parasene heater, should i turn it off in the day?

[reddyreddy]

Hellooooo, I have a 6x8 greenhouse with a parasene heater, should I light it at night and off in the day or leave on all day, obviously it would be cheaper to put it out each morning but just after opinions!!  :-\

[reddyreddy]

[betula]

Well it depends on what you have in the Glasshouse and the ambient temperature.

It is mildish now but in a while it could be freezing all day.

What temp does the plants you have in there require?

[reddyreddy]

at the mo' it's just sweet peas, geraniums overwintering, strawberries, Christmas new potatoes and my climbing french bean experiment (trying to get beans through winter...! they are about 60 cms high at the mo')  :)

[GodfreyRob]

The answer is yes and no!

Unless your heater has a thermostat you have no way of keeping the temperature constant (which is what your plants want) unless you can be on  hand to switch it on/off  and open and close doors.

So if the forecast says its going to be sunny/mild turn off your heater (even open a door/vent to keep the air fresh) and if its going to be cold/overcast keep the heater on and the door shut (but vent open a bit). Basically, look at the weather and make a judgement on what the day will be like - then adjust the heater/vent/door accordingly.

Is there anyone who could be 'trained up' to check it during the day?

[northener]

You should'nt need it in the day it would cost you a fortune to run. Word of warning consider ventilation, chap round our way died last year from fumes in a greenhouse.

[betula]

It depends on the plants inside the greenhouse .Unless they are suited to a cold greenhouse he may need it on in the day.

Temps could drop to very low in the winter .

[reddyreddy]

Thanks for all the help, I will monitor the weather daily and turn on/off accordingly!