Reflector, multi-purpose.

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by harleysilo

Post some pictures of your reflectors in action, if you please.

A question was asked in another thread (My support System), I am posting my response in this new thread.

To compensate for not enough sunlight, I have made these reflectors which also serve many other needs:

1. Front side, reflector. In addition to reflecting light, they really keep the top layer of soil cool for root growth.
2. Back side is painted black. I turn them over to absorpt solar heat to warn up the soil early in the season.
3. They serve as stepping stones so that I don't compact the soil.
4. They serve to conserve moisture and to keep weeds out. (mulch)
5. They serve as platforms so that I can put a ladder on them to get to the tall plants.

They are made with roofing aluminum sheets stappled on 3/4" thick waterproof plywood.

dcarch

[harleysilo]

Thanks for posting them!

Have you any idea the amount of light reflected? From what little knowledge I have, I know for example aluminum foil does not reflect as much light as one would think.

[amideutch]

dcarch, definately cool and multi purpose as well. Ami

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by harleysilo

Thanks for posting them!
Have you any idea the amount of light reflected? From what little knowledge I have, I know for example aluminum foil does not reflect as much light as one would think.

Aluminum is one of the best reflecting metals, That's why it is used extensively in all types of reflectors and optics, including astronomic telescope mirrors. It easily reflects up to 95% of incident light. It is incorrect that alum foil does not reflect well (I know some people feel that because foil is too thin).

There is another reason why I use reflectors. UV is used extensively to kill micro-organisms, including water treatment facilities. Have you noticed that most deceases start from the bottom of the plants? The reflectors I use, as you can see reflect light mostly to the bottom of the plants where it is much darker. Whether this is in fact correct or not, I just don't have the space to do a controlled comparison.


dcarch

[JimmyWu]

Very impressive !!!

[kktwahoo]

Nice setup, dcarch!

You have a space limitation, which we don't, but this means you put your maters on the same spot of dirt each and every year?

We used to do that for years and it worked, but everyone says to rotate nightshades and only put them on dirt every four years? Ideas?

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by kktwahoo

Nice setup, dcarch!
You have a space limitation, which we don't, but this means you put your maters on the same spot of dirt each and every year?
We used to do that for years and it worked, but everyone says to rotate nightshades and only put them on dirt every four years? Ideas?

Thanks.

I am what's know as an extreme tomato grower

I am extremely sloppy
I am extremely lazy
I am extremely stupid.

In the small plot I have, I pack them 14" apart.
I don't rotate.
I don't throw away dead plants from before.
I don't compost kitchen and leaves before I bury them.

Please don't do what I do.
I just have been very lucky.

dcarch

[babylark]

That sounds like my kind of tomato growing. I usually have to crawl around under the jungle to get to the fruit.

I'm going to try and be MUCH better this year. Especially since I'm helping with the Dwarf project.

[creister]

Where can you get the aluminum roofing sheets, and did you cut them or do they come in certain sizes? I have seen some people use Al pie pans at the base of the plants as well.

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by creister

Where can you get the aluminum roofing sheets, and did you cut them or do they come in certain sizes? I have seen some people use Al pie pans at the base of the plants as well.

HD sells them in rolls(roofing department). Not expensive. You can cut it with regular shears.

dcarch

[dice]

That thin aluminum sheet is known as "flashing". It has
a variety of construction uses. One can find it near
roofing materials in hardware stores, either cut into
small squares or in rolls of various widths.

Most of the flashing that I have seen is light enough
for the wind to lift it up and move it around, so one
may want to weight it down with a rock or put a little
dirt on top of it around the edges to keep the wind
from getting under it.

[TZ-OH6]

Reflectivity is an often ignored subject, but can be very useful for people growing indoors in windowsill and under lights. You can massively increase the light hitting plants by placing reflective material under and around them... something to think about when starting seedlings under shoplights.


Clean mylar has a reflectivity of around 95% (less with waterspots). Flat white paint or plastic sheeting has a reflectivity of around 90%. Aluminum foil reflects about 70% of the light hitting it.


Our garden area is along the side of the light colored (off white) house and if the mature plants are up against the wall they don't get any reflected light on the back side, so it is better to plant them several feet out from the wall.

[BVGardener]

I am extremely sloppy
I am extremely lazy
I am extremely stupid.

No way would you fit that bill, dcarch.....I've seen pictures of your work. One of my favorite things about your posts is your creativity....ability to think outside the box and to come up with great ideas for problem solving etc.

Jay

[dcarch]

Originally Posted by BVGardener

No way would you fit that bill, dcarch.....I've seen pictures of your work. One of my favorite things about your posts is your creativity....ability to think outside the box and to come up with great ideas for problem solving etc.

Jay

Thanks Jay.
I am extremely flattered.

dcarch