Seedling Heating Mats

[ipaintedmyhousewhite]

I am wondering if these are necessary or not...I guess I don't always do so well with seedlings and I am trying to give them all the help I can while spending the least I can :)

Do you all use these? Should I?

I don't heat my home at all. Right now it's hovering around 55-60, but warmer in the sun.

Does anyone have an alternate way that you warm the seedlings?

Ideas?

I appreciate any and all suggestions!

[Avanti007]

I have actually used a heating pad... but you really have to be careful doing that. I think the heating mats are good.

[Bellepepper]

I have found that the only thing that I plant that needs heat is peppers. I have a dozen tomato plants in my living room window that I started on the kitchen cabinet next to the sink. Since I spend so much time in the kitchen, I remember to keep them misted until they germinate. Most of my stuff is started in the greenhouse.

Hi Avanti!

[tashak]

I don't have heating mat as they are expensive.
Like you, my house is in the same 58-62 degree range except when sun comes in window (westfacing, only usable windows), usually after 10AM in winter when we have sun, often after noon to about 5PM, and then the temp where the plants are may get up to 65-68 degrees if there is no cold outside wind blowing against the window.
Don't underestimate the urge to grow--peppers and tomatoes and eggplants will start inside, though more slowly than if they had longer light and more warmth.
The heating mats are always tempting, but unless you are starting subtropicals you and seeds can survive without them if budget precludes purchase.

[wilderness1989]

I use our heating pad on the lowest setting but I use a soil thermometer too. Keep the temp. at about 75-80 degrees F. for tomatoes and peppers, what I grow the most of. BUT YOU MUST USE A THERMOMETER to make sure you temperature is right, been doin' it that way for years. If you heating pad gets too hot you will loose your plants. I turn off the heat after leaves for and have them in the house that's about 68 degrees with fluorescent lights about 3" above them.

[Ms.Lefty]

I used to have the best built-in bottom-heat provider for my seedlings - the radiator under the extra-room window in the extra bedroom of our house. I had to give it up last year, however, when DH decided to make the extra room his stereo/tv room. Now I use a standard heating mat under the lights in the basement.

I have found that bottom heat helps some of my plants to germinate quicker - all the solanaceae seem to like it, for example.

[ipaintedmyhousewhite]

Update: Everyone, you inspired me to not spend the cash, and guess what? Everything is fine :) Still waiting on a couple peppers tho. Thank you!

[bluelacedredhead]

Putting the trays on top of your refrigerator or freezer will help too. As will covering the trays with plastic wrap/clear plastic bags/clear plastic domes that come with some seed starter sets.

[aberration]

I just put my peppers on a wire shelf and put an incandescent desk lamp under it, with the shade pointing up at the bottom of the seed tray. Keeps the trays nice and warm.

[boognish]

I wouldn't go out of my way to buy one now, but I've had a 10 x 20" for 10 years and I love it.

Great for peppers and even better for any type of cloning.

If I had to do it over, I might go with a heating pad, but I have no regrets about my initial purchase.

[unklbill]

i have a gas oven. I put my seeds to germinate and seedlings to grow in there,just having the pilot light and the oven light(15 watt) for heat. It works great in the winter.

bill

[Brook]

A little late for me to be joining in. But for general information, here goes:

-Seeds need heat, seedlings need cool. Whatever heat source you use (if you do), turn it off once seeds have germinated, or move the seedlings to another location. For tomatoes, seeds germinate best when soil temperature is about 75. Peppers like it a bit warmer, at 80-85.

-Other than heat mats there are a number of ways of providing heat. Heating pads, as noted, work well, but must be monitored. If you salvage the heater from a water bed it works great, too. Or set the trays on top of your water heater.

-The idea of putting them on top of the fridge or freezer is outdated. Modern appliances of that type are sealed and shielded, and the temperature on top of them is the same as ambient.

-Monitor moisture. Any heat source will cause the soilless mix to dry out faster. So monitor it carefully to assure there's enough moisture for germination to take place.

-Heated or not, germination takes place best in the dark. In fact, light can, in some cases, hinder germination. Best bet is to leave seeded trays in a warm, dark place, then more them to a cool, light place once germination takes place.

[tomakers]

I did buy one this year. It cost under $30 with the shipping. Expensive for just one year, but they have no moving parts, so, with reasonable care it should last many years, and the one I bought says no thermostat is necessary. It will heat to about 10 degrees above the ambient temperature. It does work wonders for pepper and gourd germination, but I can't think of anything else that really needs it.