Late Fall>Early Winter Project: 'Raised Bed'

[EddieWalker]

Don,

You've brought the above ground planter box to a whole new level. Now when I see one, I'm gonna be wondering if it's just dirt in there??? hahaha

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[TOMDUALLY]

Metal pipe would transfer the heat into the soil a lot faster than the plastic, but with all the heavy equipment you have it shouldn't be to hard to change at a later date, LOL

 

[TBDonnelly]

Last night we received 2"-3" of snow. Thought this would be a good opportunity to test the heating mats. Remember there are two heating mats. I'm testing one mat at a time. I used a thermometer with a long probe (about 8") and plugged it into soil. After one hour the core temp was 34-35 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm testing the deeper of the two heating mats first.

I borrowed the heavy equipment from a neighbor who's not in any hurry to have it returned, so it's still here for my use. Using metal pipe for increased heat transfer is a good idea. I'll remember that the next time I take the dirt out.

I set the heating mat on 'low', after 5 hours the core temperature has risen to over 50 degrees (F) ....see pictures. More later as the temperature rises....

Don

 

[TBDonnelly]

After I was done installing the water bed heating mats I came across these 'soil warming cables'. For future reference.....

eBay Stores – soil warming cables, Gardening Plants, Home Garden – Original items at low prices.
and
Gro-Quick Soil Warming Cable

Of course, I installed two seperate heating mats, so I guess you could say I have multiple heat zones.

I'm considering a seperate thermostat with a wider temperature range. I'm finding most of the heating mats range from 70 to 100 degrees. I'd like to have the option to keep the temps in the 45 to 60 degree range. I found this portable/waterproof thermostat at Farmtek.

Waterproof Thermostat w/Tube Sensor

Any thoughts on the thermostat? The heating mats are 380 and 285 watts.

Don

 

[1flower]

my raised beds are not portable. they are drought tolerant in mid summer and extend season fall and spring. i dig a pit 3 to 4 foot deep, fill with wood blended with soil than build frame filled with amended soil. as wood breaks down [slowly] it heats bed and holds water. works pretty good. not an original idea.