by Natalie
How cold is too cold to set up a window farm?
7:38 am in Getting Started, International, questions, Seeking Advice by Natalie
Hi! I want to set up a window farm to grow some herbs, mainly. Well, at least for right now. To get my feet wet.
I live in Japan, in a building made completely of concrete, built most likely in 1950′s or 60′s. There is no central air just a small, expensive, electric air-con/heater installed over the balcony window. Right now, it’s winter in Japan. So, needless to say, I am typing while hiding under the cheapest source of heat, a heated table. (I know, I am leaving a carbon footprint but I can’t function with cold digits or nose) Anyway, I am wondering if I can still attempt a window farm system if the average temperature in my apartment during winter is about 1C (or 35F) the lowest being -4 C (28F)(usually) and in summer it can reach about 35C (95F). I have no way to regulate the temperature in the air-con room, efficiently or cost effectively.
I have more questions about how to find appropriate plant nutrients but I am also certain I can continue to peruse this site to find that information.
Any advice sent my way would be appreciated!
Thanks!
@tardisblue Dear Natalie, Cold is a problem and I had hoped that someone with more experience might reply to your post. But, I’ll share my own experience. Personally Basil has been the best grower for me even on cold spells. I have sometimes had temperatures as low as 64. but not down as low as you have. I have heard that some people use an aquarium pump to warm the water which feeds the plants. Is it possible for you to have warmer than 60 degree water when it is pumped to your plants. That is all that I can think of, but if you do try with a windowfarm, I wish you good luck. Sylvia Manchester Indiana USA
@sylviawoerner Thank you so much for responding.
I do hope someone who knows a bit more about water temperature and a plants ability to absorb nutrients does respond, BUT thank you. I can research aquarium pump. I wonder how expensive they are, here…. I am slowly, working on gathering materials. So, it could be that by the time everything is assembled, the temperature is much warmer. merp!
I have no idea how you are able to live in an apartment at 1C…that just seems too cold for me.
Unfortunately, most plants need warmth in order to thrive. But you could try experimenting with cold weather plants. Kale, Spiniach, Califlower, Peas, Lettuce and cabbage (small variety) would do well once they are established. Do a bit of research and look at anything ‘hardy’.
Most of these would be Spring/Fall crops, but you might get lucky if there is enough sunlight.
The other thing you could do is try and build a green house around the window farm and let it seal in some of the heat. You could do this with plastic sheeting, as long as it didn’t touch the plants.
I think you are going to have to experiment a bit to find out what works. Maybe get some plants established before the seriously cold temps hit.
Oh.. @hardwarejunkie. It’s not living. It’s surviving! In particular, it is wearing every item of clothing I own, curling under my kotatsu (heated floor table) and researching window farming, tiny house living, and other random ideas that pop into my head or on TED.
But as you and Sylvia pointed out, (and I assumed and researched into further) most plants love and thrive in a mildly warm climate. I hadn’t thought about making my window farm into a small greenhouse to stabilize the temperature. Think I’ll putz around with that idea for a bit and as you suggested, wait till it gets a tad warmer before taking the WF R&D-I-Y plunge.
Also, thanks for the tips on cold weather plants. I’ll definitely keep that in mind!
You might have to do some testing and see if you can make your own micro climate within the space. Greenhouses do produce more heat and stay warmer then outside, so you’ll have to implement those technologies.
You might even want to employ some 60watt regular bulbs, rather then CFLs, just to produce heat within the sectioned off zone. Hopefully power is not too expensive in your area.