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Entry Date
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Location
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Sunday, April 21, 2024
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Matt D.
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Connecticut
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Entry 15 of 58 |
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Soil Heating Cable Controller and Above Ground Reptile Heat Lamp Controller
The image may be slightly out of focus and the values can be read, but the key is the application of these two controllers. The “Jump Start” one on the right has the temperature sensor about 8” below ground to get a reading of the root zone temperature. This is typically set for 70F (21C) and takes about three days to reach this temperature, after this time it just needs to maintain this heat. As a result, this is set-up ahead of the plant going in the ground as a way to check to make sure things is working properly and to ensure the seedling can start growing from day one of transplanting.
Scientific Article:
https://academic.oup.com/jambio/article-abstract/121/2/519/6717265
The ”Hydrofarm” controller is essentially the same as the other one, except the sensor is about 8” above ground and senses the air temperature. This one is set for 68F (20C) as having it a little cooler than the root zone can promote more vigorous rooting. This controller is connected to three 100-watt reptile heat lamps that emit heat with no light to not alter the photoperiod of the plant. On cold nights the plant and heaters are covered with a white sheet (that will later go on the pumpkin if all goes well) to vastly increase the heating efficiency.
Scientific Figure Comparing Air and Root Zone Temp for Lettuce:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Lettuce-Lactuca-sativa-L-var-longifolia-grown-under-different-growth-temperature_fig2_358625089
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