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Location

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Ct

I planted all my seeds yesterday. All in one gallon containers. I have all the pots on heat mats but it's just not enough, apparently. Thermometer is buried one inch down and reads only 70 degrees. Any suggestions on raisning the soil temp??

4/28/2010 8:37:23 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

put in a styrofoam cooler to raise the area temp.

4/28/2010 10:36:40 AM

El Paso TX.

DO you have any electric blankets laying around the house ?? -- I use one in the bottom of my homemade germ chamber to keep the temp correct - ( Photo of Chamber - http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc189/JDFanning_bucket/Pumpkins/First3.jpg )

4/28/2010 10:41:06 AM

Lexington, Ky

I would probe a little farther down for a temp reading, it might actually be cooler/warmer at two inches or three inches.

4/28/2010 5:05:57 PM

milford, CT,

This year I used a rubbermaid clear tub...I put 1/2 inch thick styrofoam insulation on the bottom and sides.....Using just a germination mat it was 84 degrees inside constant...seeds germinated 3-5 days...I think the styrofoam help to store the heat better.

4/28/2010 7:39:50 PM

Ct

well i got the temp up to 75 degrees, i think i'll leave it at that and cross my fingers. Thanks all!

4/29/2010 10:40:10 AM

churchville, ny

My germination chamber is an old refrigerator. I place 2 40 watt lights and 1 25 watt bulb on on the bottom and it stays a constant 84 degrees - works great.

4/29/2010 7:36:29 PM

Deer Park WA

Put them in a cooler with the heating mat and monitor the temps, if still below 80 put an old blankie over the cooler. You really need to be at 80 to 85 for max germination and not too soggy of soil!

4/30/2010 2:11:56 AM

Ohio

Lis, if that dont help put a 90 or so Watt light bulb shinning down on top of your pots maybe in a enclosed chamber of some kind or you might not need it,,, watch your heat cause you may need to move your lights back some,,( you will then be heating from the bottom and Top)

4/30/2010 11:20:45 AM

Ct

Well, the heat mats finally did their job, although it took longer due to the size of my containers. I had the temps up to 85 degrees.

5/4/2010 3:03:22 PM

Hurdland USA

Glad to hear that next time a simple solution may be covering the container and mat with a small trap or blanket to hold the heat in.

5/19/2010 5:44:18 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Lis, enclosing the containers, inside of a styrofoam cooler, will bring temps up...and quickly!!! If you enclose yer sprouts, check temps often...as this process will change yer soil temps quickly!!! Check often & adjust!!! Peace, Wayne

5/19/2010 10:04:18 PM