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Brillion Wisconsin

I'm having a difficult time getting a really accurate measurement of the temperature inside my hoop house. I have tried a number of differant thermometers and they all do not recommend being exposed to direct sunlight. The nighttime temperatures are very close to being realistic but the daytime temps are way off.

I had my air conditioning tuned up the other day and when the technician was finished I brought him out back to check the air temp inside my hoop house. My thermometer read 92 and his high tech thermometer read 84.

I was wondering what everyone else is using to monitor day time temps inside their pumpkin enclosures?

The air conditioning guy said his cost around $300 bucks. I would be willing to spend around $50 for a good quality green house thermometer. Any suggestions?

Thanks...Dean o

5/20/2004 10:35:51 PM

you could build a sort of roof over your thermometer, a mini house. that way it would measure the air temp and not the hot direct sun temp.

I have a thermometer with one of those wireless sensors. Total in the greenhouse I have the sensor, two cheap thermometers, and this old brown one that we've used for incubating eggs for year. They all read within a couple degrees of eachother. But with any thermometer you're going to get mechanical error, ya know? I basically use them to get the general idea as to how my hoophouse is heating up compared to the outside temps. I always test the thermometers I use by putting them right next to each other and making sure they read the same.

5/20/2004 10:48:07 PM

[email protected]

Place the sensor inside a light colored box that is open on at least 1 end & the better part of a side. Cardboard is fine inside. Plastic will be needed for permenant outdoor use. But any shade structure will work.

5/20/2004 11:05:56 PM

Taber, Alberta

I have one of the wireless sensors as well. I left it out in the sun and was getting wildly inflated readings. It's still a little cool at night so I have a styrofoam cooler overtop of my plant and my sensor. During the day, I take the cooler off and put it on its side. I put the sensor inside of it so that the sun won't hit it. Now I'm getting much more accurate readings. Alan

5/20/2004 11:19:01 PM

Indiana

I have a big white 6 inch PVC pipe end cap. It does a good job recording actual air temp.

Tom

5/21/2004 12:14:06 AM

Puyallup, WA

I have purchased three different "wireless" thermometers for my hoop houses. None have worked satisfactorily. IMHO...they are worthless! I use a large "dial" thermometer as well as a mercury "max-min" thermometer. I have yet to get an "incorrect" reading! :>)

5/22/2004 5:20:49 PM