[Little Dibber]

Hi there,

I've got 3 tomato plants in the office with me this year 

The building is heated and I was wondering if it was a good idea to leave the radiator on over night (when I am not in) as it is like a hot house in the morning and the first thing I do is open the window.

Q: A Neighbour said this would make the toms tall and spindly, what would be the advise from the forum, to heat or not to heat (its free)?

Thanks,
LD

[mumofstig]

The answer depends on just how cold the office gets without the heating, surely
Or can you just turn the radiator down low at night?

[Little Dibber]

I dont think it can get that cold in the office at night as it is an insulated building and it feels ok in the morning when I walk in if the heating hasnt been on.

With the heating even if I turn it down to the lowest setting it is still p[iping hot when I come in in the morning, doesnt seem to be a thermostat so I guess what I am really asking is will the heat affect the toms growth in a negative way... (i.e. make them tall and spindly)

[Elcie]

I might be wrong but I think it is lack of light rather than heat that will make the tomatoes tall and spindly.  Temperatures in a greenhouse can get pretty hot and the main problem you would have there is drying out.  So, as long as they are watered, it should be fine I would think.  Although again, depends on the amount of light they get.  Usually, a windowsill isn't enough.  (But look for DD's advice about in foil)

[Yorkie]

Beat me to it Elcie.  I was about to comment that lack of light is more likely to make them tall and spindly.

[Little Dibber]

Thanks Guys,

now I know a little more...