Greenhouse Heating

cordial

nodwah wrote: »

Are you saying this is inside? if so why aren't electrical things okay? you could maybe use a low powered lamp , say a 40 watt bulb to keep the air warmer, the heat would build up pretty quick, there must be something that's suitable for the bathroom on the market.
Are you sure you really need it, coz I germanate things that need heat in the airing cupboard - like toms and peppers - and as soon as they've sprouted take them down to the windowsill.
I now have a consevatory which gets chilly at night after the heating goes off and my seedlings seem to be fine, and I gradually move them outside to my plastic green house as spring comes in.

As mentioned, I am trying to grow plants whose seeds need LIGHT to germinate. An airing cupboard is out. As for putting a standard lightbulb with electrical fitment inside this moisture-laden tent...

nodwah

CAn't think of any seeds that need continuous light!!!
Anyway do they also need that much high humidity? What are they? Aren't they then going to be prone to damping off and other fungal problems?
Of course you could shine a spotlight on the tent from the OUTSIDE and it will get pretty hot inside, I do this with my kid's desert creatures tank to keep a steady 28-30

Sharra

Hi - can I jump in one this thread as my question is linked. We've just planted runner beans, toms, lettuce and spinach seeds. I ran out of room on the windowsills so today we bought one of these mini greenhouses to put them in.
After reading this I'm worried that it will be too cold out there, will they be ok or should I bring them in to germinate?
Thanks

nodwah

Sharra wrote: »

Hi - can I jump in one this thread as my question is linked. We've just planted runner beans, toms, lettuce and spinach seeds. I ran out of room on the windowsills so today we bought one of these mini greenhouses to put them in.
After reading this I'm worried that it will be too cold out there, will they be ok or should I bring them in to germinate?
Thanks

IMHO lettuce and spinach will germanate outside, toms will need quite a bit of heat inside, runner beans i'd need to check up on but if the seed packet says sow direct in the ground in april then you'd be okay outside to put them in the greenhouse

shopaholictiedtheknot

I know this question has been asked before and I have read all the replies to previous threads and I am still confused! We have just moved house and have a greenhouse which I really want to start using immediately (very excited lol!) and I would like to grow things like cucumber, tomatoes, squash and maybe some rocket & spinach and also some bedding plants for next year (dont want much do i? :rotfl:)

I would be grateful if anyone could clarify a couple of points for me please?

Can I germinate seeds in an unheated greenhouse in winter? If yes, which ones are best to try?

Can I put seedlings in an unheated greenhouse over winter?

Is it possible to grow any fruit/ veg over the winter months or does everything need to start in Spring?

Can I use a paraffin heater as we do not have electric in the greenhouse?

Any advice at all will be appreciated as I am a complete beginner to 'the good life' !!

alanobrien

I think you would have a hard time germinating seeds in an unheated winter greenhouse unless you used a heated germination tray and even then you would most likely have to insulate it.

Yes you can use a paraffin heater, there are many types these days electric ones to but i suspect they would be costly to run examples here;

http://www.garden4less.co.uk/greenhouse-heaters.asp

One other thing, if it doesn't already have one, you may want to consider an automatic vent opener for the greenhouse.

kazwookie

Ok I have become an owner of a greenhouse heater via freecycle:j , I know I don't yet have a greenhouse:rotfl:

So my questions are:-

1. Do you have a green house heater?
2. What 'fuel' do you use in it?
3. How much does the 'fuel' cost, I know cost are going up but as an average.
4. At what temp do you put your green house heater on?

Any other advise


Thanks in advance.

SKIPPY54

Hi,Kazwookie,Thought I would join you with a simular question and an answer.
I have up untill now used a parafin heater but to keep the greenhouse warm,just enough to keep the frost off,it was costing around a fiver per week till around may.
I have since doubled the green house in size and I am now looking for a solid fuel,old style boiler that you used to see on allotments and gardens.
I cant seem to find one,does any one know where to buy,or will I have to make one myself?

SKIPPY54

By the way if your choccie button heap is close to mine I have a spare Heater you can have,not the expensive to run one!!!

SEE

SKIPPY54 wrote: »

Hi,Kazwookie,Thought I would join you with a simular question and an answer.
I have up untill now used a parafin heater but to keep the greenhouse warm,just enough to keep the frost off,it was costing around a fiver per week till around may.
I have since doubled the green house in size and I am now looking for a solid fuel,old style boiler that you used to see on allotments and gardens.
I cant seem to find one,does any one know where to buy,or will I have to make one myself?

Do you mean like this?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Antique-Victorian-Green-House-Heater-Copper_W0QQitemZ310062053591QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item310062053591&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14