Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

market-farming - [Market-farming] heat cables

market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Market Farming

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Beth Spaugh <lists AT rhomestead.com>
  • To: High tunnel discussion list <HIGHTUNNELS AT LISTSERV.KSU.EDU>, Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] heat cables
  • Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2015 21:04:14 -0500

There was discussion that some folks used roof gutter deicing cables for bottom heat. How warm do these get?

I just set up an 8 x 16 foam "table" with 200 feet of the cable. Before putting plants on figured I'd better test. The cable barely gets warm, certainly not hot. I was planning on using this in my unheated hoophouse to keep seedlings from freezing at night. I can't see that it will put out near enough heat, fast enough. I have it on a "cube" thermostat, to come on at 35 and off at 45. I was planning on keeping the whole thing full of flats, and that the heat would come up through the plugs, making nice warm roots. Seriously doubting this will happen.

Hopefully after this week we will be done with frequent below zero nights. I know that with frequent daytime sunshine, under row cover it seldom gets below 15. Because of condensed ice on the bottom of the row cover. If it doesn't freeze I don't know that I'll get that extra protection. But I do have three layers of ag-19 row cover plus a light plastic, and can lay foamboard over the top (sides just row cover and plastic).

Those who have used these - please chime in with your experience. Thank you.

--
Beth Spaugh
Rehoboth Homestead, Peru NY
http://rhomestead.com http://www.facebook.com/rhomestead

"How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used." -
Wendell Berry

"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances
Moore Lappe

It's not that nice guys finish last. They have a whole different notion
where the finish line is. - unknown





Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page