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Greenhouse heaters: I fixed up a 30+year old
Southern Burner to run on propane (replace burner+) and when ready to use, my
hubby ran the numbers for cost both electric (Prescott area) and propane
(as delivered in bulk to house). He came out just slightly better for
electric, until I reminded him of the heat going up the flue. Then it was
a no brainer, electric was cheaper. In addition, the big bottles of
propane were on the far side of the house from the temporary GH, so running a
gas line was out of the question and I am using the little portable bottles to
run the now backup heater and pilot light at a far higher price yet. You
really have to run the numbers.
Glazing: When my permanent GH is done, I expect to
use glass for most of the roof, with bubble insulation attached inside.
This should slow down the degradation of the insulation from UV, and reduce
the UV on the plants, since I am at 6000' in a very dry climate. The
bubble insulation does a fair job of diffusing the light, which I find is of
very great benefit. The coldest section of the GH will have polycarbonate,
maybe a mixture of double wall and twin wall. This is to allow
the UV to pass into the GH for the high altitude plants. I may still add
bubble insulation to the roof panes as this has such great diffusing
characteristics. Any comments on these plans would be
appreciated.
Phrag vittatum: If vittatum lives in the same
habitat as Cyrtopodiums, I assume there must be at least some reduction in the
ground water when winter comes, as Cyrtopodiums go dormant and drop there
leaves, and the usual practice is to keep them very dry. The one
Cyrtopodium I have is just starting to drop its leaves. So I think I will
reduce the watering of my vittatum from once every 2 days, to once every 4 to 6
days. This will not be a complete dry out, just a reduction in the
moisture content. What do you think? Think I will move it closer to
the south wall also, bubble insulation and 2 sheets of plastic sheeting
only. It's currently about a foot and a half away and slightly shaded by
other plants.
Cyrtopodium ID needed: Can anyone ID this
Cyrtopodium? Came labeled as andersonii, which it definitely isn't.
If you have a fast connection, select 'large' or 'original' under the
picture. http://www.pbase.com/schnitz/image/30701833/medium
Cynthia, Prescott, AZ
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