How to Install a Heat Cable in a Greenhouse Bench
Heat cables used in a greenhouse or hothouse increase soil temperatures promoting seed germination. Gardeners start the seeds directly in soil on the bench rather than in pots or containers sitting on the bench. Proper installation of the heat cables improves the performance of the system and extends the life of the equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place about 2 inches of soil in the bottom of the bench. The type of soil does not matter but avoid using peat moss that dries out and poses excessive heat options.
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Check the heat rating for the cable. Choose a cable that provides 10 watts of heat per square foot of space. A bench of 8 sq. ft. would require a heat cable of 80 watts, for example. Place the cable in an even distribution around the bench. Press the cable about 1 inch into the soil.Check the heat rating for the cable. Choose a cable that provides 10 watts of heat per square foot of space. A bench of 8 sq. ft. would require a heat cable of 80 watts, for example. Place the cable in an even distribution around the bench. Press the cable about 1 inch into the soil.
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Place a layer of 1/2-inch hardware cloth over the soil. This wire mesh with 1/2-inch spacing protects the heat cable from accidental damage by gardening tools.
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Add about 4 inches of sterile soil to the top of the bench. Use potting soil, if desired, or any other mix desired for starting seeds.
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Place the probe for the thermostat, if applicable, in the top soil of the greenhouse bench.
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Tips & Warnings
Gardeners use this same technique to heat hothouses. A hothouse is a glass-covered frame set into the ground. Instead of a bench, the soil is at ground level. Unheated hothouses are referred to as cold frames.
Cold conditions require additional heat. Place the heat cable to provide 15 or 20 watts of heat per square foot in cold climates. Install all electrical devices according to manufacturer's instructions and confirm that the heat cable you've chosen is approved for in-soil use.
