Better Way to Warm?

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figlegacy

Registered:1412213071
Posts: 96

Posted 1424576339	Reply with quote #1

Any ideas on how to keep these guys warm? The cold winter air is seeping through the windows and the room cools down to the 60's at night. I've noticed their growth has slowed since it got really cold in the last few weeks. I've got a heating pad underneath the cookie trays hooked up to a thermostat, but that pad is only 19" and doesn't reach all the way over.

BrightGreenNurse

Registered:1416895665
Posts: 150

Posted 1424577418 · Edited	Reply with quote #2

I have no firm evidence of how much difference this makes, but I wrapped my potted fig trees with aluminum foil. They seemed to retain more heat (noticeably warmer to the touch) and are sitting in a very sunny windowsill. This might be overkill with a heating pad though...not sure. Seems to be working really well with the window though. I also have plastic wrap stretched over the top and secured with a rubber band (creating a greenhouse effect). Just use two pieces of plastic wrap, one stretched around each side of the trunk so that next to no humidity escapes. Between the plastic and aluminum foil, the heat builds and stays put longer. I have only been growing figs for a year though, so take this with a grain of salt :). __________________ Wish list- St. Rita, LSU Hollier, Brooklyn White, LSU Improved Celeste, Smith, St. Anthony

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1424577833	Reply with quote #3

I put them directly on heat pad and wrap a couple towls around pots and make sure any exposed heat pad is covered up with towl too. Try it for a few hours,makes,huge,difference __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

rafaelissimmo

Registered:1335639347
Posts: 1,473

Posted 1424579494	Reply with quote #4

A few members are putting a space heater close to their figs. It'll dry the air but you can mist and water correctly. __________________ Zone 7b, Queens, New York

pino

Registered:1383190021
Posts: 2,118

Posted 1424612322	Reply with quote #5

Heavy curtains that can be closed at night may make a difference. I also have roll down shades on the outside that I unroll at night that cuts the wind. __________________ Pino, zone 6, Niagara, JCJ Acres Wish; Peace on earth and more figs Italian 258, Galicia Negra, Luv, trade suggestions welcome.

figlegacy

Registered:1412213071
Posts: 96

Posted 1424614213	Reply with quote #6

Interesting idea about the windows. If I put plastic wrap over the windows (from sill to ceiling), would that create an insulation? think I'll give the towel idea a shot as well. Thanks.

smatthew

Registered:1423266323
Posts: 180

Posted 1424614366	Reply with quote #7

If you set the heat mat on top of a piece of foam insulation, a lot more heat will end up going to the plants, instead of heating up the countertop so much. __________________ Blackberry & Fig Farmer in East Bay San Francisco - Sunol. Wanted (4): Emalyn's Purple, IT-258, Pastiliere and Milco Caprifig.

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1424618023	Reply with quote #8

Quote: Originally Posted by figlegacy Interesting idea about the windows. If I put plastic wrap over the windows (from sill to ceiling), would that create an insulation? think I'll give the towel idea a shot as well. Thanks. also set heat mat on wood or foam board Like suggested metal panand counter top is soaking up the heat. Towls work wunders __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1424625943	Reply with quote #9

You could also tighten up the trees, you have plenty of room. That way all 3 will be on the heat pad. __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

greysmith

Registered:1394039826
Posts: 254

Posted 1424630902	Reply with quote #10

I describe my new setup in my rope light thread. A light for heat in a cooler, under a tote for a humidity chamber. It's been working well. I open it up for light during the day, unless it's a really cold day, and put Styrofoam over it at night. That's an AC window unit behind it, and you can see snow up against the window over it. If you already have a heating pad use it, but do insulate under it. Getting a tote deep enough can be a trick... But you can turn one tote upside down over another to make a big chamber. __________________ S central KY, zone 6b

nycfig

Registered:1380768118
Posts: 884

Posted 1424632191	Reply with quote #11

Where is the probe for the thermostat? Is it in that pot all the way to the right? __________________ Danny NYC Z7a It's all about the figs! Facebook: NYCfigs Buying Fig Trees and Cuttings From the Internet

figlegacy

Registered:1412213071
Posts: 96

Posted 1424652091	Reply with quote #12

The Thermostat probe is indeed to in the plant all the way to the right. I will put foam under the heating pad, seems like that would work. However, I still plan to keep the cookie sheets on top of the heating pad because they act as a catch basin for when the water drains from the pots.

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