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market-farming - Re: Glazing - coldframes & cloches

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  • From: Marcie Rosenzweig <fullcircle AT jps.net>
  • To: "market farming" <market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Glazing - coldframes & cloches
  • Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2000 08:13:19 -0800


Martin asks

>i'e been considering playing with the saran wrap product used for pallet
>wraping as a short term 'glazing' for cold frame/cloche..perhaps even a hoop
>house ...any one out there tried this ??


I haven't tried this and, actually wouldn't. Saran Wrap(tm) or any other
kitchen film has virtually no UV stability adn would go to shreds or powder
in rather quick order, maybe even less than 30 days, then you have the
problem of how to get this hydrocarbon based contamination out of your
field.

I have used plastic 1 and 2.5 gallon water bottles with the bottoms cut out
as cloches. I punch a hole in the bottom and anchor it with irrigation
stakes against the wind. I punch a hole in the cap, and tie it with a
string to the jug. Cap them at night to reduce heat loss, take it off
about 10am to ventolate. Doesn't work against freezes. Ok against light,
quick frost.

I've also use contractor's plastic to wrap field fence tomato, pepper and
eggplant cages in early spring, or for an unforseen frost. This stuff will
hold up in the sun for about a year, so it comes out of the field intact
and can be recycled.

One caution, peppers in particular are more sensitive to cold feet than
ambient air temps. If the soil is not at least 55°F at root depth, don't
set them out. They will pout and may not catch up all season. If you want
to test this for yourself set one out earlier than the rest and see what
happens. Everyone should have a good soil thermometer, but if you don't
try the sit test. If you can sit comfortably on bare soil at about 10am
for at least 15 minutes it's probably ok. If you feel like your fanny is
freezing off, your peppers won't be happy.

Marcie A. Rosenzweig
Full Circle Organic Farm
Auburn, CA





  • Re: Glazing - coldframes & cloches, Marcie Rosenzweig, 01/26/2000

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