From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Utah

How do heat lamps work for germinating, the kinds for turtles and stuff? They heat the soil up good, but seem to dry it out.

4/26/2008 6:36:43 PM

Minnesota

I used the heat light I use for our gecko's and it worked fine last year.

4/26/2008 7:51:29 PM

Utah

How far do you put the pot from the light? It seems to heat the soil up hot and fast.

4/27/2008 5:43:10 PM

Pinedale, WY

Just stick a thermometer in there and see how warm it is. You may have to check a few spots to see where the best one is.

4/27/2008 11:13:06 PM

Farmville, Virginia (mfowler@hsc.edu)

I have a small outdoor thermometer that I lay on top of the pots while they are under the light. I adjust the height of the light up or down until the temp at the top of the pots is around 85 degrees. The light will dry the soil out so you have to add a little water about once a day but not to much. The soil should be moist but not saturated.

4/28/2008 12:31:26 AM

Utah

Allright thanks and Mark in case you were wondering I started your 694 seed and it looks okay.

4/28/2008 5:04:43 PM

South Hadley, Mass

Use your hand to test temp. If you hold your hand between the seedling and or soil (close to the plant) and it feels hot it's too close. You want it to be warm not hot. Any added heat will make the soil dry faster, so remeber to water more often, but be carful because with the lights it dries out the top of the soil more than the bottom so make sure you arn't over watering.

5/5/2008 4:38:58 PM