9 degree higher water temps in coldframes

[Kat]

I never really paid that much attention to the water temps in my cold frames compared to the ponds left uncovered.  I could feel the water was warmer whenever I stuck my hand in.  Well last night on a whim I decided to check & put the probe about 6" below the surface.  Got readings of 68 in my uncovered ponds & 77 in the covered ponds.  Starting to see baby tropical lily pads  at the surface in the coldframes but no activity on the tropicals that are in the uncovered.

One of these days I hope to be living with a bigger yard so I can have a proper greenhouse    If you've got a greenhouse, would love to see pics. 

[Zoe]

Did you get any of the colder weather that blew in last night?  It is cool down here along the Gulf Coast.  No greenhouse here but I have often wondered what it would be like to build something on top of my lily pond.

[Kat]

Yep, it is chilly today & will be tomorrow morning.  Typical spring weather.  That is why I keep the covers on 2 of my tropical ponds until May-mid May.  You should try it as it will extend your growing season.

[miguynmkoi]

Ohhh!  Now you've got me thinking that I could put up a greenhouse like tent over my pond in the winter.  With the extra heat maybe my lilies could wake up faster in the Spring.  As it is now, the pond is covered heavily with netting (to keep gosh darn  fish eaters out) and a screen (to keep out dropping juniper tree needles).  Only way to see my fishies and lilies is to pull back the nettings.  Mmmmm......

[Kat]

PVC pipe comes in very handy to make coldframes/greenhouse type covers.  During the summer it can also be used to hold netting up.  When you've got plastic sheeting attached, be sure to have it firmly anchored as winds can blow them down or away.  It would definitely give your lilies a head start for the season & keeps them growing longer during the autumn months.