Website with Ideal Temperature Guidelines

[momoflilgs]

Hi All- I'm starting some seeds on a heat mat and would like to know if there is a comprehensive guide or resource regarding the optimal temperature for germination. I have found I can use the same heat mat and adjust the soil temperature by covering the flat with plastic, cheesecloth, etc. so I'm hoping to tweak each flat according to their optimal temp. I have pepper seeds right now at 80-85 degrees and some of my research says this is fine and then other sites say it's too warm. I plan on using a heat mat for germination for the majority of my seeds, (except for those that like it cooler) so any help is appreciated. There's a lot of information out there but I would love someone "in the know" to refer me to what they feel is best. I could even be convinced to check out a book from the library!

[Doug9345]

Here is the one I use.

http://tomclothier.hort.net/page11.html

I even pasted it into a spread sheet and had it on my desk top at one time.

[Hermitian]

Originally Posted by Doug9345

Here is the one I use.

http://tomclothier.hort.net/page11.html

I even pasted it into a spread sheet and had it on my desk top at one time.

I'm not sure when I first saw that table - maybe in an agronomics text at Davis from the '40's (my father's era). It's a real gem.

[Worth1]

I dont mean to be blunt but you are making it way too complicated.
Just about any seed you try to sprout will do it in a wide range of temperatures.
You dont need a heat mat if your house is kept at livable temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees.
Even then they will sprout in temps lower and higher than this.
You want to use one thats ok but you dont need to.
More important is what you do after they sprout.
This is where most folks get into trouble.
You dont need a comprehensive guide to do this.
These things you read on line are things people put down for instructions nothing else.
Just like a recipe.


Worth

[PNW_D]

Johnny's has some info

http://www.johnnyseedsonlinecatalog.com

[momoflilgs]

Thanks Doug9345 and PNW_D! I'll bookmark those for future reference.
Don't worry about bluntness, Worth, I appreciate it. I wasn't too worried but it's been two plus weeks since I planted my Edamame and nothing has germinated. I think it's due to the coolness of our basement. It's cheaper to run a mat than heat the area!

[Hermitian]

Originally Posted by momoflilgs

... It's cheaper to run a mat than heat the area!

And heating the area won't necessarily raise the soil temperature. It all depends on what the containers are resting on.