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New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

Seaside gardens in eastern Canada are a problem with cold
off the water causing slow spring vine growth.I haven't seen
soil cables do anything yet and have little experience with ceramics. Would appreciate the experience, wisdoms, and failures of others. Anyone circulating warm water? How to
use ceranic heat to best advantage? Inventions anyone?

9/7/2004 9:04:34 PM

I'm with Gordon... GO UTES!

I tried soil cables, but they didn't work until I used them
in combination with a plastic mat over the soil. Then I was
cookin'! Without a cover, your heat will escape into the
air very rapidly.

Another idea I'd like to try is putting some green compost
about 2 feet down, and burying that... I understand that the
heat generated by the compost is significant, but I'd like
to hear some first-hand experiences from those who've tried
it.

Regards, Cliff
http://idahopumpkin.tripod.com

9/8/2004 9:57:24 AM

[email protected]

I've heard of folks planting on a mound that contains a quantity of fresh manure for the same reason.

You might try using "search" for the word *driveway*.

I met a contractor a while back at a Green Industry trade show that installs hot water circulating deiceing systems for patios, driveways, & walks.

We had discussed using them in the mound areas of pumpkin patches when we met. I might have posted contact iformation here at that time.

If not & you want info, let me know. It's probably here in the office somewhere.

9/8/2004 10:12:37 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I am thinking also on along the lines of Steves suggestion of a Solar Pool heater, a bunch of pex pipe scraps ( most plumbing places will not piece together lengths and the left over from the roll is scrap) and a circulation pump. Placed down well below the tillers tine depth. Could be a costly operation by the time you are done. I have seen in a magazine where the did this with a greenhouse and an outdoor wood boiler system. For growing salad greens in the winter months.

9/8/2004 11:13:49 AM