Tomatoville® Gardening Forums - View Single Post - Sun instead of lights?

erlyberd · February 25, 2011

The answer to the original post...Sure low-tunnels work great but with no heat source and during cold weather (nights) your limited to day time use only.

I use both, lights and low-tunnels and even a hoophouse. I like to start the plants under lights for the first 30 days and then utilize my low tunnel during the day. I have no heat source so I need to bring plants in at night. When the nights get warm enough I place the low tunnel inside my hoophouse and plant my tomatoes. Last year I was able to plant a full 6 weeks before last spring frost.

Keep in mind that your only gaining around 10 degrees over night time temps using cold frames/low tunnels. Its a lot of work but if your after early harvests then this is what you need to do.

Good luck with your seedlings! You'll never buy starter plants again, I promise!

February 25, 2011	#5
erlyberd Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CT Zone 5 Posts: 186	The answer to the original post...Sure low-tunnels work great but with no heat source and during cold weather (nights) your limited to day time use only. I use both, lights and low-tunnels and even a hoophouse. I like to start the plants under lights for the first 30 days and then utilize my low tunnel during the day. I have no heat source so I need to bring plants in at night. When the nights get warm enough I place the low tunnel inside my hoophouse and plant my tomatoes. Last year I was able to plant a full 6 weeks before last spring frost. Keep in mind that your only gaining around 10 degrees over night time temps using cold frames/low tunnels. Its a lot of work but if your after early harvests then this is what you need to do. Good luck with your seedlings! You'll never buy starter plants again, I promise!