In Rauna, Smiltene municipality, Latvia, winter temperatures have repeatedly dropped below -20°C. At the Raunas stādi nursery, preparations for the spring season are underway despite the cold.
The first heated greenhouse is used for seed germination, sowing and early propagation of summer flowers and perennials. Owner Lasma Riekstiņa says late February and early March are the appropriate periods for sowing. Even when sowing begins at the end of February, plants have sufficient time to develop and flower.
In one unheated greenhouse, pansies sown in autumn are overwintering under a layer of snow. Snow is deliberately brought in as insulation, protecting plants from exposure to bare frost at -10°C to -20°C. When it melts in spring, it will also provide moisture.
Two plastic-covered greenhouses for summer flowers are equipped with pellet boilers. Heating starts about a week before planting to warm both the air and the soil. During the coldest days, one greenhouse consumes up to five bags of pellets per day.
The nursery uses double-layer plastic with an air gap to improve insulation and reduce energy demand. Growing tables are also used to ensure that root systems remain warm, as root-zone temperature is considered critical for producing high-quality seedlings.
Source: rus.lsm.lv
