Parafin heaters

SpudtheBinx · « **on:** January 07, 2009, 13:46 »

I was lucky enough to find two parafin heaters in a box of junk. My greenhouse is 8x6. Obviosly they wont make the greenhouse warm but they will keep the frost out, but what would that allow me to do? Does it mean I can put my seedling in the greenhouse rather than a window sill once the germinate? could I start some first early potatoes in the greenhouse in a bag?

Aidy · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2009, 15:54 »

Yes
The only question would be, is worth the expense of the parafin? I personally would wait until the temps get higher and the light levels increase. If these frosts persist into may then your seedling are going to be sat in a pot for too long and you may find that later sowing will very quickly catch up and overtake your 3 month old seedlings.

peapod · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2009, 18:41 »

Seeds also rely on the length of solar power (ie day length) they receive,not just the temp, so though sometimes it can be worthwhile starting them off early(ish). As Aidy says, the later sown seeds will probably do just as well if not better than the earlier sown

Paula

SpudtheBinx · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2009, 19:56 »

Oh I am not going for anything too early, I learned that lesson last year! I was more thinking about keeping the frost at bay in a greenhouse rather than using the window sills in the conservatory this year. We still need frost protection in march, which is when most of my seeds need planting. If it's not going to help then I may as well freecycle these heaters. It's just I dont think MrsSpudtheBinx will be too chuffed if the conservatory becomes a jungle again this march

Aidy · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2009, 20:15 »

they will do the frost job no problem, as I mentioned just the cost aspect. Is your greenhouse insulated with bubble wrap? This normally is enough but his years frosts are a bit of a beast. I use my parafin heater in my shed on days like we are having, light it, shut the door and go in for a brew, nice and toastie. I would not get rid of them, there can be useful.

pushrod · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2009, 20:36 »

Quote from: "Aidy"

Yes
The only question would be, is worth the expense of the parafin? I personally would wait until the temps get higher and the light levels increase. If these frosts persist into may then your seedling are going to be sat in a pot for too long and you may find that later sowing will very quickly catch up and overtake your 3 month old seedlings.

+1

I once kept 20 pelargoniums alive over winter by heating the greenhouse with a parafin heater - what a waste of time and money :oops:

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