New Greenhouse Gadget

Heatmat with thermostat

We have a new gadget in the greenhouse in the from of a heat mat.  In previous years, geraniums overwintered in the greenhouse have been troubled by mildew and mould which love the the moisture laden air. I figured that a metal greenhouse may well mean even more damp and condensation so, Chris Genever found this with the theory it would provide a drier atmosphere around the plants by providing a little bottom heat (!) He found it here: http://www.kdev.co.uk/products.php?cat=205 

Choosing which plants sit on it was tricky as I felt I was condemning the unchosen ones! The thermostatic probe has been pushed down into the compost of a pot at the back - nearest the glass and is set at halfway.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that the mat is sitting on some Kingspan foil backed insulation which is the perfect depth for the greenhouse staging.

Anyway, it's been up and running for a week and I should be able to do a good comparison between those left out on the gravel and the chosen few! In the meantime, I'm checking them a little more frequently in case they dry out too much.

This is how it works

Heatmat in operation