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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Creating a inexpensive heat source for evenings in greenhouse

rcharles_gw (Canada)

10 years ago

I have a greenhouse and a small section within closed off to keep more tender plants in.
Does anyone have ideas as to which would be the less costly way of keeping it heated somewhat in the evenings? Daytime temps. are not an issue.
Have many black containers of water inside to hold heat from sun.
Any thoughts or information of what you use would be very much appreciated.
Was looking for a heating cable type set-up, but the cables I saw where fairly cheap thin wire.
Rick

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Comments (7)

daniel_nyc
10 years ago
Rick,

I use Honeywell Digital Ceramic, HZ-370BP ($39.99) for my little greenhouse.

Btw, last week we had 60Ã¢ÂÂ F and the next day it snowed: 32Ã¢ÂÂ FÃ¢ÂÂ¦ Weather is pretty strange this year.
AmyHourihan
9 years ago
I am experimenting with several thermostat controlled seed propagating mat, with bubble wrap tenting around containers of less hardy plants, and a remay cloth blanket. So far, I am keeping the soil temp above freezing.

Im intrigued with the idea of using LED rope Xmas lights to create inexpensive efficient bottom heat on my greenhouse shelves.
http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/11658/diy-heat-mat-speeds-seed-starting
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CanadianLori
9 years ago
bobberman23 what zone are you in? I am thinking about going back to using water to moderate temps.
muscadines978
9 years ago
Just a quick note: LEDs do not give off enough heat to heat up anything. I use (2) 18' incandescent rope lights for bottom heat in a 2'x4' bed topped off with gravel. I had to connect them to a dimmer to keep the gravel below 100 deg. These lights only use 5 watts/ ft.
Make sure that they are incandescent and NOT LEDs.

Hans
ken75_gw
9 years ago
I enclose my back porch in plastic in the winter. I bought a 6x6 plastic greenhouse at Big Lots for $50. I put the greenhouse inside the plastic enclosed porch with an oil filled radiator type heater. Even in 30 degree weather this setup keeps the greenhouse in the 70's. I haven't noticed any major change in my heating bill.
bobberman23
9 years ago
I am in Pa. and its really cold. I still have some lettuce in my solar green house that did not die when it was zero outside and 25 at night in the greenhouse.

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