From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Colorado

I can see the difference between sunny days and cloudy days right now in the measurements.

10/29/2024 1:14:51 AM

Gourd Zone, WA

I'm realizing that if I switched from LED to an hps lamp only during the coldest weather I could probably keep a small garden going here all winter, plus keep my little citrus tree alive. Maybe in terms of value it could (nearly) break even. Despite the utopian videos I've seen, I'm not sure the geothermal route would work here because although that prevents freezing it doesn't make up for the short days and lack of sunshine. Things wouldnt freeze... but they also wouldnt grow at all. Strangely enough, I think low light really is the bigger problem.

10/29/2024 5:12:14 AM

Colorado

I could never grow here year round unless you put heat cables (or water) in the ground. The frost penetrates the ground a foot or more. I am sure the sunlight is a real thing. I've measured enough to know if you get a few cloudy days strung together you get less growth.

10/31/2024 11:50:36 PM

Gourd Zone, WA

Well, folks in your climate/ elevation can do the geothermal type of greenhouse. But we're on the cusp of not getting any winter weather out here where I'm at.

Out here things never freeze down deeper than a few inches, and of the climate really is warming then those brief freezes will become rare.

...Maybe I can defeat this winter in my little tomato/citrus/pepper/ginger hut for the cost of a thermostat and about $50 in electricity.

[Last edit: 11/01/24 3:21:51 AM]

11/1/2024 3:18:03 AM