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jcrous
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Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:29 pm
Location: Cape Town (Brackenfell)

To protect vulnerable seedlings from sunburn and drying out

My newly transplanted peppers were not doing so well in our hot climate. The last few days were around 40C / 104F. The tomatoes coped but the peppers not.

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I pushed some branches of trees to protect against the sun but it wilted within a day.

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I made use of brickforce and made seven little covers. Look at the plakkie (sandal) strap tan on my foot. I used a sail needle and 50% shade cloth and sun resistance string.

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The cover compared to my foot for size.

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The covers over the plants, but not good enough. They are still wilting.

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Now it is working after another 50% cloth. Overhead is a 40%, on the little shelter is a 50% and the loose piece is a 50%. After a week I will remove the loose piece and another week or two later the shelter. I wet the soil around also to to keep the soil cool enough. I have to ensure the root system develope first.

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applestar
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Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 7:21 pm
Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)

Looks great! What is "brickforce" -- I assume it's those handy wire forms but what are they used for?

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jcrous
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Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:29 pm
Location: Cape Town (Brackenfell)

It is a galvanised wire pattern that is mortared in-between two layers of bricks to re-inforce it and prevent cracking.



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