From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Blaine MN

I was looking on Amazon for heating pads for seed starting. Before I buy one I was wondering if any growers have a preference for any certain ones on the market. Any advice would be helpful and appreciated.

2/23/2014 9:56:52 AM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

I've used hydrofarm seedling mats for many years. I do not place pots or seedling trays directly on the mat. I place 3/4 spacers every 4 inches and place the trays and pots on them.

2/23/2014 12:57:04 PM

Webster, NY

I've been using this temperature controller on my heating mats the last couple years and it's worked pretty well.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393192155&sr=8-1&keywords=temperature+controller+for+heating+mats

2/23/2014 4:50:02 PM

Blaine MN

Thank you Dave and Bill. Going with the hydrfarms. Bill what are the spacers you use made out of?

2/23/2014 5:09:53 PM

Elmwood Park, NJ

I tried a heating mat and a humidity dome last year but got terrible results. I'm not sure exactly where I failed, but none of the seeds I planted grew, I ended up planting outside, also with terrible results. This year I'm running some tests with a 27 gallon rubbermaid tub, a fish tank thermometer and some floating seed trays. So far I'm 10 for 10 and they are shooting out of the soil in 72 hours! The water stays at a constant 90 degrees and it heats the soil up to 86 degrees. Plenty of humidity so the soil stays moist without watering, but never gets wet.

2/28/2014 9:50:29 PM

Central Illinois

Last year I used a wireless thermometer with a soil probe, I put the probe in one of the planting cells, I had no seeds in that cell but I kept it watered just like I did for the ones that were.

easy way to check on the current temp

3/9/2014 11:42:35 AM

Deerfield, Michigan

I use an incubator. It works great and very controlled temps.

3/9/2014 4:50:50 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

The oven with the oven light on works excellent 88 degrees. This is where I proof my sourdough bread...as long as you make sure everyone is aware there are seeds germinating in there

3/9/2014 5:07:14 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I use Christmas lights under my seeds. Be sure to check the temp of the soil, then adjust height.

3/10/2014 8:00:49 AM

Dorval,Quebec

I use the standard heating pad for muscle aches,on low setting.Wrap my peat pots in plastic wrap so no drying out(looser at top).Cover with towel for even temps.Stick a glass thermometer(thin)in the soil regularly to check temperature.

3/23/2014 6:19:05 PM