Dehumidifiers ?

[Brown Thumb]

I use a 7 qt. dehumidifier in my garage to control the humidity when it rains.
I got it for 50 bucks on craigs list.
I do not see anyone else using one and just wondered why.
Tom

 

[LeftyRighty]

Too much potential for dried green leaf.
High humidity is OK, as it helps the leaf die SLOWLY, without drying green. Air circulation, and daily night/day flutuations in temp/RH is usually sufficient to prevent or deter mold.
I'm in a high humidity area also, and I'll take it any day over dry low humidity. I don't care if it takes 6 to 8+ weeks for the leaf and stems to cure and dry. Even in high R/H, I'll get a few green leaf, or leaf with some green segments - I can live with this.

 

[johnlee1933]

I'll get a few green leaf, or leaf with some green segments - I can live with this.

I haven't a clue what I'm doing right but I've never had that problem

John

 

[LeftyRighty]

I cure/hang my leaf in a 10x12 shed. In the sun, the temp inside the shed runs about 10° hotter than ambient. So, when it hits 105°, it’s 115° in the shed. Usually, sometime during this curing period, the humidity may drops for a few days. This is how I end up with some green leaf. The partially dried-green segments come from the bottom segment yellowed and curing, but the top of the leaf still green. When it’s fully dry, I just tear off the green part and keep the good segment of the leaf.
Despite the high temps, if the R/H stays high, all the leaf cures well.

 

[Brown Thumb]

I see posts about mold that is why I asked. I do not want mold after all my work.
It has been raining for 2 days now that is when i use it and have been.
All is OK Dokey.

 

[FmGrowit]

As long as the leaf isn't wet and you have enough room between leaves to allow fro proper air circulation, you should be OK. If the leaf is wet from too much humidity, put some heat in your building. You can probably use the dehumidifier as long as you don't leave it on for days. Heat and air circulation are a better remedy than a dehumidifier.

I would not consider your condition to be "All is OK Dokey"...in fact, I would highly recommend correcting your condition immediately.

 

[Boboro]

When we talk about high hum. we talk'in need gills to breath 80 to 100 all day for days.

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I've used a gas grill in the past to dry out my barn. Just gotta be careful- flames and dry leaves don't mix too well.

 

[johnlee1933]

I've used a gas grill in the past to dry out my barn. Just gotta be careful- flames and dry leaves don't mix too well.

The commercial guy I know uses large, protected, thermostatically controlled propane burners in all his barns. I guess about the only thing that is not auto is opening the vents when it gets too hot. All his barns are heavily insulated so I'd guess that's not much of a problem.

John

 

[Jitterbugdude]

That's kind of what I used. Its not really a "gas grill" it's more like a propane tank with an open ended hose... puts out a god-awful amount of heat!

 

[Brown Thumb]

As long as the leaf isn't wet and you have enough room between leaves to allow fro proper air circulation, you should be OK. If the leaf is wet from too much humidity, put some heat in your building. You can probably use the dehumidifier as long as you don't leave it on for days. Heat and air circulation are a better remedy than a dehumidifier.

I would not consider your condition to be "All is OK Dokey"...in fact, I would highly recommend correcting your condition immediately.

It is automatic I put it at 75 rh and it will go on and off as needed.
Is that ok ?

 

[Brown Thumb]

When I hit 80+RH:>] I turn her on. I do not leave it run all the time. Just when we have a few days of cold and rain.

 

[BarG]

Too much potential for dried green leaf.
High humidity is OK, as it helps the leaf die SLOWLY, without drying green. Air circulation, and daily night/day flutuations in temp/RH is usually sufficient to prevent or deter mold.
I'm in a high humidity area also, and I'll take it any day over dry low humidity. I don't care if it takes 6 to 8+ weeks for the leaf and stems to cure and dry. Even in high R/H, I'll get a few green leaf, or leaf with some green segments - I can live with this.

My leaf tends to color cure better with the high heat during day and high humidity at night.
To much of either one [some of my mudlugs] and I got less desirable results. Maturity of leaf could affect that also I believe.

 

[BarG]

When I hit 80+RH:>] I turn her on. I do not leave it run all the time. Just when we have a few days of cold and rain.

If your leaves are staying in a high case after color cured it sure couldn't hurt to lower the humidity, if your area is enclosed that could work depending on the size of area and capabilitys of your dehumidifier. I have looked into them for other reasons and found them cost prohibitive as opposed to alternatives.[Lumber drying] Inexpensive dehumidifiers can not handle the gasses or chemicals emitted during the drying process for a commercial use. I'm not sure if tobacco related substances would apply.