Thermal Blankets as protection

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Dave Brown
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Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by Dave Brown »

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. :wink:

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 :wink:

Has anyone else considered or have any experience :wink: of using these
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Dave
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pete G

Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by pete G »

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????
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Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by redsquirrel »

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

Post by Dave Brown »

It's supposed to reflect all radiation Pete, so will stop all heat and energy going through it. icon_thumright 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. icon_thumright
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simon
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Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by simon »

pete G wrote: Will it work on a plant thats just the same temperature as the air????
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

Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by pete G »

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?
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Dave Brown
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Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by Dave Brown »

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 icon_thumright
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Libby

Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by Libby »

this is very interesting, I am tempted to buy some for the north side of the greenhouse!!
SteveW

Re: Thermal Blankets as protection

Post by SteveW »

Sounds like a good idea to me,might just have to buy a couple myself :D
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