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Every gardener wants to get an early harvest, but in regions with an unstable climate, spring frosts recede by mid-May. Therefore, to get fresh herbs, radishes and early tomatoes and cucumbers, craftsmen found a simple and cheap way. Heating a greenhouse with candles is an effective method used by many gardeners.
Advantages of heating a greenhouse with a candle
The candle has been a source of light since ancient times, but thanks to the Californian inventor and the inventions of gardeners, the candle began to be used as a heater for greenhouses and living quarters.
A candle heater for a greenhouse has a number of advantages:
- simple and cheap materials for manufacturing;
- you can use improvised means;
- original appearance, can be used as decoration in the future;
- DIY production.
Very often, gardeners use electrical appliances to heat the greenhouse. But candle equipment is in no way inferior to air heaters and heaters. This is explained by:
- A wax candle weighing 120 g emits about 1.1-2 mJ.
- Per hour - 55-150 kJ.
The power of the mini-radiator ranges from 15 to 42 W.
How this method works
Candle heating consists of several ceramic pots of different diameters. Some are assembled into a nesting doll, others are put on a metal axle on which nuts and washers are attached. Such a lampshade above the candles makes it possible to capture, accumulate and release heat to the room. Thanks to this structure, the candle flame heats the rod and metal nuts, then the ceramics are heated, and the heat spreads throughout the greenhouse.
When the temperature drops slightly to -1 °C, 4 paraffin candles must be used to insulate a greenhouse measuring 6x3 cm. In a short time the room will warm up to + 5-8 °C. To heat a larger greenhouse, it is necessary to install several candle insulation units.
Preparing containers and candles
Candle heating is a simple way to heat a greenhouse in the spring using a candle. You can make it yourself in a short time. To do this, you need to prepare the following materials:
- ceramic or clay pots of different diameters - 3 pcs.;
- metal rod with thread;
- nut – 8 pcs.;
- washer – 20 pcs.;
- ceramic stand;
- heat-resistant support for the hood.
Making candle heating for a greenhouse, step-by-step instructions:
- A hole is made in the largest pot and an axle is inserted. The outside of the pot is secured with a nut, and the inside is secured with several washers.
- String 2 pots, which are also secured with nuts and washers.
- The third one is put on and secured with the remaining metal parts.
- The support for the cap can be any heat-resistant material that is suitable in size.
- The required number of candles and a heat-resistant support are installed on the pallet, where the cap is placed.
If you don’t have ceramic or clay pots at hand, then heating can be made from cans of different sizes or from containers for bulk products. The manufacturing technology is the same as described above.
The metal cap will serve as protection from open fire and will accumulate heat. The gaps between the cans will allow hot air to circulate, and the heated metal walls will release warm air. By placing several of these structures in a greenhouse, you can save plants on a cold night.
To save money, time and effort, gardeners are creating new ways to insulate a greenhouse in order to use it rationally and get an early harvest. The simplest and most effective way of heating is to use a candle, a tin can and a bucket. The larger the candle and jar, the longer it will take warm air to enter the greenhouse. Preparation method:
- Several holes are made in the bucket, the diameter of a thumb. This is necessary to circulate air throughout the greenhouse to distribute temperature and humidity.
- A jar with a candle is placed in the bucket.
- Pour vegetable oil into the jar to the brim and light the candle wick.
To increase the temperature as much as possible, place several jars of candles in a bucket or install several structures.
How to heat a greenhouse with candles
The candle heater is suitable for small greenhouses. This design will not only save electricity or alternative fuel for heating, but will also fill the greenhouse with the necessary heat.
When installing a ceramic heater in a greenhouse, you must remember that the heat will begin to flow fully only after 3-4 hours. Since during this time moisture will evaporate from the pots. To heat the greenhouse to + 15-20 °C, it is better to make several structures and install them in different corners of the greenhouse.
How often should you change spark plugs?
When using this method of heating a greenhouse, it is necessary to use paraffin candles. On average, 1 candle burns for about 5 days, and then to maintain the air temperature they must be promptly replaced and oil added. If you put 1 thick candle in the structure, it will be enough for 6-8 cold days to heat the greenhouse.
Conclusion
Heating a greenhouse with candles is a simple, effective and economical way. To make the structure you will need available materials, time and a little patience. But these efforts will not be in vain, since such heating will allow you to grow greens and seedlings in the spring and get an early harvest.
