[gardeners] Steaming Greenhouse
Leslie-Trapper-Boss (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Sun, 21 Jan 2001 17:16:01 -0500
Hello!
I am new to this list and already hoping someone could give me some
encouraging advise.
I am a new greenhouse (lean-to) type and up until this morning have
maintained a comfortable heating ratio in it (I have an electric
heater). I have some flower seeds started in flats, along with some
potted bulbs in there. I also have some other potted, flowering plants
in there as well.
This morning I woke to a full blast of sun after a winter storm dropped
six inches of snow on us here in Northern New Jersey. Usually, my
routine has been that I make a visit to my greenhouse first thing in the
morning to check out the temp, etc. and to raise the vent if it is going
to be sunny, etc. However, this morning, other important demands on my
life detained my usual morning visit and it wasn't until 2pm that I was
able to get in there. I was thoroughly disgusted to feel and see that
the heat inside the greenhouse was well over 95 degrees. Two of my
potted flowers were wilted beyond recognition and my two seed flats
where 50% of the seeds were just at the beginning stages of germinating
were literally steaming. When I lifted the one dome up the heat was
incredible that came out of the flat. I am SO mad at myself for letting
this disaster happen.
Tomorrow, I will be contacting my greenhouse dealer and ordering a solar
vent opener and possibly even a door opener if necessary. In the mean
time, what do you think the chances of the seeds progressing to full
germination are? Nill right? I bottom watered them with cooler water and
said a prayer for them. My efforts were a waste right?
A lesson learned.... :(
On a brighter note, I am hoping to contribute to this group and learn as
much as I can along the way too.
Thanks!
Leslie Boss
Union County, NJ
--
If you need me.. I'm in my greenhouse, happy as a lark :)
http://community.webshots.com/user/trapperboss
USDA Zone 6a (The Garden State)