General Chat

Can you still get them?


I have started to clear my greenhouse, in preparation for the plants I want to put in there to protect from frost over the winter.
I line it with bubble wrap & in the past have used a small heater to keep the temperature above freezing. I remember my father using candles to do this. (Placed into a saucer of water)They were the same shape as those used under food warmers, but burnt for several hours.

Carol, do you mean a candle that is about an inch in depth, held in a foil dish, and are about 2 inch across. If so, these are called Tea Lights, and you can buy them by the bag full in the supermarket, etc. and are quite cheap. If they are, please let me know, as I had not thought of using them, and am about to do the same job with my Geraniums etc
Julia in Derbyshire

Edit: I think they used to be used under the older type coffee perculators a few years ago

I can recall these candle as "nightlights" they lasted ages. The tea lights don't last anywhere near as long

Yes Julia they are the ones ... but as Bob says the Tea lights burn out much quicker. The old ones burnt for at least 6hrs

I bought a small paraffin lamp at the garden centre.
Liz

Interesting idea - how about using 'Church Candles' - thick pillars. More expensive but last for ages.

I have wondered about using some of the thick candles + the scented ones I have but cannot use as they agrivate my asthma.

As I live out in the wilds it is hard to get hold of parafin, that is why I want to try something else

DET- I had thought of using those church candles. Have got some stuffed away. But, though about trying somewhere like Ikea, who have strange things. Well, to me they do.
Thanks
Julia in Derbyshire

Carol, I used to bubble wrap the glass all over, but it was always a problem with my height, and worse now getting older. This last few years I have put everything together on the work bench, and draped a double layer of horticultural fleece, from the garden centre, over each bench. But, obviously, this is only effective if we do not get too severe a frost.
I am always open to any new ideas that others may have., particularly those who live in colder areas than Derbyshire
Julia in Derbyshire

I kept a can of paraffin, it lasted for ages. Just had to check every few days that it was still alight, and top up when needed.
Liz

Wonder how long one of those, 'heat in the microwave warmers' would keep hot?

Microwave warmers wont do the job, I have a few in the house - they stay warm if they are in contact with something warm, like a human or animal. But on their own they go cold quickly.

When the winter really sets in I put them in between the sheets at the foot the bed to keep my feet warm at night and another couple in the animals baskets wrapped up in their blankets, so much safer than a water bottle for pets, but dont get the scented ones - animals dont like them.

Can you not run an extension lead out to your green house and then plug in one of those slim cylinder shaped heaters. They only use as much electricity as a light bulb

Bob, thats a good idea, my OH has one in his shed, but I had never thought of doing the same with the greenhouse.

Carol - I have just been to Morrisons to have a look at the candles I suggested to you yesterday, but which you thought were not exactly what you were looking for. However, they are sold at 99p for a bag of 50. They had plenty of the big church candles that someone else suggested. You have set me on a mission now,and will be looking for night light candles everywhere I go. I will let you know if I can find a source of supply nationally
Julia in Derbyshire

Thankyou Julia

Electric heaters are ok if you can safely get power to the greenhouse & live in an area that does not get power cuts!

As I do not need to heat the greenhouse, just keep it frost free, Dad & Grandads way seemed a good idea ... just need a cheap supply, or the plants I really do not want to lose will be spending the winter in the spare bedroom!