Misting plants to regulate heat

F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
Hey guys, unfortunately I've been unable to keep the heat down in my grow room during the day but I've noticed a drop of 8 degrees when misting the plants with water, so I've decided to put together a low-key misting system instead of splashing out on an air conditioner.

I've bought a garden timer to regulate the amount of water ( http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Outdoor-Electronic-Automatic-Water-Timer-Garden-Watering-Irrigation-System-EN24-/400578963791?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item5d445de94f&_uhb=1 ) and a low cost misting kit ( http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261289257197?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 ), the only problem is the pH of my tap water is 8.2 which is obviously far too high for plants growing in Coco coir. The only way I can think to solve this is to use a pressurized bottle ( http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pressure-Sprayer-Bottle-8L-/121182145315?pt=AU_Hardware&hash=item1c3704cb23&_uhb=1 ) so I can be sure the pH is correct.

Has anybody had experience putting together something like this before? I'd really value some input / advice.

Thanks!
 
F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
Oh, and it's incredibly dry here ( 12-16% humidity ) so will mold when flowering still be a possibility? I was only considering misting during the day when the temperatures are extremely high ( 38 - 46 degrees Celsius ).
 
G

GreyLord

Active Member
I have similar temperatures here in Aus so I've only been growing for half the year. This year I'm attempting to keep some mothers alive through the summer.
Keep us updated, I'll be reading your efforts with interest.

Wouldn't there be an issue using a misting system with the risk of moisture re light & electricals?

Mould? With those low humidity levels? Just how much water are you intending to spray to keep temperatures down? A bit of observation & common-sense should sort it out.


In country Aus, before electricity, many people kept their butter, milk etc. cool by keeping it in a bush fridge, which was simply a fly-screened box covered with a wet sack. A can of water with a small hole placed on top, kept the sack wet. Placed in the shade of a verandah, the breeze blowing through the wet sack kept the inside of the box cool even on the hottest of days. I was taught this by an old bushy years ago, who showed me how to cool beer when there's no fridge or ice, just with a wet sack, shade & at least a slight breeze. 'Kimberly cool' [warm] beer, ugh, disgusting.
So this year I'm going to try hanging wet material that will allow a breeze to pass through, between my girls & the fans. The hanging material will sit in a container of water that should keep it moist/wet by capillary action [I think that's the correct term]. Only have to check water levels in the morning or night before.
I can't see why this wont work but time will tell. It's heating up here, hottest start to spring ever [already had a couple of days mid 30s c.] I'll let you know how it goes.

Good luck.
 
G

GreyLord

Active Member
^^^^^thank you^^^^^^^^^^^^

I've been trying to 'search' on the seed shop sites for heat tolerant strains & they always show 'no result'. I should've just asked, silly me.

Thanks again.
 
F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
GreyLord said:
I have similar temperatures here in Aus so I've only been growing for half the year. This year I'm attempting to keep some mothers alive through the summer.
Keep us updated, I'll be reading your efforts with interest.

Wouldn't there be an issue using a misting system with the risk of moisture re light & electricals?

Mould? With those low humidity levels? Just how much water are you intending to spray to keep temperatures down? A bit of observation & common-sense should sort it out.


In country Aus, before electricity, many people kept their butter, milk etc. cool by keeping it in a bush fridge, which was simply a fly-screened box covered with a wet sack. A can of water with a small hole placed on top, kept the sack wet. Placed in the shade of a verandah, the breeze blowing through the wet sack kept the inside of the box cool even on the hottest of days. I was taught this by an old bushy years ago, who showed me how to cool beer when there's no fridge or ice, just with a wet sack, shade & at least a slight breeze. 'Kimberly cool' [warm] beer, ugh, disgusting.
So this year I'm going to try hanging wet material that will allow a breeze to pass through, between my girls & the fans. The hanging material will sit in a container of water that should keep it moist/wet by capillary action [I think that's the correct term]. Only have to check water levels in the morning or night before.
I can't see why this wont work but time will tell. It's heating up here, hottest start to spring ever [already had a couple of days mid 30s c.] I'll let you know how it goes.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
That's a really good idea! Definitely let me know how it goes, i'm really interested to see how it turns out.

As for the electricity / water situation, I've got all my cords secured well away from any water and I'll be putting the misters at plant level, way below the light so I should be able to avoid any globe expositions!
 
F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
GreyLord said:
^^^^^thank you^^^^^^^^^^^^

I've been trying to 'search' on the seed shop sites for heat tolerant strains & they always show 'no result'. I should've just asked, silly me.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...
I've had friends of mine growing White Widow in temperatures that reached the mid 90's on the regular and they thrived apparently, so that's possibly another strain to take a look at.
 
Dannoo93

Dannoo93

Well-Known Member
Alrighty hear ladies and gents right here is when you go by a HUMIDIFIER and use that so you can keep a constant humidity rather than misting your plants which can cause mold easily
 
F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
Dannoo93 said:
Alrighty hear ladies and gents right here is when you go by a HUMIDIFIER and use that so you can keep a constant humidity rather than misting your plants which can cause mold easily
Click to expand...
The misting isn't to control humidity, it's to control the temperatures.
 
F.A Hayek

F.A Hayek

Active Member
Oh okay, thanks! I'm assuming the low humidity is being caused by the opening of the tent to allow more heap to escape. I'm pretty sure it was sitting around 30-40% beforehand with the tent completely closed ( which it now always will be since I've put in the 350 CFM fan ). I'll definitely grab a temp gun in the next few days, good timing seeing as my humidity / temperature meter just decided to stop working.
 
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