From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Creston, Iowa

Could some one explain how they use heat tapes in the ground to warm up the soil? I have heard of this being done but my concern would be the roots getting caught in the heat tape.
Frank

12/27/2005 3:05:22 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Its a soil heating cable. We dig a hole about 18-24 inches deep place plastic staples and zig-zag the cable back and forth. Making sure the cable never crosses itself the the thermostat end is placed at the top. The hole is then filled in. We then put the young transplant in the hole and cover the exposed soil. The soil temp stay a nice toasty 70-80 degrees. You must leave the cable in the ground until the end of the season to avoid disturbing the roots.

12/27/2005 3:17:27 PM

ENGLAND

Frank
They are known as Soil Heating Cables and a burried about 9 to 12 inches below the soil surface. They are made of quite tuff material and with care are easily removed once the Growing Season has ended. Matt Sells them at Pumpkinsupply.com but i couldnt find a picture of them on the website therefor go here to see a Soil Heating Cable.
http://dansgardenshop.com/easheatheavd.html

Regards
Mike

12/27/2005 3:17:36 PM

ENGLAND

Shannon
You beat me by 9 secconds LOL

Mike

12/27/2005 3:19:57 PM

ordinary,VA

man that was close-lol

12/27/2005 5:11:08 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Frank,

Heat tape is usualy just used beneath elevated propagation benches in a greenhouse. I wouldn't bury heat tape. But the cables these guys are talking about are engineered for direct burial & in no way harm the roots. Of course we can't be running them after the soil warms....that could be a problem. Once they're not needed, you turn them off & lerave them in the ground until after Oct 2nd.

12/27/2005 8:40:27 PM

Utah

http://www.pumpkinsupply.com/ProductInfo~Pumpkin~SOIL_WARMING_CABLE.html

12/28/2005 9:56:00 AM

Montoursville, PA

Any heating cable, to be used should have a high limit cut off thermostat built into the system. If they do not don't use them.

12/28/2005 1:19:30 PM

maine USA

Are heating cables expensive to use{electric bill}?

1/15/2006 6:51:07 AM