Carolyn,
Are these semi-tender herbs, such as rosemary and lavender? Depending upon
the variety, these will need to stay anywhere from 10 to 25 degrees above,
minimum. Are we talking annuals, half-hardy or otherwise? These need above
freezing temperatures, unless they happen to be pansies or primulas. Is she
trying to keep frost sensitive perennials alive, or actively growing? If
just as protection, perennials aren't incredibly picky, but they will not go
dormant or stay dormant if the temperatures are regularly above forty
degrees (or so) If *summer* plants means bedding plants, she'll probably
want some supplemental light source. Plain four foot fluorescent shop
lights, with two bulbs apiece, work fine. They need to be close to the tops
of the plants to be the most effective, and 12 hours on and 12 off would be
adequate. If these are bedding plants, most will not prosper if the daytime
air doesn't get at least comfortable (by human standards), and they will
also be disappointed if it gets too cold at night. Tropical or semi-tropical
plants will become quite stubborn and stop growing at low temperatures.
Different plants, different conditions.
David Helf
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carolyn Kay" <cmkay@wbl.whitebear.k12.mn.us>
To: <mastgar@extension.umn.edu>
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2003 3:23 PM
Subject: [Mastgar] Overwintering Plants
> Good day everyone!
> Someone I work with is having a greenhouse built that will be attached
> to her cabin which will be heated all winter long as will the
> greenhouse. She is wondering what kind of lights she should install in
> order to overwinter summer plants. Will she need grow lights? or just
> regular lights? Should she have the plants on a timer or not? I'm not
> sure of all the plants she wants to overwinter next year.
>
> Thanks!
> Carolyn Kay
> Wash. Co.
>
> "Think Spring"
> mastgar archives:
> http://lists.extension.umn.edu/pipermail/mastgar/
> Mastgar mailing list
> Mastgar@extension.umn.edu
> http://lists.extension.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mastgar
