[3759allen]

have you worked out a rough energy cost in using grow lights?

[Aidy]

yes but can't remember lol but it wasnt that bad, although the light is classed as 300w the actual running is less, the germination light (the square one) is a 14w LED panel so next to nothing

[3759allen]

hmmmmmmm might be worth looking into for next year.

[sunshineband]

Manure, it took about three weeks to get warm, but it's still going strong

That looks great, Twitch, and it gives you a decent sized space for keeping those seedlings safe and warm.

How deep is your manure bed underneath?

Have you done this before, because I am wondering how long the heat lasts before you dismantle it? Do you grow squashes in it afterwards?

[Twitch]

That looks great, Twitch, and it gives you a decent sized space for keeping those seedlings safe and warm.

How deep is your manure bed underneath?

Have you done this before, because I am wondering how long the heat lasts before you dismantle it? Do you grow squashes in it afterwards?

No haven't done it before, but will do it again next year on a larger scale.
It is about 3 feet deep, I built it on the 21st of Jan, it is meant to last about 2 months.

Was still warm today and the growth on the toms is amazing. Will take a picture tomorrow on just how much they have grown in just a couple of weeks.

I don't grow squashes, so will probably put the manure in the bean pit.

You are only a few mins down the M4, if ever up this way just shout and you are more than welcome to have a look..

[p6t6]

Very interesting twitch. I like the idea of a hotbed, might have to think about it at the end of the year.

Your tunnel bed looks awesome.

[gobs]

You might be a degree colder than where I am, but I already have my Anaheim and cayenne chillies in my cold greenhouse, and I do the same every year. They are double insulated with a plastic dome over them with fleece wrapped round underneath. By far the best place for them, and my early sungold tomatoes too. If proper freezing temperatures are forecast for one night I put extra fleece over the dome just for that night to be on the safe side. Never had any problems. Windows are contentious areas 

Just do not forget, Duntheham, that both tomatoes and chillies are hardier, than sweet peppers. and the locations...