ME!
I am going to make some pyramid shaped "cones" out of some of the 1/2
inch silver faced insulation board that I have.  I'm not sure what I will
use for glue but I will let you know what works.  The South facing side
will be made out of clear plastic, perhaps a sliced 2 liter pop bottle.  
(Yes, I am fascinated with these things. I have found many many uses for
these bottles from funnels to nail and screw storage containers, and
more).  
     I may need to use a thicker insulation board to keep in enough heat
but this is what  I have on hand and with the silver coating on one side,
I think it is a good start.  Also If this idea does work out well, these
things should be cheap enough to make from 8 foot by 4 foot sheets
available from the home centers.  Also, If only one or two bulbs can make
enough heat per "cone" that will be more economical than the water
system.  I think the first dimensions will be 8 inches on the bottoms and
12 inches tall.  I will bury them about 3 inches into the ground to try
to keep the ground from losing heat and to keep the wind from blowing
them away.  I will also put a thermometer inside for tonight and check on
it when I can through the window.  One bulb to start.

Stan.     The cheap and lazy gardener.

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