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Hi,

I've got a 6x8 lean to GH and a thermostatically controlled portable gas heater.  What are the members' thought on the best temperature to keep the GH at overnight.

I've germinated some squash, pepper and other seeds and they are now in the GH and seem to be doing ok, however I'm pretty sure if the temp drops below zero they won't be so fine.

Regards.

I'd have thought you're a bit early with the squash, but I guess you are "darn sarf". Can't help with the temperature I'm afraid- my greenhouse is unheated and very leaky so don't grow much in it until much later than this.

I am darn sarf Caroline.  I live in North Cornwall, inland from the sea and not too close to Bodmin moor so we have quite mild weather.

Don't know what temp should be but my g/h gets quite hot in the day and I have to open door to give it a bit of fresh air.  My central heating system seemed to work this winter anyway as nowt seemed to freeze up in there.

RHS book says 18C for peppers, and 21C for cues. Might be costly?
However, I would think that 5 - 10 would keep them going

Its more about keeping the roots of your plants warm and not the whole of the GH
Below is my toms the pollythene above roles down and also below and i have a parasene heater in which is only lit at night if you can maintain 45/50 deg that should be ok

Also the remainder of the GH again with just maintaining 45/50 deg

I keep my greenhouse at around 35*F for storing over wintering stuff theN I up it by about 5* when I start sowing.

There is a more detailed explanation and pictures here;

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Greenhouse%20heating/Greenhouse%20Heating.htm

Thanks for the replies.  I've set it to maintain a temp around 5deg C.

Thanks TG for the link, it's now one of my favourites.

Regards

Courgettes do not like going below 7C.    The cotyledons will put up with slightly less but the true leaves are more delicate and certainly no cold draughts.

 

QuoteI've set it to maintain a temp around 5deg C.

Hi Coastie that's fine for general heat but you have to supplement general heat with local heat with a propagator or hot bed.

As you will see in he pictures in that link I gave you that my plants are on a hot bed and covered with propagator lids which gives me a soil temperature of around 65*F

What you could do is erect a tent like  structure in your greenhouse to create a smaller air volume to heat and put your plants in this.

5* is a bit low for many seedlings as the others have pointed out!

You dont need anything complicated i just drop the polythene on nights when i know its going to be cold the parasene heater kepps the bottom heat at 60/65 deg