Spinach in Low Tunnel at 35 degF and 100% RH

[Jeremiah Robinson]

I've been wrestling with an issue related to humidity with my plants.

I am adding a plastic low tunnel over my grow beds this winter, which will make a big difference in energy savings by trapping all the heat and moisture escaping from the grow beds.

Based on what I've read in this article, however, it seems like I might run into a problems with too much moisture causing negative effects on my plants such as fungal infections.

Does anyone have experience raising plants (spinach especially) in a 90-100% RH environment, during the winter when it gets cold at night?

[Jack Dunbar]

Hi Jeremiah

I don't know if this might be useful to you but we have this gentleman in our area.. David O Connell aka Dr. Tomato, who has years of experience with hydroponics and I went to a seminar at his home and he had his greenhouses and then he had like low hoop houses insulated with foil faced foam. It's hard to explain but if you Google Dr. Tomato or Castle in Barrington, NH, a lot of his info is there. I think that he even gives out his home phone and he welcomes calls. He is a wealth of info. It'd be worth checking him out.

                                                        Jack

[Jeremiah Robinson]

Thanks Jack!  I sent him an email.  If he replies I'll post it here.

[Jack Dunbar]

You're very welcome Jeremiah.