Getting ready for winter nights.

[GottmitAlex 3,778]

I just picked up some heat lamps and their fixtures for this winter.

I only need one of each, however it's always good to have the items handy. 

Once the temps drop below 8C, the 125w brood lamps activate. 

 

 

 

[Gottagrowemall 158]

How much do you think it costs in electricity to run a couple of those like 5 nights a year? Probably not that much right? 

[GottmitAlex 3,778]

2 minutes ago, Gottagrowemall said:

How much do you think it costs in electricity to run a couple of those like 5 nights a year? Probably not that much right? 

Not much. And they usually turn on between 3 am to 7 am . 

[GottmitAlex 3,778]

This is a test. This is only a test of the winter emergency heatlamp system.

These puppies will activate at 8C and below.

5 lamps for 5 cocos.

2 palms without lamps= B. alfredii and a D. plumosa

Current temps (8:00 pm 10/20/21):  17C

[NOT A TA 1,378]

They look more decorative than utilitarian in the pic, good yob!

[surfermatt 4]

Super cool setup! 

[Allen 1,272]

I'm not sure how waterproof it will be but that should help protect the spears.  It won't save the fronds.

[GottmitAlex 3,778]

1 hour ago, Allen said:

I'm not sure how waterproof it will be but that should help protect the spears.  It won't save the fronds.

The truth is the fronds are worse after summer (due to dessication) than they are after winter.  Once winter passes, the fronds get black spots. But nothing like the dead leaves that summer gifts us. 

Regarding waterproofing:

The fixtures have lasted 5 years except for one. They are exposed. 

I'm not saying they're waterproof, however, they're still going like the Energizer bunny. 

This year, like last, the only coconut I will place a tarp over will be the baby (pacific golden tall).  I have not tarped the other 4 cocos in 3 years.

(Just activated the brood lamps)

I guess now you know my secret

[WaianaeCrider 1,590]

Getting ready for winter nights for me means breaking out a long sleeve flannel shirt, and putting away the plain cotton long sleeves, to sit on my deck at night w/a cigar and a mixed drink looking at the palms in the moon light.  Flannel comes out when it drops below 70* F.  LOL  Yea I'm a panty after 55+ years here.  LOL

[Gottagrowemall 158]

How do you get them to only activate at a certain temperature? Do they come that way?

[D. Morrowii 393]

49 minutes ago, Gottagrowemall said:

How do you get them to only activate at a certain temperature? Do they come that way?

Im not sure how @GottmitAlex is doing it but they make these temp/humidity switches that are fairly inexpensive. 

[Gottagrowemall 158]

Just now, D. Morrowii said:

Im not sure how @GottmitAlex is doing it but they make these temp/humidity switches that are fairly inexpensive. 

Thank you I might set one of these up for my coconuts. I was planning on building them a little tent with bamboo stakes and a sheet. Putting a heat lamp in there will just help them that much more.

[Tropicdoc 462]

6 hours ago, GottmitAlex said:

The truth is the fronds are worse after summer (due to dessication) than they are after winter.  Once winter passes, the fronds get black spots. But nothing like the dead leaves that summer gifts us. 

Regarding waterproofing:

The fixtures have lasted 5 years except for one. They are exposed. 

I'm not saying they're waterproof, however, they're still going like the Energizer bunny. 

This year, like last, the only coconut I will place a tarp over will be the baby (pacific golden tall).  I have not tarped the other 4 cocos in 3 years.

(Just activated the brood lamps)

I guess now you know my secret

Run a misting line along the top of the fence and mist 2-3 times per day?

its amazing how fast your coconuts are growing!!!!

[Tropicdoc 462]

10 hours ago, GottmitAlex said:

This is a test. This is only a test of the winter emergency heatlamp system.

These puppies will activate at 8C and below.

5 lamps for 5 cocos.

2 palms without lamps= B. alfredii and a D. plumosa

Current temps (8:00 pm 10/20/21):  17C

This is the closest I’ll get to your coconut…

I (kind of) see the resemblance 

 

[GottmitAlex 3,778]

8 hours ago, D. Morrowii said:

Im not sure how @GottmitAlex is doing it but they make these temp/humidity switches that are fairly inexpensive. 

Exactly