Unheated Greenhouses

[tortoise]

My sacrificial seed trays They are planted with romaine and chard seed that had spilled in my seed box. I put the thermometer inside of one of the trays.

Background is DS6's patio pot of cherry tomato and a red romaine that bolted and is blooming.

 

[tortoise]

Overcast day, 64 degrees F outside.

Inside the dome, its 81 degrees.

I will have to watch carefully on sunny days. Seedlings cant handle temps over 90 degrees.

 

[R2elk]

I learned how to operate the clips that hold my greenhouse panels onto the frame. Before today I've been dependent on DH or DS14 to do it for me.

I bought a wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer with a 24 hour hi/lo. Its not a smart device, I will need to track greenhouse temps versus outdoor temps on paper. That's okay, it will help me become more aware of patterns and how I can manage my greenhouse better.

I track mine using an Escel spreadsheet on the computer. I hand enter the data.

 

[tortoise]

Wow it really doesn't retain heat well. 60 degrees outdoors now at night, 62 degrees in the tray.

I wonder if I can convinced DH to help me build a hot box. My construction skills are weak at best.

 

[tortoise]

I wonder if I could make a big blanket to pull over my greenhouse at dusk? In addition to a blanket over the trays/domes.

 

[tortoise]

This is interesting! Foil-faced thermal curtain inside a greenhouse, for solar oven effect.

Arctic Greenhouse Insulation System | How to Insulate a Greenhouse

Highly advanced system wraps the INSIDE of a greenhouse in a DOUBLE layer of RETRACTABLE INSULATION

www.arcticgreenhouse.com

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I like it! I have no doubt you'll come up with a great solution.

 

[tortoise]

Overcast day, 64 degrees F outside.

Inside the dome, its 81 degrees.

I will have to watch carefully on sunny days. Seedlings cant handle temps over 90 degrees.

Same temperature and overcast skies today, but with 22 mph wind.

Greenhouse temp is 72 degrees.

Looks like wind is a problem for my greenhouse's ability to retain heat.

 

[CrealCritter]

Just a thought... What about a milkhouse heater? I was able to raise ccx through the dead of winter in a 8x16 uninsulated plywood room with a milkhouse heater and two hanging chicken lights. The room never dropped below 50 degrees even during that cold snap in single digits overnight.

▷ 9 Best Milkhouse Heaters (Must Read Reviews) For April 2025

silverlakefarms.com

Jesus is Lord and Christ

 

[tortoise]

The blanket pulled over domes at dusk is holding them about 10 degrees above outdoor temps. was overcast and only got up to 70 degrees again.

Greenhouse saved them from the first light frost last night.

I have a library book ready to pick up on Monday about using unheated greenhouse. I read the book a couple years ago and remember it being helpful, but I didn't try anything from it. I was trying to use it in spring and was surprised to have more difficulty with heat than cold.