Topic: Directing sunlight with large mirror?

[Chris Graham]

Can I direct some sunlight with a large mirror to a spot where there is a lot of shade?

The image below shows where my compost bin is and I have some Rhubarb crowns planted to the left of it (old picture btw, as I now have a path around the greenhouse).



What I have done is to place the large mirror on the South facing side of the greenhouse. I hope this will direct some sunlight to the shaded corner.  May be not for very long, but do you think its even worth it?

[mc55]

I'll be interested to see responses Chris as I'm thinking of doing something similar ...

[Garjan]

I'm not sure it will work for larger areas, but I did something similar with seedlings.
My aubergine seedlings were on my windowsill and started to grow towards the light. I put an old CD behind them to reflect the light and they started to grow straight again.

I would definitely try it with a large mirror in the garden. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Good luck,
Garjan

[glosterwomble]

It should work, you're just redirecting daylight so there is no reason why it shouldn't work, I've heard similar about putting mirrors behind seed trays on windowsills to stop them leaning in one direction, so go for it! (and let us know the result of course!)

[Chris Graham]

Mirror is in place now, so lets hope it direct the sunlight to the correct area.

[Chris Graham]

Seems to work really well. 

Here are some pics

[cornykev]

Where do you get the sun from Chris.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[sunloving]

Hi
Just keep a watch out for aggressive crows and magpies who will see the bird refelcted in the glass a threat and spend a couple of hours flying into the mirror!

But how wonderful to have sunlight in your dark spot!
sunloving

[Debenvalley]

My greenhouse is between a shed and a fence so only gets direct sunlight during the middle of the day. The greenhousr gets warm enough but I've felt the plants could do with more light.

I've wondered about using the foil sheets you get for behind radiators to reflect some of the morning sun from the greenhouse roof back down onto the greenhouse floor.

Any views on whether this might work ?? Thanks.

[Barnowl]

I've wondered about using the foil sheets you get for behind radiators to reflect some of the morning sun from the greenhouse roof back down onto the greenhouse floor.

I remember Titchmarsh using cooking foil to get his seedlings straight, so I don't see why not.

Seems to work really well.

Perhaps some foil panels behind the composter would kick up the temperature even more.