Protecting Products from Cold
So many farmers are dealing with unusually cold temperatures this winter in the Northern Hemisphere. We have been warmer than usual, but “warmer” is still very cold for most growers. Our cold temps this weekend are about -1F. I’ve seen -25F here before. It’s not unusual to see the thermometer bottom out.
Here are some tips for protecting your bulbs, tubers, cut flowers in storage during cold swings. We always recommend keeping an eye on your temps and humidity levels. I use a LaCrosse alerts monitoring system (weather station + sensors in each farm space) to monitor and track temps/humidity.
Move your products as far as possible from the door to your cooler/storage space or any vents/windows that allow excess cold temps in.
Lift your products off the floor (likely the lowest, coldest surface) and allow for an air cushion to surround them. Heat rises - put your products up high on shelves or over turned bulb crates, etc., if you can.
Block off seams and cracks that allow lower temperature into your storage spaces. A piece of foam board or flattened cardboard boxes placed between your cooler door and your products can help to protect your goods. We have sealed off our uninsulated door with a piece of greenhouse plastic.
Leave lights on in your spaces. Add lights if you can. You might be surprised by how much they can help (even LEDs)
Consider the size of your storage space. It’s most economical to maintain a temperature in a well-stocked room. The goods hold on to the temperature in the room and help to regulate temperature changes. It’s much more difficult to warm up a big empty room, than one that is full with products that are already at the proper temperature. If your storage space is too large for your products consider blocking an area off to to shrink the space you are managing.
Consider a small greenhouse infrared heater. Our little “Dr. Heater” is the ONLY heater we need to keep our entire shipping container above freezing in the winter time. It’s kind of remarkable.