Heat Mat ?

[ZBQ]

Ok, here is another dumb question from a newbie. (I did a search but couldn't locate an answer)

I am using a heat mat to help germinate my seeds. How long do you use the heat mat?

Just to germinate the seeds or do you still use it for growing out the seedlings too?

I guess I should have asked these questions before purchasing it.

[bcday]

You only need the heat mat to germinate the seeds.

Not all seeds need that extra warmth, so you don't need to use the heat mat for everything. There are a couple of websites around with lists of the optimal temperatures for germinating seeds, here's one: http://tomclothier.hort.net/page11.html

Once the seedlings are up, you can remove the heat mat. Most seedlings do better in cooler temperatures than were needed for the seeds to sprout.