Season change

[TexasRobin]

PaulB, could you post a current picture of your tomato tunnel?  I'm having a hard time visualizing how you have it winterized since your EBs are on the outside of the tunnel.  I have a similar setup using cow panels but my boxes are on the inside of the tunnel so obviously I can't walk between them.  Thanks!

[PaulB]

The past two years, the boxes have been on the inside of the tunnel.  Only in the first year were they outside.  I'll try to post a photo soon.

I forgot to mention, I installed a 250 watt infrared heat lamp as a heat source, hanging from the top, connected to a timer.

I had to open it up today to allow it to vent.  The condensation was so strong that I got rained on a bit when I opened the top of the end panels.  I closed it back up a little before sunset to retain as much heat as it could, altho the temps are only going to hit the low 40's tonight.

I picked a nice batch of tomatos off of the plants today.  I noticed that one of the peppers is turning ripe, too.

[Deb]

I'm eagerly awaiting your pictures as well.

I'm using cattle panels as a hoop trellis and I have 8 EarthBoxes (next year I will only put 6 in there - or add another panel) in 2 rows that I can easily walk between.  It is tall enough to walk under and still reach the veggies.  The tromboncino hung down and one was over 4' long.  If the tomatoes hadn't been deer lunch and had to start growing all over, they could have climbed over the top and down the other side, as it was, they just reached the highest part of the hoop.

I was thinking of using a plastic greenhouse material that is corregated to turn it into a mini-greenhouse, but the people who sell the plastic didn't think it would work.  I think the plastic film would be too difficult for me to use - but it sure would be cheaper.  http://www.greenhousecatalog.com  is not far from my Dad's place.  He has a small greenhouse made out of this material and I still think it would be perfect. 

The cattle pannels are 16' long and I have several of them tied together to make a hoop over tomatoes, cukumbers, and squash.  Since stuff is growing outside the trellis/panels, I thought a 20' length of plastic would give things the space they need.  The plastic would only be connected to the panels at the bottom.  It comes in a continuous roll, cuts easily, and would be easy to take off and store in the summer.  We sometimes get snow, but I think most would slide off the top and not collapse it.

Perhaps your pictures would help me explain what I'm trying to do.  ;>

Deb

[cushman350]

SKYWARN 6 FORECAST
Freeze Warning in Effect
 
A cold north wind stick around for much of the day. We'll be in the 40s for much of the morning. This afternoon, decreasing clouds with north winds at 20 to 25. Highs will be in the upper 50s. Chilly for area footballs games with temperatures in the 40s and north winds at 10 to 15.

Wichita Falls will likely register its first freeze of the season Saturday morning with temperatures dropping to near 30.
 
John Cameron, Skywarn 6 Forecaster

This year spring came in February, being the last freeze of winter 2011-2012. Normally this is happening late Mar/early Apr. Now for fall 2012 our first freeze will be Oct 27 instead of mid to late Nov.
Early spring early fall. Is this a small cycle or a trend? We are out of wack.

And the beat goes on, Sonny and Cher, TEMPS are out of whack.

SKYWARN 6 FORECAST
Record Breaking Heat Today
 
Another very warm day today with sunshine and southwest winds driving temperatures well into the 70s by noon. Breezy and very warm this afternoon with highs in the upper 80s. There's an outside chance we could reach 90 in Wichita Falls. If so, it would be the first time we've ever done that in November. Warm for area football games tonight with temperatures in the 70s and south winds at 10.
 
A cold front may bring a very small chance for showers on Saturday or Saturday night, but don't expect much. Cooler weather will accompany the cold front this weekend into next week. Highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s.

John Cameron, Skywarn 6 Forecaster

.

SEASON CHANGE, I THINK SO.

[PaulB]

The nightly forcast for the next several days in my area shows a warming trend, with overnight temps climbing into the low to mid 50's.  WEIRD