Last fall we installed a new patio door which is some kind of energy efficient model.
This year, my tomato seedlings--while healthy--seem a bit on the leggy side rather than leafy. Could this be caused by this new window? Perhaps it's blocking some sun out?
In the past it's worked fantastically to just put the tomato starts next to the patio door. This year they just seem to be all skinny stem with wimpy leaves.
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wisconsingal
- Full Member
- Posts: 24
- Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:40 am
- Location: Southeastern Wisconsin
I suspect that it would have a noticable grey cast to it (like mild sunglasses) if it were blocking out wavelengths the plant needed (mostly blue and some red). I think that those windows do have UV blockers.
It could also be a simple difference in sunny vs cloudy days compared to other years or a change in reflective objects either behind the plants inside or even outside.
It could also be a simple difference in sunny vs cloudy days compared to other years or a change in reflective objects either behind the plants inside or even outside.
I think that is very possible, Angela. Of course, first you should think about your cloud cover this year as compared to other years, as TZ suggests.
The way some greenhouse glazing is touted one might think that some glass actually gathers light and delivers more indoors than out. Maybe I don't understand the physics of light but . . .
A common sense rule of thumb that I once heard expressed is that essentially any "transparent" glazing cuts out 10% of the available light, more or less. If 90% of the light comes indoors, what has been lost is fairly insignificant.
Then you put another layer on - storm windows. So, 20% of the light is lost. Now we have triple pane windows - all well and good for insulation but losing 30% of available light is a real hit! Especially during the months when the sun is low, not in the sky for very many hours, and often obscured by storm clouds.
As I say, I may not understand the physics of light.
Steve
edited to add: foil behind the plants may be of some real help for you
The way some greenhouse glazing is touted one might think that some glass actually gathers light and delivers more indoors than out. Maybe I don't understand the physics of light but . . .
A common sense rule of thumb that I once heard expressed is that essentially any "transparent" glazing cuts out 10% of the available light, more or less. If 90% of the light comes indoors, what has been lost is fairly insignificant.
Then you put another layer on - storm windows. So, 20% of the light is lost. Now we have triple pane windows - all well and good for insulation but losing 30% of available light is a real hit! Especially during the months when the sun is low, not in the sky for very many hours, and often obscured by storm clouds.
As I say, I may not understand the physics of light.
Steve
edited to add: foil behind the plants may be of some real help for you
