A quick update to share additional facts and lessons learned from using dead leaves and tarps in Zone 6a MA, with fellow members that may be growing figs in similar conditions.
Temperatures dropped to 5 F° and spent the last ten hours in the single digit zone. This basic protection approach has so far proved successful and temperature inside held the 32 F° line. Again, the Govee thermostat is inside a 22 ft. X 6 ft. enclosure that is almost filled with dead leaves and covered by several layers of tarp. About 5” of snow helped seal it tight, trapping passive ground heat and limiting the drop in temperature inside to 2 degrees over a 24 hour period when outdoor temperatures dropped 20 degrees.
The real beauty about it is the total absence of all risks associated with active heat: burns, fire, loss of power, etc… This setup is perfect for the environment and conditions I am growing figs in.
Good luck to all and hopefully spring will bring about some positive results.
Temperatures dropped to 5 F° and spent the last ten hours in the single digit zone. This basic protection approach has so far proved successful and temperature inside held the 32 F° line. Again, the Govee thermostat is inside a 22 ft. X 6 ft. enclosure that is almost filled with dead leaves and covered by several layers of tarp. About 5” of snow helped seal it tight, trapping passive ground heat and limiting the drop in temperature inside to 2 degrees over a 24 hour period when outdoor temperatures dropped 20 degrees.
The real beauty about it is the total absence of all risks associated with active heat: burns, fire, loss of power, etc… This setup is perfect for the environment and conditions I am growing figs in.
Good luck to all and hopefully spring will bring about some positive results.
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