I have just ordered some thermal blankets to help insulate the polytunnel and plants. The highly relective thin plastic blankets will stop any radiation from the plant. It won't be any good for leaving on for any length of time as it does not transmit light, but will be ideal for an emergency, thrown over plants on those killer still frosty nights.
See Ebay Item: 140312174102
I also intend to use them on the north side of the polytunnel. It will reflect any heat back in + reflect sunlight onto the plants
Has anyone else considered or have any experience of using these
Thermal Blankets as protection
Forum rules
This area is for Reference and discussion of plant hardiness, overwintering methods and tips, and planr protection.
This area is for Reference and discussion of plant hardiness, overwintering methods and tips, and planr protection.
- Dave Brown
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Thermal Blankets as protection
Best regards
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
Sounds like a good idea Dave.
I've never actually handled one of these so dont really know much about them.
I get the impression that the thing your trying to keep warm needs to be giving off heat such as in a body full of warm blood.
Will it work on a plant thats just the same temperature as the air????
I've never actually handled one of these so dont really know much about them.
I get the impression that the thing your trying to keep warm needs to be giving off heat such as in a body full of warm blood.
Will it work on a plant thats just the same temperature as the air????
- redsquirrel
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Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
ive been reflecting sunlight to the back of some yuccas this year in the hope of keeping an even colour on new growth and possibly speed up recovery
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- Dave Brown
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Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
It's supposed to reflect all radiation Pete, so will stop all heat and energy going through it. The greenhouse gets cold as the poly radiates it's heat to outside. If you could create an overcoat of this, in theory you would not lose any heat.
Best regards
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
Pete, the problem on clear still nights is that radiating surfaces including plants can drop below air temperature. Preventing radiation with overhead cover can mean the difference between life or death for borderline plants.pete G wrote: Will it work on a plant thats just the same temperature as the air????
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
Ok, i'm sure your both right Dave and Simon as regarding preventing radiation.
The reason that I'm interested is that I have a small cold frame on my allotment in which I overwinter some plants.
Most years I have made a roll down cover that I place over the glass on frosty nights, recent years its been made out of that white foam, the kind they use for packing and its also used under laminate flooring I believe.
Its a good insulator, but not very tear resistant.
Do you think something as thin as these blankets could serve the same purpose?
The reason that I'm interested is that I have a small cold frame on my allotment in which I overwinter some plants.
Most years I have made a roll down cover that I place over the glass on frosty nights, recent years its been made out of that white foam, the kind they use for packing and its also used under laminate flooring I believe.
Its a good insulator, but not very tear resistant.
Do you think something as thin as these blankets could serve the same purpose?
- Dave Brown
- Site Admin
- Posts: 19742
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Chalk, (Thames Estuary) Kent, England 51.5N 0.3E
- Contact:
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
They arrived today so I can start seeing how it works. it certainly feels warm to the touch so is reflecting the hand heat back
Best regards
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Dave
_________________________________________________
Roll on summer.....
http://www.hardytropicals.co.uk
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
this is very interesting, I am tempted to buy some for the north side of the greenhouse!!
Re: Thermal Blankets as protection
Sounds like a good idea to me,might just have to buy a couple myself