Coldframe heaters

[cactusplantqueen]

Hi guys, i need a way to heat my coldframe, just something small and it doesnt have to be too powerful, just to keep the frost out. Any suggestions, even with insulation i see the glass all cold in the morning

[plantlover]

You didn't say if you wanted automatic or manual type operation and how often you needed it. You could use bottles of hot water placed into the cold frame or even use aquarium heaters in the water bottles if you have electric at the frame.
Check on line for heat pads, or heat tape or cable,that can be buried. Here in the states we have those things to use. Also look for garden supply centers for your area, I'm sure they can get you what you need.

[daiv]

Do a search on keywords "winter" and "maryland" I think you will find Mikayak's posts. He overwintered his in Maryland in a similar setup.

[cactusplantqueen]

i dont have electric to my coldframe but the bottles of water sound good, what do you thaink about aswell those pads where you click them and when ur done boil them to go back, handwarmer things. Will try those for now, it doesnt need much so will get back to you.

[plantlover]

The hand warmers make a lot of heat and are reusable. I use them when ever I go hiking in the winter time. I would search for bigger ones. I gave a couple web addresses for sellers but they are over here in the USA.

http://www.pinestar.com/Department.aspx ... UANTUMHEAT

http://thermo-pad.com/

[plantlover]

I did several searchs and found all sorts of info under cold frames, and hot boxes on the internet and would suggest you try the search yourself.
I also remember as a kid going out and covering the cold frame with blankets at night to keep the warmth in. Another suggestion is if you have space in the frame not occupied by plants, put as many bottles in the frame filled with water as you can so during the day they warm up and at night they will radiate the heat out of them. The air in the frame does not hold the heat well, but a mass of water does.

[plantlover]

I love searching for new and different ways of doing things. After seaching for awhile I came up with these links that might interest you. I hope they all work for you.
One of the ways I read about on heating a cold frame said to us a candle or several candles. Then there is the pile of manure under the cold frame type. And of course ther is always the others I have already said involving water. One of the other things I did see about water was watch what temperature of the water you use to water the plants. In other words, use water that is not cold but is at least 70 degrees F ( 21C to 22C ) or a little warmer, so you do not use up the heat you have stored in the cold frame for warming your water.
Have fun searching in youe area for answers and here are those links I mentioned.

http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/main/pdf/coldfram.pdf

http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/a ... g06965.htm

http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/c ... tbeds.html

http://canadianhomeworkshop.com/weekend ... rame.shtml

http://www.nvsuk.org.uk/garden_equipmen ... /index.php

http://www.organicgardening.com/feature ... 06,00.html

http://www.gardening.co.uk/forum/forumm ... =1&sp=&v=1

http://www.cmsgardens.co.uk/propagator.htm

http://www.garden4less.co.uk/cold-frame-heaters.asp

[cactusplantqueen]

thanks for your help, will look through the links now, did a bottle of hot water last night but i fell asleep before it went really cold so didnt know how it went will try to find a better way of insulating it and will get maybe a parafin heater? ever heard of one?

[plantlover]

In the links I sent you, it talks about putting blankets on top of the cold frame for insulation. There is also a link for buying a parafin heater for cold frame use.
http://www.garden4less.co.uk/cold-frame-heaters.asp

They also mentioned using candles for heat. I would use ones that came in a jar. Do not forget to keep your plants away from the heaters. I also sent you links from the UK

[cactusplantqueen]

are you a secret online shopaholic? just seen that link, i'm goin to have to sell some of my cuttings (like there arent enough of them ) to pay for it! thanks for the links, thanks for the uk links,

[plantlover]

I also searched the model type of heater and found a wide range of prices on many sites or stores for it. So I would search that way for your best price.

[cactusplantqueen]

i am saving up now (selling some plants) so should be able to have 1 in a few weeks time, but at the mo i've got blankets and hot water bottles (no really!) heres some pics:







i've placed them evenly throughout, it doesnt havent to keep the frame warm, just frost free! I've also organised the plants so the most tender are near the bottles!

[cactusplantqueen]

every morning i refill the bottles with hot water (at about 6am) the when the bottles go cold i refill them, so the temp can rise throughout the day so when its night time its already warm, get the picture? heres another photo with blankets and carpets and bubblewrap ontop after putting the bottles in:

[plantlover]

I have a concern, and that is with the size of your cold frame a parafin heater may produce to much heat and burn your plants.
Your cold frame looks like it only has glass on top and the sides are insulation board. If so you could add more insulation board on the outside of your sides. You may want to try just a candle or two instead of a parafin heater.
What type of heat are you able to keep in the frame, I mean what temp are you maintaining in it now? I do not know how cold it gets were you are at, or how long your cold season is.
I am glad the hot water bottles are working for you.

[cactusplantqueen]

i dont know the temp, but i do know that tonight its -3oc so will try candles, i suppose i could put more poly boards outside, would it help if i sat the plants on them to, put some on the floor? i thought parafins might be too much, but now i guess i'll use candles, frosts in england up to late march, but down here early march, but then there are the frost snaps throughout march aswell!