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federal way WA

A mini heat wave is expected in washington this week (2 or 3 days of mid 80 degrees) then right back to our normal 60's and rainy. My question is how should I best protect my young plants inside their hoophouse? I have 2 plants in a 10' x 16'. should I mist every few hours? use a fan? roll up the walls???

5/13/2008 2:57:25 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Jeff, we are in the same situation here in BC so I am expecting to open both ends of the hoophouse and maybe have to roll up the sides a bit too. I've also got a fan inside the hoop to circulate and blow out the heated air from the top of the hoop.

Good luck with whatever you do...we are in for a short heat wave that the plants should love!!

5/13/2008 3:11:29 PM

Wood River, IL ([email protected])

Jeff, I hope you and your family are doing well. I pray for your family offen. Good luck this season.

God bless,

Kenny

5/13/2008 6:14:51 PM

Rhode Island

when its that warm you need to go open air in the day time.

the young plant has not established enough root system this early t. thats why it will wilt a bit so easily even when the temp goes from night to sunny day temp.

mid eighties should not require misting. just be sure the soil is moist and/or watered properly

if you do mist dont over do it.

5/13/2008 6:15:56 PM

I'm guessing some pretty intense sun for you to,,you may consider some temprorary shade for the young plants,,a lawn chair set over them or a sheet suspended on some sticks might not be a bad idea to go along with the ventilation.

5/13/2008 6:44:16 PM

federal way WA

Thanks,
Pap your theme seems to be "be sensible and dont over do it" I like it. I will use a combonation of all these ideas and be happy for the sunshine!!

Thanks Kenny for your prayers, its been a tough day and your words made it better.
Jeff

5/13/2008 7:39:07 PM

Minnesota([email protected])

It doesn't take much to get leaf burn from intense sun/heat. I made the mistake of not opening my cold frame on a sunny 60 degree day. On one of my plants a couple of leaves have leaf burn on the edges. Luckily it wasn't any worse.

5/13/2008 7:48:56 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Hey Jeff, I'm over here in Sequim. . . I'll believe that 80 degrees when I see it! Right now, I'd be happy with 65!

5/13/2008 7:53:21 PM

Poulsbo, WA

Im hoping this mini heat wave will give WA a little early season boost for those who have their plants in the ground already.

5/14/2008 11:35:01 AM

Anacortes, WA

It's still raining here in Anacortes. Like Boom Boom, I'll believe the 80 degrees when I see it!
Dick

5/14/2008 12:05:25 PM

Joliet, IL

keep the plants alive is number one. the plasic lawn chair method could work if placed at the hottest part of the day. i would remove hoophouses all together if possible and mist. pieces of shade cloth attached to rebar above each plant will help too. even if you get some leaf burn early on, it is no big deal. the first 3 true leaves and the cots are just to get the plant going and always get beat up anyways. stressing the plant into shock is a different matter. do not over mist like pap said. use misting heads with the smallest drop of water possible.

5/14/2008 6:25:23 PM