Reflecting sunlight

15 years ago

Im starting my seeds in a sort of vertical garden in my back yard, along with continuing my garden in a raised bed. My concern is that the back side of the vertical garden isn't receiving enough light. I am rotating the entire structure as it is on a sort of metal pole, though ideally I would like to know if something can be used to reflect light to the back side, so that as I turn the garden, all seedlings are receiving some light. Would this be possible, and if so, what sorts of materials would be best for outdoor use? I have set up this sheet and it does seem to reflect some light, though I would like to know if there are better options out there.

{{gwi:21662}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

catman529
15 years ago
I think a mirror might be good? You would need to angle it so that the light reflected would shine on all the plants that would otherwise be in the dark.
vrkelley
15 years ago
How about trying to tape together some potato chip backs. Wash and flatten them first of course.
Related Discussions
How much can reflected sunlight compensate for lack of direct sun
Q
Comments (2)
Hmm, a vegetable garden on a balcony facing east. The east exposure should not be any barrier to good growing...the morning sun that is at least 4 - 6 hours directly can grow most plants that can take full or partial sun. Have you cleared such garden with the owners and your neighbors who might object to seeing such use on a ground floor. We all love plants, and color, but sometimes a vegetable garden is not considered something to show off. Reflective material may take the place of sunlight in the growing season, but it can also burn if hit directly by hot sunlight. This too can happen in winter when combined with wind. Wind is the major cause of drying out of foliage and soil causing possible major increases of water use. Further barriers to such wind should be contemplated.
...See More
Best way to keep containers cool in summer sun
Q
Comments (16)
I've been wrapping my containers, including the fabric Smart Pots, in blankets cheap ($1.50) reed blinds I found at the Daiso Japan stores to keep them cool. We'll see how they work with temperature here in Southern California being broadcast for 95-106 degrees over the next 4 days. Daiso has a number of stores in California and Washington State. I don't know about the availability/price of these things elsewhere but if you have one of these stores nearby, it's a good place to find some cheap material. I personally think they look pretty good (more natural than a mylar, at least-- not sure how I feel about shiny metal surface on my garden containers :)). More to the point, the dried reed are light colored and hollow so should help block the direct sunlight from the container. Linked below is a picture of a container I wrapped in the reed blind blanket. I took the blinds, cut it down to size, wrap it around the container and tie things up with either strings or zip ties. I also have a few containers (plastic ones and Smart Pots) on concrete (these are the spots with the most sunlight in the smallish yard). I put a piece of one inch thick plywood between the concrete and the container. Maybe not the best solution but should help somewhat. Here is a link that might be useful: This post was edited by DHLCAL on Tue, Apr 29, 14 at 1:27
...See More
My First Real Garden
Q
Comments (3)
ThatÂs a very nice, organized little garden you have. Give it some time. Most vegetables take a couple of months or more to produce. Patience is what gardening has taught me. Although that fence is providing wind protection, it may be shading your plants too much. They need AT LEAST 6 hours of sun. The more, the better. The exception is lemon balm which likes the shade. You may want to gently move the peppers and tomatoes back into pots if theyÂre not too big and try a container garden that can be moved to a sunnier spot in your yard. You may also want to invest in a moisture meter (Home Depot or Lowes usually has them). How much water they need depends upon how much light, heat and wind exposure your plants get. Also, IÂve seen many forum members on various sites complaining about chilly spring weather. That may have slowed growth. Tomatoes (and peppers) donÂt like cold weather. IÂd take it easy on the fertilizer until theyÂre a bit bigger. Too much ferts can fry a seedling. Good luck!
...See More
Sigh..I know nothing...and I have some questions:)
Q
Comments (4)
Your idealism is touching, however, you will not be able to farm indoors without a lot of expensive equipment. And you for sure will not be able to feed even one child, let alone four. Think about feeding your family with beans, rice, and wheat. All these things come dried, and with a few inexpensive spices, like salt and pepper, and maybe a can of tomatoes, will be very tasty. Supplement with boiled potatoes, mashed, with added eggs and vegetable oil - at least you will know that your children will not grow up obese, be more healthy as adults, and they will be thankful for what they have. Indoor growing is mainly for herbs, cherry tomotoes, peppers, and if you are able to conceal it properly, cannabis. Also with cannabis, you are able to sell it and pay for some life necessities. However, if you get caught, the judge might confiscate ur children, so it might not be worth it. It just depends on whether you love them or not, and it sounds like you do. Sativa.
...See More
hatchjon
15 years ago
A board painted with flat white paint would work.

Jon
sunnyside1
15 years ago
Jonnys, Looks like you have a hanging set-up there. Go to Wal-Mart or a camping store, buy a "space blanket", which is a lightweight shiny aluminum blanket (developed for NASA) should be about $1.25 to $2.00 -- and hang it behind your plants. I always have one in my car in the winter, "just in case", and I have even draped it over my freezer when we have a power outage. I'm planning to put one on the wall where I have my grow lights.
Good luck.
Sunny
freemangreens
15 years ago
Hold the phone!

The setup you show is meant to be rotated about the central axis. Just turn the thing every other day and you'll get 3.5 days a week full sun on each side!

If you're bent on using reflected light, do what I've done in the past; use foil-backed sheet Styrofoam insulation. You can buy a 4' by 8' sheet at Home Depot. It cuts with a razor knife and is durable, but won't kill you if the wind gets hold of it and throws it your way!
anney
15 years ago
sunnyside

I didn't ask the question, but more light for seedlings is always good. I like your suggestion about using a space blanket. They can also be draped over plants in cold snaps. I believe one side reflects light/heat and the other side repels them (one side turned in keeps you warm, the other side turned in helps keep you cool), so you need to know which side to use for the purpose you have in mind.

My fluorescent lights are on a timer and sit on the floor with the seedlings under them. Heating pad under it all. I think one of those space blankets draped over the whole shebang would keep everything warm and well-lit!
anney
15 years ago
jonnys

What kind of holder do you have those cups in?
jonnys
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all the replies :D

freemangreens, I do currently rotate it, though I thought it would be better to reflect some light, that way my plants on the backside can still recieve some refracted light, better than nothing? Maybe, but I thought it couldn't hurt. Another good idea about the insulation, I might even be able to cut it on the foam side like they do with drywall, and create a hinge.

sunnyside1, that is a great idea, I also like the idea of using it over top of plants for dips into the cold, which for me is below 50, burr :D

As for now, the wind doesn't seem to like a sheet draped over my teepee. So I will set something else up soon. Thank you all again for your replies.
rootdoctor
15 years ago
Don't use mirrors - they can actually create hot spots that will burn plants. If you were inside, most of the suggestions would work well. Since you are talking outdoors, and actual sunlight, a smooth piece of 1/8" plywood or other weather sturdy sheet painted FLAT white is your best reflector. Do not put it right on top of the plants, keep it a foot or so behind. I have when faced with a late freeze or inclement weather, ran 2' of carpet padding (black) underneath a strip of white plastic that was angled towards my seedlings and managed to save most of them. These were in the ground. The blabk trapped heat enough to help them through during the day, and a cover saved them at night. Good luck. TiMo

Reflecting sunlight

Comments (9)

catman529

vrkelley

Related Discussions

hatchjon

sunnyside1

freemangreens

anney

anney

jonnys
Original Author

rootdoctor

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Reflecting sunlight

Comments (9)

Related Discussions

jonnysOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

jonnys
Original Author