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Saegertown Pa.

I’m going to try heating cables on one or two plants for the first time this year, would like some advice. Looked at 48 feet that would cover 12 sq feet that would be 3 X 4 feet. That seems a little small, should I look for 60 feet ? Any advise on where to get them or the best size, how deep to put them ? Any info would help.
Quinn

3/21/2019 10:51:06 AM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Quinn I use the heavy duty 48 feet that I use to cover 5x6 feet. I try put them down aleast 10 inches. Several growers were unable to find the heavy duty cables last year. Good luck

3/21/2019 12:31:39 PM

Vernal, Ut

I use these and they work great, just have to buy a thermostat to make sure it doesn't overheat. They put out a lot of heat and last forever. https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=roof+heat+cable

3/21/2019 1:02:03 PM

Muddy Waters

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jump-Start-Soil-Heating-Cable-12-24-48-All-Size-Built-in-Thermostat-BAY-HYDRO/223301396236?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=522086558347&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I bought these this morning You can fine cheaper but these will work I like 10-12 inches deep Heat rises.

BTW Quinn you have a surprise coming in the mail

3/21/2019 2:41:53 PM

Plymouth, MN

Does anyone have experience pre-attaching their cables to a wire or snow fence to simplify the burying process? Is this a good idea or would it stunt root formation later in the season?

3/21/2019 2:48:16 PM

west central IN/East central IL

i wouldn't attach to anything, it would be too hard to get them out. of course i use 80' cables.

3/21/2019 3:47:55 PM

Hanson Ma

I got mine at Mor Electric on line. search 60' wrap-on gro quick and they should come up. Best price I found. Then use the same temp control for seedlings.

3/21/2019 4:39:53 PM

Georgia

Joel Holland has the same 48ft cables as the ebay seller mentioned by Budda, for a nickel more with free shipping included. I always try to support growers if the price is competitive.

http://hollandsgiants.com/soilWarming.html

3/21/2019 5:48:42 PM

Georgia

Not that i need heating cables in GA, but if someone sold cooling cables i would be all in.

3/21/2019 6:04:45 PM

Morgantown, WV

I use the 48 foot heavy duty ones. I used to have them zip tied to hardware cloth to keep uniform spacing and keep from jabbing with a shovel... pain to put in and pull out. I just dig 3 x 5 hole about 6-8" deep and use bamboo sticks to hold in place now until covered.

Don't be lazy like me. Dig them out at the end of the season. I thought my soil was soft enough to pull them up and pulled it right off the thermostat connection.

Lots also use ice melting cables for the roof as they're longer, but I believe you need an external thermostat to run these in soil.

3/21/2019 6:43:31 PM

Morgantown, WV

If you're trying to work out spacing for a longer line, I believe about 3" between the lines is average and can be increased if you like. The 12-15 square feet for a 48' line is pretty accurate for 3" spacing.

3/21/2019 6:46:22 PM

Muddy Waters

Yes I bought from Joel last year & left them in the soil.So I had to buy new ones.I think Ron Wallace sells them to.

3/21/2019 8:00:10 PM

Wisconsin

Quinn I do the 48 footers in 4x4 it takes about 36 hours to bring soil up to 77, I bury about 11inches deep as that is where my my topsoil meets the clay

3/21/2019 8:58:15 PM

Cheshire Ma USA

I use roof/snow melting cable and plug them into a digital heat mat controler, that way the temp can be set at anything you want and you can see the soil temp at the same time. They are also heavier, and with a little shopping around cheaper to purchase than the preprogramed soil heating cables. Also available in many lengths.

3/22/2019 8:59:19 AM

New Berlin,NY

I attached my cables to 2 inch by 4 inch field fence, Metal, 3 feet by 4 feet. There is no need for stakes to position, etc. If you get the heavy duty field fence, you can hook 2 corners and pull it out of the ground without fear of damaging the cables.

My mini Greenhouses are 8X4, so with a sheet of plastic on the middle rib I can make it 4X4. The 4 foot side going with the long side of the greenhouse, 2 inches from the edge seems to work well, 6 inches from each side.

3/22/2019 12:11:16 PM

Massachusetts

smile quinn!!!

3/22/2019 6:15:17 PM