What tyoe of heating do you use for your greenhouse/poly tunnel?

[4390evans]

What do you lot use for heating your greenhouses?
I'm looking to buy something for mine but not sure where to start, I've only really heard of a paraffin heater but not sure how easy and safe they are to use. Just need something to keep the chill off for later in the year.

Thanks guys
Jen

[skeggijon]

I use a biscuit tin with some holes drilled in the sides, turned upside down, with a candle underneath it. It's a surprisingly good radiator.

[roitelet]

I use a propane gas heater which has a thermostat. However I never put it on until March and then run it until about mid May. Any longer and the Tomatoes would be gold plated. This is in a poly tunnel with one end screened off with bubble wrap and lined with the same.

[Alison]

I don't heat either of mine, don't think it's necessary for what I grow. I use my tunnel in particular for extending the season and the protection provided by the plastic is plenty to do that. The only time I'd find it useful would be for a bit of frost protection early in the season and I find it easier (and cheaper) to just sow a few weeks later. I guess what I'm saying is that you really need to think why you want to heat, for frost protection, overwintering tender plants, propagation or simply extending a season. The answer to your question will vary depending on your reason (and also how much you are willing to pay).

[veggiechicken]

I don't heat mine either.Tried paraffin in the past - too much faff. Then Electric tube heaters but decided I'd prefer to grow with the seasons.
All I do now, is keep an electric propagator in the GH and start my seedlings in that.

[out in the cold]

I like Skeggijon's idea of the candle and biscuit tin arrangement.

We finally put up the B&Q greenhouse we got in the sale last year and was wondering if we should heat ours or not.

[Sarico]

I like Skeggijon's idea of the candle and biscuit tin arrangement.

We finally put up the B&Q greenhouse we got in the sale last year and was wondering if we should heat ours or not.

I bought one greenhouse at the same time at b&q and now when I finally had time to put it up found t12 glass broken. I lost the receipt unfortunately. I left the frame but not glass yet. I don't want a fuss of wind blow it away as a kite form the missing glass.
About the hearer I want to buy it but I decide to sow a bit later and the plants are not too big for my windowsills. If they need some protection I've been putting on top a double layer of fleece.
About the tin and candle I've seen one made with the terracotta pots wich hold the heat longer then a tin.

[out in the cold]

Sarico,it was my local friendly joinery firm that sorted me out.

I managed to source a replacement pack and bought that, but it didn't have the triangular parts for the corners.

Hopefully you can get something sorted soon.

[greenishfing]

I have used large upturned terracotta plant pots with big ikea candles inside (bought in the sale) when a late frost has been forecast. They burned all night and the plantpots got red hot.

[out in the cold]

Meant to say,I paid about 6.50 a sheet of glass.

The terracotta pot idea is a good one. I recall seeing avideo on YouTube with a guy showing you how to heat your entire room in winter using a couple of candles and terracotta pot

[Sarico]

I have used large upturned terracotta plant pots with big ikea candles inside (bought in the sale) when a late frost has been forecast. They burned all night and the plantpots got red hot.

Is what I meant. But I have a fear of living candle on unattended because it's only a matter of second you can set on fire a garden at night.

[Sarico]

Is what I meant. But I have a fear of living candle on unattended because it's only a matter of second you can set on fire a garden at night.

Damn predicted text. I'm laughing at my mistake. I decided not to edit.i have a fear of leaving candle unattended not LIVING candle. In my head I could see like lumiere from beauty and the beast wondering around in my greenhouse unattended. Lol

[veggiechicken]

Would that be Beauty and the Beast and the Red Duck of York? I still think of you when I see my red potatoes in the garden