What kind of heat mat are you using?

Originally Posted by Greatgardens

I use several heat mats. One is a real cheapie that is about 20 watts that I use under a 10 x 20 tray for starting seeds. I've had it about 10 years, and it cost about $16 when I bought it. No thermostat, so I regulate the temperature by having the clear lid partially open.


I have two others that are the heavy rubber type that I use in the garage for when the plants are too big for my indoor shelf. About 60 watts each with plugin thermostat. Those cost around $40 - $50, but they are much better quality.

Some new catalogs show them going north of $100 each!!! Ouch!

I know! This is why I’m moving slowly in regards to the heat pad. If I have too I’ll start the peppers and tomatoes on top of the fridge.

[Rajun Gardener]

Don't over think it, it's used to start seeds not grow plants on that's why it's called a seed starting mat and not a growing mat so just grab a cheap one and go with it. Remove the flats after the seeds pop and you'll never have to worry about burning your plants.

I have the plain Jane he he! iPower Seedling Heat Mat without a t-stat and they have been working as described=10-20° above ambient temperature. They withstood the moisture in the greenhouse for 2 years so for the price I can't complain.

You can also get them from Prime if you have it.

[rhines81]

Originally Posted by Rajun Gardener

Don't over think it, it's used to start seeds not grow plants on that's why it's called a seed starting mat and not a growing mat so just grab a cheap one and go with it.

Exactly. You'll gain a few extra days (to a point), then after 85F or so it can be diminishing returns with lower germination rates. Most every study shows tomato and pepper seeds germinate just fine at room temperatures (68-72F). Germination "rate" is fine, germination "time" is a few days delayed.

Originally Posted by rhines81

Exactly. You'll gain a few extra days (to a point), then after 85F or so it can be diminishing returns with lower germination rates. Most every study shows tomato and pepper seeds germinate just fine at room temperatures (68-72F). Germination "rate" is fine, germination "time" is a few days delayed.

True ... most of my seeds germinate eventually, and tomato seeds are never an issue.
It’s the peppers that (seem to) take forever.

[loulac]

Originally Posted by PlainJane

It’s the peppers that (seem to) take forever.

Just because they need more heat than tomatoes.


If I try to have most seeds germinate at the same time it's because I find it difficult to keep a correct dampness for seedlings and still dormant seeds in the same flat. Of course it's not a problem for small batches. It would be interesting to know how professional growers find a solution.

[taboule]

Originally Posted by loulac

If I try to have most seeds germinate at the same time it's because I find it difficult to keep a correct dampness for seedlings and still dormant seeds in the same flat. Of course it's not a problem for small batches. It would be interesting to know how professional growers find a solution.

This reminds me to share my experience, that good technique has at least as much to do with successful and productive germination (and subsequent seedling health) as the equipment itself. I've only used the most basic heating pads (mostly ones that come packaged with a 10x20 tray and pucks) and alter the technique to match the plant variety and batch size.

Even when germinating all seeds of-one-kind in a flat, many days separate the first ones from the laggards. As Loulac mentions, the dormant seeds and seedlings need different environment, not only moisture, but also different heat and light ideally.

I've settled on using "removable" media, either tiny 2x2 square pots (with one or 2 seeds per) or peat pucks in my germinating trays. I inspect every day for emerging seedlings, and immediately remove them to a cooler shelf under intense lights. I then can replenish the vacant spots with new seeds and media.

Originally Posted by loulac

Just because they need more heat than tomatoes.


If I try to have most seeds germinate at the same time it's because I find it difficult to keep a correct dampness for seedlings and still dormant seeds in the same flat. Of course it's not a problem for small batches. It would be interesting to know how professional growers find a solution.

I imagine they throw out all the outliers...

The price is right if I truly don’t need a thermostat.

[Raiquee]

I’m thinking of purchasing some flex watt heat tape and doing a whole shelf of my seed starting rack with it.

[Worth1]

Cats
Make
Good
Heat
Mats
Worth

Originally Posted by Worth1

Cats
Make
Good
Heat
Mats
Worth

Lol, I have one on me now.

[loulac]

Originally Posted by taboule

I've settled on using "removable" media, either tiny 2x2 square pots (with one or 2 seeds per) or peat pucks in my germinating trays.

Simple solutions are most often the best. From now on I’ll add more peat to the mix I usually use and make my own pucks with my tool. I’ll move them about when necessary. The only problem will be keeping the names of the varieties. Now I label my flats with the crosswords technique, letters and numbers. Whenever I have at least four or five identical seeds I’ll switch to homemade peat pucks.

[slugworth]

warming trays designed for food but I plug them into an electrical box I wired up with a lamp dimmer switch.A night light as a monitor plugged into one of the outlets and I set the dimmer so the bulb barely glows.

Originally Posted by slugworth

warming trays designed for food but I plug them into an electrical box I wired up with a lamp dimmer switch.A night light as a monitor plugged into one of the outlets and I set the dimmer so the bulb barely glows.

Geez, you folks are all so handy ...

[slugworth]

I find all the parts in goodwill or other thrift stores.