From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Ashby, MA

Hi, has anyone used a germination heating mat? I've seen them for sale for about $25. Are they worth it? Thanks!

12/23/2010 2:44:30 PM

Polson, Montana

Yes, it works well. Worth the price.

12/23/2010 2:57:04 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I bought mine for around that same price. I really like it. I believe it stays about 20 degrees above room temp. If it gets too warm you can just put a couple towels or something inbetween the mat and your germination medium. If not warm enough, just build a chamber to retain heat or place in a cooler.

12/23/2010 2:58:38 PM

El Paso TX.

They work well but really anything that can keep the soil temp around 85F will suffice - I use a sterlite storage container with an electric blanket in the bottom and it works well for a cheap germination chamber (had them laying around the house so was free)

If you need some seeds to practice on I've got plenty from my 320 and 187 lber I grew last year - send me an e-mail at JDFanning@sbcglobal.net and I'll send you a couple dozen to practice on. (figure there is no substitute for running through some practice runs to see what method works best for you.)

12/23/2010 11:54:01 PM

Bristol R.I. USA

Certainly, A heating mat is a must. Once the seeds break ground. take em off the matt. The ,at I feel is the biggest germination tool out there.

12/24/2010 9:27:26 AM

Joliet, IL

get a thermostat for the germination mat. it plugs right into it and put the sensor into the seed starter mix at seed level and you have a steady 87 degrees worry free. very easy way to control the target temp. i like 87 the best.

12/24/2010 11:25:54 PM

Ashby, MA

Thanks everyone for the advise. I currently do have a germination box made out of an old cooler. However, I'm using a light bulb and a thermostat to keep it in the right temp range. I do file the seeds and soak them and then put them inside a wet paper towel (which I rung all the water out of really good) and then in a zip-loc bag. Even with all of this I've only got one of my seeds to germinate. I think I'm going to buy a heating pad and put that on the bottom of the cooler (keeping my thermostat to control temp). I do have plenty of practice seeds so hopefully I can get this down prior to Spring. Thanks All!

12/27/2010 11:22:03 AM

Rio Linda, CA

I soak my seeds in warm water for 4 hours, then plant seeds in peat pots with super good starter soil in my windowsill--put pots on a cookie sheet--with a heating pad under the pots (set on med/low setting). This has yielded me good results so far. 80% success rate for sproutlings. If sunny location you should see sprouts in 7-10 days! Good luck.

1/7/2011 5:19:48 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

IMHO, the idea is to keep the ideal germination temp!!! How you do that is widely varied, and limited only by yer inventiveness!!! A soil temp probe, is in my opinion the only truly necessary tool!!! Heat pad, heat mat, elec blanket, top of water heater...or wherever you start em, if the soil temp ain't right...it's wrong!!! Lot's of other variables too, but soil temp must be monitored!!! Peace, Wayne

1/8/2011 2:35:41 AM

Muddy Waters

They sell seed germinator box with lid for 25 To 30 you can buy taller lid if like bigger pots to start out in.I dont like transplanting anymore than I have to.I always place something on mat like pc of drywall etc.(to hot not good)I stick a temp probe on cord in box & also ck soil like pw.Seeds are to precious not to buy a good thermometer with cord and button, or probe you can use these in cold frames to ck temps in spring.Big mistake Ive made is keeping seeds to wet.remove from bottom heat as soon as possibile.keep grow lite close to plants 6 to 8 inchs(floresenctst)Put outside on nice days to let acclimate & toughen plant up.(not on stormy or real windy days Is this more info than needed????LOL

1/8/2011 7:40:32 AM