Beat the frost: Easy DIY greenhouse heating with candles
The end of the summer season and the onset of chilly days don't mean the end of work for gardeners. Besides protecting plants from frost, it's also important to ensure that the temperature in the greenhouse doesn't drop suddenly with the first frosts.
6:18 PM EDT, October 26, 2024
A stable temperature in the greenhouse is crucial for healthy plant growth. Many people opt to buy specialized equipment, such as heat pumps, central heating installations, and hot air, electric, or gas heaters. However, there is a simple and inexpensive way to protect plants from the initial chill.
A home method to heat the greenhouse
One day we may go out for a walk in a light jacket, enjoying the sun's rays, only to find ourselves pulling out a thick scarf the next morning. Not only people are affected by temperature fluctuations; unexpected autumn frosts can pose a serious threat to crops in the greenhouse.
To shield your plants from unexpected frosts, you don't need to spend a fortune on specialized heating devices. All you need are a few basic items that you can easily find at home or in a store. The best choice will be candle inserts, which burn much longer than regular candles. This is the perfect time to stock up, as candle inserts are available practically everywhere before All Saints' Day.
Prepare:
- 2 clay pots of different sizes, each with a hole at the bottom,
- a candle or candle insert,
- a clay saucer,
- 3-4 small stones.
How to make a pot heater?
- Prepare the base: Place the stones at equal intervals on the saucer to create stable support for the pots.
- Arrange the pots: Place the larger pot on the stones. Light a candle inside it. Then place the smaller pot on top, creating a "cap."
- Leave some space: Ensure there is a small gap between the pots for adequate air circulation. Otherwise, the candle may go out.
The candle heats the clay pots, which, in turn, release heat into the environment. This raises the temperature in the greenhouse, protecting the plants from low temperatures.
Pay attention to details
Clay pots get very hot. Always wear protective gloves when moving the heater. Check carefully to ensure that the construction is stable, and be sure to check from time to time to see if the candle is still burning.
This method is simple and cheap and can be used both in autumn and spring. Thanks to it, you can protect your plants from frosts.
