From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Middle TN

If you use a soil heating cable do you need any other type of heat inside a hoop house?
Tammy

3/6/2010 10:24:19 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

It depends!!! Lot of help eh?? If it gets real cold, prbly so...but not expensive to resolve that prblm. I have not used cables, but even on colder nights, a clamp on type lamp, w/ a heat lamp type o bulb...red in color, keeps my temps up fairly well...have even read of folks using candles!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...email me @ wsmpeace@bellsouth.net and I think I can put you in contact w/someone to help w/yer soil test results...less than 500 miles away!!! LOL

3/6/2010 10:49:09 PM

Middle TN

I have a couple of clip on lights and a heat lamp bulb would be cheaper than buying a cable. I was just thinking about the roots. Id really like to get an early start if I could. Im determined to get a few 'ohhs and ahhs' at our county fair! haha

3/7/2010 3:31:43 AM

Connecticut

i set up my hoop houses 2 weeks before i plant.i also lay down black plastic and that really helps heat up the soil.you could also paint 5 gallon pails black and fill them with water.

3/7/2010 6:42:41 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tammy, when is yer county fair? Lot's of things can be done to heat yer soil early, (as noted, set up yer hoop, a couple weeks in advance), as you prbly now know!!?? How early is yer county fair, will prbly make the diff, as to whether you need heating cables or not!!! Ky. boy's have for the past few years taken large pkns...NO... Slungers!!! to Indy, in Mid-August!!! Early for a Slunger, ya think!??? Come to IndySTFair!!!LOL Peace, Wayne

3/8/2010 9:50:23 PM

Middle TN

Sadly the fair is the end of July at least it was last year. Im hoping this year it will be later.

3/9/2010 1:02:30 AM